To better understand flooding across Richmond, we’re building a network of dedicated volunteers called Flow-Rider District Captains. Captains help map flooding in their council district and encourage neighbors to participate in Go with the Flow, a community science project documenting flooding across Richmond neighborhoods.
These volunteers play an important role in helping us gather more consistent data across the city — especially in areas where flooding is underreported. Our goal is to recruit at least two Flow-Rider District Captains in each of Richmond’s nine council districts.
What Flow-Rider District Captains Do
Flow-Rider District Captains serve as local champions for Go with the Flow and help encourage consistent participation in their communities. Captains help ensure that flooding data is collected consistently throughout the campaign.
Activities may include:
Submitting flood surveys across your district after it rains
Encouraging neighbors to submit flood surveys
Helping distribute informational materials in your district
Time Commitment
Flow-Rider District Captains serve throughout the Go with the Flow campaign, which runs from March 20 to September 22, 2026. Ideally, our Captains will submit flood surveys from across their district as frequently as possible after it rains. This role is designed to be flexible, but it works best for volunteers who are excited to stay engaged throughout the season.
Who Should Volunteer
Flow-Rider District Captains are:
Live or work in one of Richmond’s nine city council districts
Available to submit flood surveys after rain events on a consistent basis
Able to access different areas of their district via car, bike, or transit
Interested in community science and climate resilience
It is especially helpful if volunteers live in the council district they will support, though it is not required.
Training & Support
Training will be provided. Topics covered will include the basics of flooding in Richmond, how to identify and report flooding through surveys, tips for encouraging neighbors to participate, and outreach materials to share in your community.
Flow-Rider District Captains will maintain consistent communication with Southside ReLeaf and other Captains and will receive text reminders when rain is expected. Using real-time data, our team will provide guidance on which areas of your district need additional flood mapping data, enabling you to plan effective observation routes throughout the campaign.
Why it Matters
Flooding data collected through Go with the Flow helps us identify flooding hotspots, improve the flood mapping data available to stakeholders and decision-makers, understand how flooding affects residents across the city, and ultimately prioritize stormwater investments more effectively. Your participation helps ensure that community experiences are reflected in future flood planning.
Flow-Rider District Captains will play a significant role in the success of our 2026 Go with the Flow campaign. In addition to helping your community through this community science initiative, you’ll also gain access to behind-the-scenes updates on emerging data from the project, opportunities to connect with fellow community scientists across the city, and special recognition for your role in the campaign (if you want it!).
Sign Up
Ready to help your district “Go with the Flow?” Complete the Flow-Rider District Captain Volunteer Form below to get started. For questions, please email our Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Lisa Aikins-Afful, at lisa@southsidereleaf.org.