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TeamMS
For more information about teams please contact our Teams Manager, Christine Degliumberto by e-mail christine.degliumberto@nmss.org or by phone 1-800-344-4867, Opt. 2
 Step 1. Recruit
- Now that you have registered yourself as a Team Captain for the 2009 Walk MS, it is time to recruit your team. Before you contact anyone about joining your team, set your recruitment goal. An official Walk MS team consists of at least four members. Be sure each member registers individually and includes the correct team and Team Captain name on their registration.
The goal is set, but how do you get there? Use this Recruitment Checklist to help build your team.
Download these helpful letters:
Step 2. Fundraise
- As the Team Captain, it is up to you to set your team's overall fundraising goal. Make sure your team goal can be easily translated into individual goals for each of your team members. Keep this in mind as you determine your team goal.
Do you and your team want to reach (and surpass!) your fundraising goals? If so, you may want to access our Fundraising Checklist.
Download these helpful Letters:
Step 3. Motivate
- How do you encourage your team members to reach their personal and your team's fundraising goals? Here are some tip for motivating your team:
- Cheer them on! Monitor your team members' personal pages to see how their fundraising is going. For those that are doing exceptionally well, congratulate them! Offer your support to others who may need other techniques or strategies to help increase their pledges.
- Competition is your friend. Create challenges within your team to drive recruit and fundraising efforts. This could include a Best Recruiter or Top Fundraiser Award. Ask local businesses you frequent to donate prizes or gift certificates that you can use as incentives.
- Share where the money goes with your team so they understand how valuable their fundraising dollars are to people living with MS, their families and friends.
- Email weekly/biweekly updates to your team members. For example, “As of today, we need $500 to reach our goal!"
- Aim for a team tent! This is your team's base for the day, giving you a place to gather and celebrate together.
- Choose team apparel. Team members respond really well to this form of motivation- a team shirt will also give your group a visible identity at the event. What will be your team's fun way to achieve this? Will you wear team visors, hats, scarves or t-shirts? This is a great way for a company to promote themselves within the community, so consider asking one (or more) to sponsor these items. Also, who would be a great volunteer from your team to create the design?
Step 4. Organize
- Your team is formed and is busy fundraising. The next step is to prepare for the day of the event. Here is a checklist to assist you in organizing your team for that day, so that each member has a positive experience.
- Set a meeting place at the walk site, probably a landmark that will be easy for each team member to find.
- Choose a time for your team to meet in the morning, before the program begins.
- Determine a time to have your team photo taken.
- Encourage your team members to carpool to the event, to help reduce the amount of traffic, and remind them to dress for all weather- we walk rain or shine!
- Remind your team that your team t-shirts, visors or other apparel will be available at work and should be worn at the event and/or in your team photo.
- Communicate the meeting time, location and photo time to your team, and answer any last minute questions.
- Check on the status of each team members' fundraising and create a "The Walk MS is here!" email or letter to be sent to all prospective sponsors that have not yet supported your team.
- Urge your team members to bring any outstanding pledges to the event.
- Prepare decorations and a theme for your team tent (if applicable).
- Organize a breakfast or snack item for your team to share in the morning at your team tent (if applicable).
Step 5. Celebrate
- All of your efforts have come together- the 2009 Walk MS is here! It is time for your team to celebrate all that you have done over the past months to be at this event. Now is your opportunity to prepare those details that will make your team members' Walk MS experience finish well. Below you will find some suggestions on how to make this possible.
- Distribute team apparel prior to the event, to build excitement!
- Make a sign for your team photo (could have your team name, motto, or a sample check that reflects your fundraising total on it).
- Send an email to your team to (1) congratulate them on how close they are to reaching your fundraising goal, and (2) express your EXCITEMENT that the Walk MS is THIS weekend!
- Plan a team party- either before or after the event- to celebrate everyone's efforts. Remember to consider how this can be best used to encourage your team members to come back next year.
- Find fun ways to bring team flair and distinction at the event. Because your team deserves to be recognized, consider noisemakers, crazy hats, costumes, team t-shirts or orange hair to get the attention your team has earned!
- Plan a way to celebrate when your team reaches your fundraising goal. Offer to host a party, shave your head or award candy trophies to each member of your team.
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