AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk - Fargo
Crosswalk Guard Training Guide
1. Purpose
Crosswalk Guards help keep walkers safe as they cross streets during the walk.
It is your job to facilitate traffic and assist event participants with safely crossing the road.
2. Safety First
- Your safety and the walkers’ safety are the top priority.
- If there is an emergency (accident, medical issue, etc.), call 911 immediately.
- After calling 911, please notify an event coordinator. You can call/text Callahan Stewart at (218) 684-5936
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, or unsure please swap responsibilities with the volunteer you are working with.
3. Your Position
- Stand on the sidewalk on the side walkers are coming from.
- Make yourself visible — wear your safety vest.
- Always face oncoming walkers when standing on the sidewalk, and face towards the intersection while walkers cross.
4. How to Manage Walkers
1. Before Crossing
- Stand on the sidewalk at the edge of the crosswalk.
- Hold your hand out, palm facing the walkers (stop motion) and say firmly:
“Please remain on the sidewalk.”
2. Entering the Crosswalk
- Step into the crosswalk first.
- Hold your hand out, palm facing cars (stop motion) to signal traffic to stop.
- Make eye contact with drivers if possible.
3. When Safe
- Once you are in the center of the crosswalk and traffic has stopped, turn to the walkers and say:
“It’s safe to cross.” or “Please cross now”
- Wave them forward with an open hand motion using your other hand.
4. During Heavy Traffic or Gaps
- If there is a break in walkers or heavy car traffic, hold your hand out (stop motion) toward the walkers and say:
“Please wait at the sidewalk.” or “Stop here”
- Once no walkers are on the crosswalk, step back to the sidewalk.
- Wave cars on to continue traffic flow.
5. Communication Style
- Be clear: safety instructions must be understood.
- Be Commanding: walkers and traffic must be aware of all directions.
- Be courteous: remember this is a healing, community event.
- You will be given a whistle, you don’t have to use this if you don’t want to.
- You can use this to alert traffic to stop/go, and to alert walkers to stop/go.
- Please be aware of walkers when you use this, keep the whistles to short bursts instead of long whistles.
6. Handling Trash Collection
- There will be trash bags at each crosswalk station.
- The volunteer not currently directing traffic should hold the trash bag to collect garbage (like empty water bottles) from walkers as they pass.
- Keep your area tidy but don’t compromise safety to pick up trash during heavy crossing.
7. Quick Reminders
- Stay visible (vest, hand signals, clear voice).
- Always look both ways before entering the crosswalk.
- Keep your phone handy for emergencies but don’t get distracted.
- Check in with your partner volunteer so you both know who is directing and who is collecting trash.
8. Spirit of the Event
This is a suicide prevention event. Many participants are grieving or honoring loved ones.
Your kindness and patience make a difference.
Smile when possible, thank walkers, and show you care while maintaining safety.