GET INVOLVED
Become a Youth Rider
Riders are recruited into the program through several key organizations in the Des Moines area. These organizations include: Des Moines Public School System, Mentor Iowa, Gear Up, Children and Families of Iowa, SUCCESS, and various other local organizations. However, all youth can benefit from the program and no youth is excluded because they were referred to the program through another avenue. The minimum age requirement to participate with the Dream Team is age 13 by RAGBRAI in mid-July. The maximum age to participate is 18 years if age, or graduation from high school. Prospective team members and their parents/guardians are invited to Dream Team informational meetings prior to the start of each season to ensure all requirements and details of the five-month commitment are understood.
Become a Volunteer
Dream Team volunteers are committed to helping youth riders by offering guidance, providing assistance, and sharing life experiences. Volunteers are dynamic role models who are dedicated to helping our youth riders. Volunteers play a crucial role in empowering teens to become healthy and confident adults. Several volunteer opportunities are available, each with their own set of responsibilities and time commitments:
Riding Mentor: Adult riding mentors are expected to attend at least 50% of all indoor and outdoor training practices and at least one campout. Riding mentors are also encouraged to participate in RAGBRAI, if possible. Successful mentors work with the youth riders to help them complete the program and grow as young adults.
In-Season Support: Adult in-season support volunteers assist with rest stops during outdoor training and campouts. While support volunteers might not be riding next to youth riders on the road, they are still asked to serve as positive role models and mentors.
Administrative: Assist Dream Team with its marketing, event planning, outreach, fundraising, scheduling, and other administrative functions.
General: Interested in helping, but not sure where you fit in right now? No worries, join as a general volunteer and we'll keep you updated on upcoming opportunities!
Become a Sponsor or Supporter
Sponsors and individual supporters make the Dream team program possible. If you are interested in supporting Dream Team with an individual contribution, please click here. If you and/or your business, corporation, or organization are interested in partnering with the Dream Team as a program sponsor, please click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.