This is my second year having a relay team and having issues with my team. Last year we decided at the last minute to form a team so I let a lot of issues go, but this year we started early and seem to be having the same issue.
My problem is when I formed my team I made it clear that we were all here for one reason and one reason only and that was to raise money for ACS, and we needed to do this as a team and not just a few of us doing all of the work. Everyone agreed and said they would help out when needed and even form their own fundraising events. So far so good right? Wrong! We have had 2 fundraiser so far and I can only count on a few to be there. Everyone else says it does not fit into their schedule. We set these dated when we have team meetings and everyone agrees on the date; so it's not like they are not part of the date setting. If they do show up at a fundraiser it is for a very short period of time and the ones who have been there all day and would like a few minute break can not get one. I'm so fustrated with my team I don't know what to do without stepping on their feet and getting them angry with me. I want to be part of relay, but if my team don't step up to the plate soon i'm going to throw in the towel!!!
Does anyone of any suggestions to let everyone know that this is a volunteer opportunity and they are not required to be part of this, but if they tell me and the team they are going to do something they need to do it...as this is not fair to the team and really is not fair to ACS...
Thanks,
Sharon/Angels Among Us, Bradenton, FL.
Trackback URL for this post:
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/trackback/312
November 14, 2006 - 10:32am
- Login or register to post comments
Printer-friendly version
PDF version
Hi Sharon
I had the same experience last year and it was very frustrating. So this year I know not to count on those that did disappoint us and In my case the quit the team 1 week prior to the relay. I wont be including them this year to be on the team and Im hoping to recruit people who are truly dedicated and committed. They say you cant fire a volunteer so the best thing I can recommend is the next team you have dont include the ones you know you cant count on.
Ihope this helps honey and good luck
Steven A Dailey
Volunteer Team Development Chair
N E Portland RelayFor Life
Organize a Successful Team
As the years go by my team's fundraising increases and we have learned alot along the way. Here are a few things that work for us.
- Get your team more involved, have one or two co-captains. This way they help you out by carrying some of the load and they in turn become more involved. Bring team members to Team Captains Meetings
- Each team member may not be able to help out with every fundraising event, if you have 2 events they have to pick which one they will work or they can do both but they must do at least one to be on the team. Set up a committee of team members for each fundraising event. Each team member should have a responsiblity. This way one person does not do all the work.
- For my team we have two annual fundraisers. One group organizes a our Holiday Bake Sale - We get co-workers to help us by donating baked goodies decorated and ready for Holiday parties. The team members who organize this will split the money 4 or 5 ways depending on how many work the bake sale. $100 earned for each team member if we make $500. The same goes for our other fundraising event we organize and everyone can help out who ever works gets part of the funds towards their individual fundraising goal. This is just one way our team members come together to raise money.
- Individual Fundraisers. 3 of our team member joined together to do a parking space raffle. We have limited parking close to our building so when a reserved spot is available employees pay $1.00 for a chance to win the parking spot. During the course of a year they may make each $100 - $150 each. Brainstorm to find out what they can do on an individual basis, sell crafts, homemade goodies, etc.
- Remember you can hold a fundraisier anytime of the year. Plan something around holidays or seasons of the year. There are many things individuals can do on their own. Find out what special interest they have. Let the team members come up with some ideas.
- If you are just getting started have a minimum individual fundraising amount of $100.00 for each team member. Next year raise it up to $150.00 and the next $200.00. If you can get one or two good annual fundraising events during the year and work on improving those each year your team will be successful and can reach these goals. This year my team members are required to raise a minimum of $300.00. This past year we raised over $10,000. Our 2007 goal is $12,000.
- Reward your teams top fundraisier with a gift, a token of appreiciation. Like someone said before we all like a little competition every now and then. (See your staff partner for some relay trinket to give team members a little motiviation, relay pens, post it notes, note pad etc.)
- Also divide up the "Relay" areas, someone should handle each area. You can have one over the accounting, one to handle luminaria's, one to organize team activities at your event, another could be over tent theme and setup etc.
Our team is lucky to have a big group of supporters in our co-workers and families that join us and help us out. Include family and friends in everything you do. A couple of our biggest contributors are on our "B Team". (We have two teams "Team A" required to raise $300. and can quailify for incentive prize; "Team B" Any and everyone who wants to join in on all the fun and help raise money for relay!)
Just try to set a good foundation and add to it every year! Soon you will have one of the best teams at your Relay For Life Event.
Jean Ann East
COH II Ambassador
Lake Charles LA
Frustration With Your Team
Sharon,
Don't feel alone! You'd be surprised how many team captains feel the way that you do - that they don't get enough help. And every event has many people who don't raise much money or aren't very active. Many volunteers (including myself) view that sometimes as the "price of entry" with Relay For Life. Most events I have been involved with, a minority of the folks do most of the work. It is often like that with teams too. NOW - I AM NOT SAYING THIS IS RIGHT! But it is how it is sometimes, so don't feel alone.
As with most things, there is no easy solution, but here are a few ideas:
1) As Team Captains, we have to love the team members who do a good job, tell the others we need them to raise $100 minimum (and teach them how), and most importantly, keep looking for more good team members.
2) Make sure that you get your team together from time to time for fun activities - As the team captain, a simple event can go a long way to building team spirit... Hold a BBQ, have a holiday party, invite folks out for dinner.
3) Use icebreakers - Teams might bond a lot better if you help them get to know each other. A few times before Relay, its good to get them together maybe for more than a fundraiser. You could have a BBQ or something.
4) Pick a fun team theme with your team - Planning out a great team theme can be very motivating and a way to unite your team - For example, a team in Maryland had Hunting for A Cure as their theme... They collected lots of hunting paraphanelia to make it look like they were going on a safari, they had a safari team dinner at Outback, and so on:
5) Ask your Relay For Life Committee and the Team Recruitment Committee for help - they are there to help you.
I hope this helps!
Ramesh Moorthy Webmaster, acsrelay.org, Ideas for Volunteers Blogging about Relay at acsrelay blog Volunteer Content Advisor, SA Division Relay Web rflvolunteer@gmail.com
Joined: 2006-11-07