FAQS
General
Is this GO Day event the same thing as City Serve Day and GO Local in years past? I thought City Serve Day was “here to stay.” Why the name change…again?!
Well, it wouldn’t be the Crossroads you’ve come to know and love if we didn’t change things (IKR?!). Before the pandemic, our “GO Local” event was one of our significant legacy tentpoles, bringing Sites together to serve our communities in incredible ways.
The name change to GO Day is intentional, in the context of bringing Heaven on Earth. While we continue to elevate the work of Crossroads Partners in our communities and mobilize volunteers to GO serve in their communities, we are equally focused on growth into other cities we are called to... and most importantly, the spiritual growth within those cities.
Then what exactly is “GO Local”?
So, “GO Local” has become the name for all Crossroads ReachOut's efforts in our local community all year round. “GO Local” includes initiatives such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Christmas Gift Drive, our new GO Day and any Ongoing Initiatives. In the same way that we GO on trips, we want to build a culture of people who GO where we call home. Afterall, world change and your life change starts here - at home - one faithful step at a time.
How does GO Day bring Heaven to Earth?
Through YOU. You bring Heaven to Earth. You are God’s “Plan A” in your community. There is no Plan B. And you don’t have to have mad-skills to do it. God will send you just as you are and will 10x your effort. Now GO. Be a World Changer.
What is the GO Day time commitment?
It depends. Most projects are scheduled for 4-hour shifts, but some might differ depending on project and partner requirements. Check out the serving opportunities to see which works best for you and your family.
Will there be service that weekend?
Yes, we will have regular services on Sunday May 17 and at Oakley on Saturday, May 16.
Is there a GO Day kick-off at sites?
Yes. We have a fun and exciting Kick-off planned at each Crossroads Site from 8:30-9:00am. We will worship today, pray together, rally together. This is our way to celebrate GO Day as one church.
Bonus - each project will have an orientation at the beginning of each shift. You and all the volunteers will meet at your respective project sites after the kick-off to begin serving unless your Project Leader identifies a specific meeting location. You will hear from your Project Leader with particular details closer to May 16.
Is this the only time we serve our city? What other opportunities happen all year round?
We are glad you asked! In addition to GO Day and our other main ReachOut events, Thanksgiving Food Drive and Christmas Gift Drive, we launched our Ongoing Serving Opportunities last year. You can find any of these Ongoing Serving Opportunities here.
Sign Ups
How and when do I sign up?
Visit our GO Day landing page to see all the serve opportunities. Simply select your Site, the time and a project that works best for you and your family, and sign up. There are many projects to choose from.
Sign ups will open to the general public starting on Sunday April 5th.
I can't be there the whole time. Can I leave early?
If you know you already have a conflict, we recommend you sit this one out. We understand that life happens, but we will do our best to honor our Partners with our time commitment. Check out other opportunities to volunteer in your community.
Can I serve with my family? How do I sign all of us up for the same project?
Yes! We love it when families serve together! You will see an option for selecting all the family members from your household. Simply choose who will be joining you.
Good news: There is no limit to family sign ups, as long as your members are registered in the same family account.
Pro Tip: If any family member does not have an account, or is an adult child in the same household, those family members will need to set up their own accounts in order to participate in GO Day. Here's the New Account Set Up link to share with them.
I'm in a Crossroads Small Group at my local Site. Can my group serve together at a Project?
Yes! You can serve together. You can search for projects without being logged in. However, when you go to sign up for a project, and you do not have a Crossroads account, you will be prompted to “Sign In / Create An Account.” In other words, each participant needs to sign up through his or her Crossroads account.
Here is the GO Day landing page to get started.
Pro Tip: Once you get your account set up, get together with that fantastic group of friends before sign ups open, decide on the best project for you, and sign up simultaneously. This will help ensure you are all on the same project when you sign up.
I’m in a Crossroads Small Group at my local Site and all of us attend Crossroads. Can my group serve together at a Project?
Yes! In fact, we encourage you to sign up as a group and serve together. This year one person from your small group can sign up and register other group members that have an existing Crossroads account. We just ask that you come together as a group to check schedules and availability before signing up other group members.
Pro Tip: Get together with that fantastic group of friends before sign ups open, decide on the best project for you, and sign up simultaneously. This will help ensure all group members are all on the same project when you sign up.
I’m not in a Crossroads Small Group but I have a group of friends who want to serve. Some of us attend Crossroads and others do not. Can we still serve on a Project?
Yes! You can serve together. You can search for projects without being logged in. However, when you go to sign up for a project, and you do not have a Crossroads account, you will be prompted to “Sign In / Create An Account.” In other words, each participant needs to sign up through his or her Crossroads account.
Here is the GO Day landing page to get started.
Pro Tip: Once you get your account set up, get together with that fantastic group of friends before sign ups open, decide on the best project for you, and sign up simultaneously. This will help ensure you are all on the same project when you sign up.
What is the minimum age for doing this?
Minimum ages vary by project. The minimum age requirements are listed on the first page of the project sign up. We recommend that your kids be able to complete the tasks described in the respective project description safely.
I have physical limitations. Are there projects I can still help with or work behind the scenes?
Yes! You can search projects through the “Work Type” filter to see the available project descriptions for what works best for you. We encourage you to check out Administrative, Event Planning or Cleaning opportunities. We can’t wait to serve alongside you!
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes. Part of the registration process includes signing a photo release and a liability waiver for everyone who will participate. After you complete your online sign-up for your project, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to complete your waiver. You must have a completed waiver on file to participate in GO Day.
Just a heads up, some partners may require you to sign additional, specific waivers on your project site.
The Project I am interested in is full. Can I still sign up?
All projects have a limited capacity to ensure volunteer safety and engagement. Projects can fill fast! If the Project you are interested in is full, we encourage you to consider another opportunity that remains open. While it might not be your first choice, GO for it anyway! You are God’s first choice and He will meet you right where you are and bless you in ways you might not expect.
I live in another state far from any listed GO Day Projects. Are you doing GO Day projects in other cities across the country?
For projects outside Greater Cincinnati, Lexington, Dayton, and Columbus, please email anywhere@crossroads.net, and we can guide you through serving your city.
Projects
When will I get a confirmation with the address and instructions for the serve day?
Yes! Once you complete your registration sign up, you will receive (3) emails:
In addition, if your Project has been assigned a Project Leader, she or he will reach out to you the week of GO Day with any final updates, directions or information.
What time do I need to arrive?
The GO Day Kick-off will begin at 8:30am at all sites. This is a big event and you won’t want to miss it.
Additionally your Project Leader will send you detailed information at least two days before the event on where and when to meet to start your GO Day project. Plan to arrive before the start of your selected shift time.
Do I need to wear anything special? What do I wear?
The GO Day Kick-off will begin at 8:30am at all sites. This is a big event and you won’t want to miss it.
Additionally your Project Leader will send you detailed information at least two days before the event on where and when to meet to start your GO Day project. Plan to arrive before the start of your selected shift time.
Do I need to bring anything? Any supplies?
Your Project Leader will contact you to let you know if any specific supplies or tools are needed. If your project description involves physical work, plan on bringing gloves. You will not be required to purchase anything to participate in GO Day.
Since GO Day is in mid-spring, and many projects are outdoors, you may want to bring bottled water in case a partner doesn’t have it or runs out. Sunscreen and bug spray might be a good idea too.
Will GO Day still happen if it's raining?
You will be notified of any changes the weather might cause to your project - but our M.O. is to GO - rain or shine! The one thing guaranteed is that we will make a difference!
What happens if an illness or unforeseen situation arises and I can't make it on the day of?
We understand. Let your project leader know as soon as possible. That way, another volunteer will have the opportunity to sign up for your Project to step into the gap for you.
What happens if I get sick or injured on a project?
If appropriate, emergency services will be notified immediately. Your safety and care are essential. You will be asked to provide Emergency Contact information during the registration process. We will contact this person only in case of an emergency.
Can I count this as service hours for my school/work?
Absolutely. Please note that GO Day is happening on May 16.
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