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Dyslexia Dash 2026

Run or Walk ATLANTA October 17
IDA-GA Dyslexia Dash 2026
October 17, 2026

Find Your Category

Registration Area (Solutions, Same-Day, Bib PickUp, T-shirts/Bags)

Bib Pick Up AND T-Shirt Distribution Tables High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Hand out assigned race bibs. Send missing bibs, race changes, and registration questions to Mike Wright’s Solutions team. After the 5K starts, organize shirts by size and distribute them around 8:30 a.m., once ready.




Location

Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:40 a.m. to get settled and be ready to begin at 6:45. Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Same Day Registration and Solutions Assistants High Priority

You must be 18-100 years old to volunteer for this task.

October 17, 2026

Details

Same-Day Registration & Solutions

You will work under the guidance of IDA Georgia Board Member Mike Wright, who will explain the process and help with questions.

Help with paperwork and waivers, payments, registration updates, and new bib assignments. Make sure the bib number recorded online matches the bib handed out.

Location

Please arrive between 6:30 and 6:40 a.m. to get settled and be ready to begin at 6:45. Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Set Up

Step & Repeat Banner Setup (Photo Backdrop)

October 17, 2026

Details

Help set up the Dyslexia Dash photo backdrop before the event begins.

Volunteers will:

- Help assemble and position the Step & Repeat backdrop
- Help secure the banner so it is straight, stable, and photo-ready
- Help position the carpet and any related photo-area items
- Make sure the area is neat and ready for participants and sponsors
- Let the setup lead know if additional supplies or hardware are needed

Some lifting and carrying may be involved.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Set Up - All Hands on Deck High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Help get the Dyslexia Dash site ready before participants and sponsors arrive.

Volunteers may be asked to help with tasks such as:

- Unloading supplies and event materials
- Setting out tables, chairs, tents, signs, and activity supplies
- Helping with sponsor and Kids’ Zone setup
- Moving boxes or materials to the correct areas
- Assisting with last-minute setup needs as directed by the event lead

This is a flexible setup role, so volunteers should be ready to help wherever the biggest need is that morning.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Trash Can Setup Team High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Help get the Dyslexia Dash site ready by placing trash cans throughout the event area before participants arrive.

Volunteers will:

- Move trash cans to the designated locations around the event site
- Make sure each can has a liner and is positioned where it will be easy to use without blocking walkways
- Check that key areas such as Registration, Kids’ Zone, sponsor areas, food/water areas, and gathering spaces have nearby trash cans
- Let the setup lead know if any additional cans or liners are needed

This is a quick early-morning setup job and is a great role for volunteers who are comfortable moving around the event site.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Sidewalk Chalk Artists – Awareness Messages

October 17, 2026

Details

Help add color, encouragement, and dyslexia-positive messages around the Dyslexia Dash festival area during setup.

Start by writing “UNTIL EVERYONE CAN READ” in large letters in front of the IDA table. Then create additional messages in visible walkway areas around the event space. Use large, bold lettering so the messages are easy to read from a distance.

Message ideas:
- UNTIL EVERYONE CAN READ
- DASH FOR DYSLEXIA
- YOU CAN DO IT
- NEVER STOP TRYING
- Or create your own positive, encouraging message

Keep all messages upbeat, welcoming, and supportive of the dyslexia community.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Clean Up

Step & Repeat Banner Takedown High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Help disassemble the step-and-repeat banner and pack it into its carrying case after the event.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Event Cleanup Crew - Breakdown & Pickup High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Help us leave the Dyslexia Dash site clean and organized after the event.

Volunteers will help with tasks such as breaking down tables, chairs, tents, signs, and activity areas; gathering supplies and decorations from the Kids’ Zone and other event areas; collecting trash and making sure the parking lot is left clean; helping load materials and supplies into the appropriate vehicles; and checking the event area for anything that may have been left behind



Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Road Sign Removal - Post-Race Course Clean Up High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Remove the Dyslexia Dash road-race notification signs after the race route has been released and return signs and materials to the designated event area.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Entertainment / Kids' Zone

Dyslexia Talent & Creativity Showcase – Activity Helpers

October 17, 2026

Details

Help welcome families to the Dyslexia Talent & Creativity Showcase, where dyslexic children and young people share their creativity, ideas, and work. Volunteers here will assist with simple activities.

This is a flexible Kids Zone role. When the Showcase area is quiet, please be ready to help at the nearby Creation Station or Curiosity Corner.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Write to Read Table – Postcard Activity

October 17, 2026

Details

Max Bell will explain the postcard project.

Learn more: https://writetoread.org/

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Kids’ Zone Creation Station – Arts, Crafts & Creative Activities High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Bring your smiles and creativity to the Kids Zone Creation Station!

The Dyslexia Dash celebrates the strengths, talents, creativity, and possibilities of people with dyslexia. At the Creation Station, volunteers help children make, create, explore, and express themselves through simple hands-on activities.

Activities include:

- Rock for Dyslexia — children decorate pre-painted rocks with words, designs, and messages that reflect strengths such as creativity, curiosity, persistence, kindness, problem-solving, and imagination.

- Crafts — help children decorate simple take-home projects.

- Temporary tattoos — assist children with Dyslexia Dash tattoos as needed.

- TPG Creations drawing activity — welcome children, help with art supplies, and give each participating child a giveaway bag.

- Etc.


This is a flexible Kids Zone role. Please be prepared to help at nearby Showcase activities or Curiosity Corner when another area gets busy.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

The Creation Station, Showcase activities, and Curiosity Corner will be located together in the Kids Zone, so volunteers may be asked to help nearby as needed.

Kids’ Zone Curiosity Corner – Game & Activity Leaders

October 17, 2026

Details

Bring the energy to Curiosity Corner! Help kids jump into simple, playful activities and keep the area fun and welcoming.

Activities may include:
- Hula hooping, DJ challenges, and seeing what creative structures kids can build with the hoops

- Helping create giant bubbles and using bubbles to draw kids into the Kids Zone

- Simple games or challenges

Encourage kids to try things, celebrate their efforts, and join in yourself. Be playful, positive, and ready to help wherever the fun is happening!

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Water and Food Stations

Water/Food Tables at Finish Line + 1-Mile Ribbon Handout

October 17, 2026

Details

Board Member Jen Burch oversees this area. Volunteers will help set out and replenish water, bananas, and snacks for runners to enjoy as they finish the race. Before the 5K, some volunteers will help hand out finisher ribbons to children as they cross the finish line in the Kids 1-Mile Run.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Resources Needed

Tables - 2+

Mid-Point Water Squad High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

Check in at Volunteer Check-In around 7:00–7:10 and meet Midpoint Lead Allie Pinto.

Help carry the cups and head to the midpoint together around 7:15.

At the midpoint, help set up and distribute water, cheer on the runners, and keep the energy up with music.

If you have pom-poms, cowbells, signs, or other fun cheering gear at home, feel free to bring them!

Location

Between around 7:00–7:10, check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker.

Meet Midpoint Lead Allie Pinto. The group will head to the midpoint together around 7:15.

Sponsor Support

Sponsor Thank-You Bag Support Team

October 17, 2026

Details

Under Stacey Levy's guidance, volunteers will help add complimentary sponsor T-shirts to bags and deliver completed bags to sponsor tables.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

1 Mile Kids Run

Kids' Fun Run Ribbon Hand-Out

October 17, 2026

Details

Cheer and Hand out ribbons to participants of the 1-mile Kids run as they finish the race.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Kids 1-Mile Course Guides

At least 2 more volunteers needed.

Details

Help our youngest runners stay on course and feel encouraged along the way! The race begins at 7:45, so check in by 7:30. The race manager will direct you where you are needed.



Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

5K Race (Warm Up, Starting Line Tape, Starting Gun, Finish Line, Mile Markers, Course Guides, End Sweeps)

5K Finish Line Cheer

October 17, 2026

Details

This is a great job for someone who isn’t a runner but has a great inner cheerleader! Cheer on 5K runners and walkers as they approach and cross the finish line.



Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Start-Line Caution Tape Crew

October 17, 2026

Details

Hold caution tape at the start line to help separate faster/competitive runners from the rest of the field before the 5K begins. Remove the tape safely once the race starts. The racing company manager will give you guidance.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Course Sweep – Wrap-Up Walkers

October 17, 2026

Details

Walk at the very back of the 5K to mark the end of the participant field. Help signal to police and the Start2Finish team that the course is wrapping up, and report to the race recorders when you cross the finish line.


Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Traffic Guides for 5K Runner/Walkers

October 17, 2026

Details

Help guide runners and walkers along the course, directing them from the road into the mall area near the finish line. A safety vest will be provided so participants can easily identify you as an official course guide.


Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Capturing Moments (Photography, Video, Shout-outs)

Photographers – Choose Your Time, Area, & Focus

At least 2 more volunteers needed.

Details

We hope to have several volunteer photographers covering different areas and moments throughout the Dyslexia Dash.

Photographers can capture moments that show the energy, determination, connection, and joy of the Dyslexia Dash.

- Candid and posed photos throughout the event

- Smiling faces and activities in the Kids’ Zone

- The start of the race and runners/walkers along the course

- Determined and joyful finish-line moments

- Sponsors at their tables and participants wearing sponsor shirts or gear

- Medal winners and teacher raffle winners


.

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

Awards (Medals, 50/50 Winner, Teacher Raffle)

Race Medal Ceremony

October 17, 2026

Details

Help organize and present the race medals during the awards ceremony.

Before the ceremony:

- Make sure the medals are organized and displayed neatly on the table near the Step & Repeat and DJ by 8:55 a.m.

- Be ready for the medal ceremony to begin around 9:00–9:10 a.m. (final timing TBD)

During the ceremony:

- Hand medals to the winners as their names are called

- Direct winners to the Step & Repeat Backdrop for photos after receiving their medals

- Help keep the medal table neat and organized throughout the ceremony

Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

IDA Table and Raffle Set Up and Management

IDA-GA Information and Teacher Raffle Area High Priority

October 17, 2026

Details

The two IDA tables and one Teacher Raffle table will likely be set up together under one tent.

During setup and throughout the event, volunteers will:

- Set up the IDA table display with tablecloths, signs, and materials

- Set up the A-frame sign with permanent markers attached; encourage visitors to write messages on one side and draw “Faces of Dyslexia” on the other

- Set up and manage the Teacher Appreciation Raffle

- Set out the race medals on the medal tables

- Keep the tables neat and organized

- Talk with visitors and answer basic IDA Georgia questions; if you are unsure, get Ann Marie

- Hand out pre-ordered UNTIL EVERYONE CAN READ caps

- Help with cap sales, if needed

- QR code if anyone wants to purchase an item / make a donation via credit card. Cash is also accepted. Note the item sold and its amount on the sheet provided.

- Write (or enlist the help of another volunteer to write) “UNTIL EVERYONE CAN READ” in large chalk letters in front of the IDA table


Location

Check in at the Volunteer Check-In between Von Maur and Nordstrom. You will receive your IDA Volunteer sticker and then report to your area.

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