I was in your shoes just last year, with the exception that Ihad been a team captain for about 5 years.  But I was the new co-chair and then due to various reasons, yours truly became the chair with a brand-new planning committee!

What helped me the most was to be able to talk to my staff partner.  She helped so much by encouraging me and just checking on me to make sure I was okay.  Be honest with your committee and teams.  Let them know that you're new to this, but that you believe in the cause and are there 'til the end.  You will find that those whose hearts are in it for the right reasons will support you and step up to fill any holes you have.

Even though our event ended up being rained out, it was one of our better events.  I know it's a lot of pressure, but you can do it!!  I can't wait to hear of your success!!

Relay For Life of Tulsa

This is a great opportunity to pull your leadership team - Committee Chairs and Team Captains - together and reach out to them for support.

First, I'd take an assessment of where your Event is...what's it's done right and what its biggest challenges are. Then, lay out the challenge to them...you've been thrown into the deep end of the pool and you need help to ensure your community maintains momentum in Relay.

Share your list of good and need-to-improve with your leaders, gain concurrence, listen to their reactions, and then parse out the priorities to those who are comfortable with stepping up and with whom you see the ability to step up.

Work with your Staff partner to get the right support resources to your key leaders. Pick one TC and one Committee Chair to attend Relay U. Figure out who should cover what break-outs; afterwards, debrief TCs and CCs on what you learned. Keep communications open and frequent. You'll find folks will step up to ensure you - and your Event - are successful. One thing Relayers are never short on...passion! Take full advantage of it.

/Rick