How to Have a Successful Relay for Life Team

Arrange community garage sales to raise money for the Relay for Life.

The American Cancer Society relies on volunteers to generate a significant portion of the money it uses to fund life-saving cancer research and continual services for cancer patients. The society's annual Relay for Life raises cancer awareness and much needed funding for community cancer programs. The organizers schedule the fundraiser as an overnight event because cancer never sleeps. Captains recruit volunteers to run or walk in a relay continually for 24 hours around a local track to represent the need to celebrate life for those that are in the fight, remember those that lost the battle and fight back against the disease.

Things You'll Need

• Enthusiasm
• Time
• Devotion

Instructions

1. Organize your team. Recruit energetic people who work well within a group, who are dependable and who are committed to your vision. Invite family, friends and co-workers to participate, regardless of their age.

2. Manage your time and efforts wisely. The captain of the team needs to stay focused and organized. Plan regular meetings with a purpose, write and follow an agenda. Ask all members of your team to fill out necessary paperwork or register online. Keep a copy of the information for your records. Ensure you have contact information on file for each member. Appoint a person who is good with numbers to act as treasurer to track your funds.

3. Encourage your team to brainstorm. Brainstorming utilizes the resources within your team. Use a brainstorming session to name your team, develop fundraising ideas, find sponsors and plan costumes and activities for the relay. Discuss every idea. Avoid offending a member by tossing out an idea without considering it. Handle the many different personalities carefully to blend the team into a cohesive group to attain your goals.

4. Create an uplifting environment. The volunteers are giving their time for a serious reason but they should enjoy the experience as well. Combine meetings with lunch or dinner or other activities.

5. Set team and individual goals. Decide what you want to accomplish with your team. Set reasonable goals. Not all groups can obtain sponsors willing to donate $1,000, but teams can work together to raise $1,000. Decide if you want to pool your fundraising as a team or set a goal for individual members. Offer rewards when team and individuals meet goals.

6. Schedule several unique fund-raising activities to help the team to reach its fundraising goal. Use your imagination as a team to raise money. Past ideas include garage sales, sporting events, dinners, silent auctions, basket raffles and quilt-making.

7. Encourage full participation by making the Relay for Life event an interactive experience. Decorate your tent site and plan costumes for your team to encourage team spirit. Plan activities throughout the night for your team. Set a schedule for the team members to have someone out on the track at all times. Invite your friends and neighbors to participate and join you for the night.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."

• Develop a thick skin.

• Spread the word in your community about Relay.

• Join the Relay committee for a more rewarding experience

• Don't forget to sign up again next year!

References

• Relay for Life: I'm a Team Captain
• Relay for Life: Get Fundraising Ideas
• Relay for Life: Team Development Chair
• Relay for Life: Team Development Guidebook

Resources

• American Cancer Society: Homepage
• Relay for Life: Homepage