Students: CopperDog 150 needs you (and you need CopperDog)

The CopperDog 150 is a three-stage competitive sled dog race that travels all across the Keweenaw Peninsula. This year the race runs March 2-4, with stops in Calumet, Eagle harbor and Copper Harbor. The CopperDog has built a fantastic reputation in mushing community, based largely in the volunteers that turn out in droves to keep them safe and make them feel welcome.

Indeed, it takes over 400 volunteers to execute this world-class event. The bulk of the race jobs are crossing guards, who man intersections of road and trail to make sure that dogs and mushers pass safely.  There are over 50 crossings throughout the weekend, manned by anywhere from four volunteers for a small backroad crossing all the way up to 30 volunteers at a highway crossing.  The race also needs dog handlers, bag checkers, fence installers, timers, banquet staff, parking lot attendants, and on and on.  It takes a huge commitment from our community to pull this event off.

But why would you want to volunteer for CopperDog?  What’s in it for you?

First, you will have fun.

CopperDog organizers spend a lot of time thinking about making the experience enjoyable for volunteers. Sled dog racing is a very unique sport, and helping out with the race is something you will tell your grand kids about. You will also feel great about yourself, helping to bring to life such a wonderful and exciting winter event.

Second, you can put it on your resume.

Competition for jobs is very tough, and you need to be able to set yourself apart. Hiring managers love to see volunteerism on a resume, because it literally shows that you are willing to do more than the minimum. Volunteering for a charity or event can demonstrate passion, work ethic, initiative and a host of other characteristics that managers are looking for.

Lastly, you can develop your leadership skills.

Many college graduates are faced with a common chicken-or-the-egg dilemma:  The jobs you want require leadership experience, but it is hard to get leadership experience without the right job. Volunteering to help coordinate a small group or project can help you develop and demonstrate the leadership skills that will land you the job you want. For this reason, people with a strong background in volunteerism have a history of getting their careers off the ground faster.

To volunteer for the CopperDog 150, go to copperdog150.com and click on the volunteer tab. You will be able to browse available jobs and plan out your race weekend. You are going to love being part of this great Copper Country event. Mush!

This article was submitted by CopperDog 150 Volunteer Director Brian Donnelly as part of a partnership between the CopperDog 150 and Finlandia University.