Relay For Life Team Captain Guide
Not a Team Captain? Visit our Participant Guide here.
You signed up to be a team captain, you’re probably thinking what have I done? Whether this is your first time or fortieth time being a team captain, I can tell you from experience, it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Whether you’re leading a team of family, friends, co-workers, or a combination, they will turn into Relay family. The bond you build among your team is truly special.
Being a Relayer means you’re a part of the largest global movement to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. As you build your team, you are providing others an opportunity to fight back.
This guide will provide you with lots of information – like how to build a team, how to fundraise, how to prepare for your event and most importantly, how to share and lead with the mission of the American Cancer Society.
From the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU for taking on this important role, regardless of your connection to cancer, your leadership will impact “Every cancer, Every life.”
Becky VanLoon
Nationwide Lead Volunteer, Relay For Life
Nationwide Lead Volunteer, Relay For Life
Build Your Team
You need team members! Ask friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to join you in the fight against cancer.
Fundraise
Set a team fundraising goal. Work as a team to raise funds to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Event Day Preparation
Get ready for the big day! Make a plan with your team to be present, excited and safe for Relay day!
Thank Your Team
Good leaders and team captains know that without the hard work and dedication of their team, they would not be as successful. Take time to say THANK YOU to your team.
Build Your Team
You need team members! Ask friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to join you in the fight against cancer. Teams can be successful whether they are large or small!
Who do I ask?
You should look for family, friends, colleagues, or community members who you think would be a great cancer-fighting team member. Before you start to build out your team, consider your why. Why did you choose to get involved? To honor someone? To remember someone? To make a difference? To end cancer as we know it, for everyone? When you know that answer, building your team is a little less daunting.
How do they join?
If you haven’t already, register for your Relay For Life event and start a team. Once you have registered, in your dashboard look for your Team Page URL, which you can customize and then send to your team members to join!
Team Member Skills
Successful team captains also look for team members who may have specific skills or opportunities. Let’s say you have a friend who is on a local board in your community. Since they may have some connections for donations or access to other community resources, they would make a great team member.
Maybe you have a cousin who keeps your entire family on schedule during family reunions. They would be a great team member to help keep your team organized. You can also think of friends and family who may have a large social or business circle to help spread the word and make the ask for more donations!
Check out these resources:
Fundraise
Fundraising is a lot easier than you think! The first step? Set a team fundraising goal. When you have a goal to work toward, you are focused and driven.
Then, determine what type of fundraising you will do and how long you are going to be fundraising. Team fundraising is a great way to get everyone involved in your fundraising.
A team fundraiser can be anything that your team is doing together.
Check out these resources:
- Fundraising Ideas Database
- Tracking Your Goals
- Sharing the Why
- Digital Fundraising
- Fundraising Incentives
- In-Kind Donation Receipt
Event Day Preparation
Get ready for the big day! Make a plan with your team to be present, excited and safe for Relay day! Relay day is a great opportunity to raise additional funds by providing goods and services. Think snacks, souvenirs – even additional luminaria bags! While each type of celebration is unique and requires a few different supplies, the one thing they all need – YOUR PASSION!
Check out these resources:
Thank Your Team
Good leaders and team captains know that without the hard work and dedication of their team, they would not be as successful. When you and your team reach your goals, you need to celebrate that success. Celebrate, congratulate, and thank your team for all the hard work.
- Post a quick shout out on social media to your team, publicly thanking them for their hard work and dedication. We’ve included some fun Relay graphics below for this purpose!
- Write a quick thank you card and pop it in the mail to a team member. Everyone loves getting something in the mail, thank you cards especially.
- Bring a special treat to your team. Stop by the local doughnut shop and grab a dozen (or more) on your way to your team meeting. Post a sign that says, “Doughnut know I’d do without all your help!”
Need Help?
There are lots of people available to help you in your critical role as a team captain:
Event Leadership Team
Relay is a volunteer-led movement, and every Relay For Life community has a team of volunteers leading the way. Contact information for your Event Leadership Team (or ELT) is generally listed on your event website.
ACS Staff Partner
Your ACS staff partner is generally listed on your Relay For Life website and can answer questions about Relay and the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life Community
The Relay For Life community group on Facebook is a great place to ask questions of fellow Relayers.
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