Set Up Guide

Silent Watch Volunteer

Program Overview: A Veteran Silent Watch is a powerful way to honor those lost to suicide and raise awareness of the challenges veterans face. By standing silent watch in shifts, volunteers provide a visible show of respect, remembrance, and community support. With organized scheduling and communication, Silent Watch programs give participants a meaningful way to serve while ensuring each vigil is carried out with dignity.

Set Up Guide for Silent Watch Volunteers

1. Define Event Needs and Volunteer Opportunities

Before inviting volunteers, organizers should determine the scope of the Silent Watch. Decide the location, length of the vigil, and how many volunteers are required. Consider safety, weather, and any permissions needed from local officials. Once these details are confirmed, present opportunities for volunteers to take part.

Set the Details: Share the watch location, date, purpose, and guidelines volunteers should follow during their shift.
Identify Categories of Support: Outline the main opportunities such as serving a watch shift or helping with coordination, keeping scheduling flexible.
Set Expectations: Clarify the time commitment, attire guidelines, and the respectful tone of participation.

Ideas for Roles and Shifts

Morning Watch Shifts: Cover the first hours of the vigil and provide a visible presence early in the day.
Afternoon Watch Shifts: Maintain the vigil during busy community hours when awareness is most impactful.
Evening Watch Shifts: Stand in remembrance during the closing hours of the day.
Event Support Roles: Assist with setup, provide water for volunteers, and help coordinate check ins.
Outreach Team: Share information about veteran suicide awareness and distribute resources to the community.

2. Make Volunteer Sign Up Simple

Volunteers are more likely to commit when registration is straightforward and clear. Provide an accessible process that communicates both the purpose and the requirements of Silent Watch participation.

Centralized Online Sign Up: Offer one webpage where participants can view available shifts and confirm registration.
Digital Confirmations: Send automatic confirmations with shift assignments, instructions, and guidelines.
Mobile Friendly Forms: Ensure registration works smoothly on phones for quick access.

Pro Tip?

Provide volunteers with clear guidance on posture, attire, and the symbolic meaning of the Silent Watch—this helps ensure consistency and honors the solemn nature of the event.

3. Oversee Volunteers and Program Success

Thoughtful coordination ensures the Silent Watch is carried out with respect and runs smoothly from start to finish.

Maintain a Volunteer Roster: Track all shifts, assignments, and contact details in one list.
Schedule Regular Check Ins: Assign coordinators to greet volunteers, review guidelines, and ensure continuity between shifts.
Monitor Progress and Coverage: Confirm that all watch times are filled and adjust if openings remain.