TEAM CAPTAIN’S
HANDBOOK
Stanford Relay For Life 2003
Colleges Against Cancer, Stanford University Chapter
“It’s about a community
that takes up the fight…”
WHAT IS
RELAY FOR LIFE?
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s National Signature Event. It began in
1985 in Tacoma, Washington, when Dr. Gordon Klatt decided to walk for 24 hours to
raise money for the American Cancer Society. He raised $27,000 that first year, and
the Relay For Life was born.
To participate in Relay For Life, you recruit a team of friends, family, co-workers,
neighbors, etc. Each participant raises money prior to the event. Then, come event
day, each team member takes turns walking around the track for 18 hours. The goal is
to have someone on the track at all times. The actual Relay For Life event is full of
fun, fellowship, and festivities. People camp-out and a community party atmosphere is
created. Relay For Life is a great team builder for companies, churches, and the like.
Each Relay For Life starts with the inspiring Survivor’s Lap. Cancer survivors from
throughout the community are invited to walk in this celebration of life, while the rest of
the participants cheer them on. It’s a great testimony to the fact that people do survive
cancer!
The most emotional part of Relay is the Luminaria Ceremony. This is a chance to
honor cancer survivors, and remember those who have passed on. In the evening,
white bags line the track. Each is filled with sand and a candle, and dedicated to a
person touched by cancer. The candles are lit during a special ceremony. The
candles burn throughout the night, lighting the way for the walkers.
FACTS ABOUT RELAY FOR LIFE
Nationwide, in 2001, Relay For Life happened in nearly 3,000 communities
across the country and raised more than $211 million nationwide
In 2001, the California Division had 118 Relay For Life events and raised $11.7
million for the fight against cancer.
Relay For Life accounts for 25% of the American Cancer Society’s annual
income.
Relay For Life is the largest nonprofit fundraising event in the WORLD. In the
United States, 1.5 million people will participate in Relay For Life; and 400,000
cancer survivors will walk in the Survivor’s Lap. It also takes place in 7 other
countries around the world!
WHAT IS THE
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY?
The American Cancer Society has had the same mission since it was founded in 1913
– to eliminate cancer. By the year 2015, we aim to double the number of lives saved,
reduce cancer incidence by 25%, and make measurable improvements on the quality
of life for cancer patients and their families. Funds raised through Relay For Life
supports the American Cancer Society’s programs and services. These include:
Research. Last year, we invested $100 million in peer reviewed cancer research.
We’ve funded 31 researchers who later went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize.
Education. We provide materials and educational programs on early detection and
prevention of cancer to the community, our schools, and cancer patients.
Service. We provide support for patients and their families. We also provide information
through our 24-hour call center 1-800-ACS-2345 and at our website www.cancer.org
FACTS ABOUT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
1 out of 2 men and 1 out of 3 women will get cancer in their lifetime.
Nationwide... 1,221,800 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
There are approximately 8,200,000 cancer survivors living in the United States!
The California Division of the American Cancer Society funds its own research
program for more than $1 million. The National Office allocates another $9.7
million to be spent on cancer research in California.
Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested over $2 billion in cancer
research.
The American Cancer Society receives the highest ratings from philanthropic
watchdog groups.
Many known methods for detecting cancer (ultrasound, MRI’s, CAT scans,
mammograms) were discovered by researchers who received American Cancer
Society research grants.
STEPS TO SUCCESS
You are a hero!
You are making a difference in the fight against cancer!
TEAM CAPTAIN’S CHECKLIST
Get the word out! Talk to everyone you know -- in your company, church, clubs,
schools, neighborhood, and family. This is how you’ll form your team.
Have a Team Meeting, establish a team name and theme. Give purpose to your
team – dedicate your efforts to someone who has been touched by cancer.
Fill out and turn in the Team Registration Form with complete information on
your teammates as soon as possible.
Turn in your Team Registration Fee. This can be paid by team members; or you
can get a company to sponsor you. Ask your dentist, doctor, insurance agent,
attorney... get creative!
Read the Team Captain Handbook.
Have your team members set a goal for how much money they can raise.
Remember... to get a t-shirt each team member must raise at least $100.
Follow-up to see how they are doing. Give them tips and encouragement!
Hand out Team Member Packets, donation envelopes, and waivers to each
teammate. Be sure to get them started early!
Attend Team Captain Meetings.
Communicate with your team. Let them know what to expect when they come to
Relay For Life. Encourage them to stay the entire 24 hours; to camp out!
Turn in money for your team at Bank Night.
Be a leader and help your team reach its fundraising goal. Challenge other
teams. Utilize the American Cancer Society if you need help with ideas. We’re
here to assist you!
Remind your team members that the American Cancer Society provides free
programs and services in your community.
How to Recruit a Terrific Team!
GET EXCITED! Enthusiasm is contagious.
RELAY IS FOR EVERYONE! You don’t have to be athletic do
participate in Relay For Life. People will be walking, running, strolling,
dancing, and wheeling around the track. ANYONE can be part of this
great community event.
Arrange an EMPLOYEE PRESENTATION. Lunch is a great time (since everyone
likes to eat!); or at an all-employee meeting. Tell your co-workers what Relay For
Life is all about. Try to set up a challenge between departments or other locations.
Ask your company to sponsor you (pay registration fee). If you’d like a speaker
from ACS, just give us a call.
RECRUIT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Expand your team roster by including
spouses and other family members. It’s a family affair! Other potential walkers can
be found at your place of worship, doctor’s office, neighborhood, etc.
DEDICATE YOUR TEAM to a cancer survivor. If you know someone who is
dealing with cancer... why not pay tribute by dedicating your team to them? Also,
invite cancer survivors to participate!
Create a TEAM THEME! Get creative. Come up with a unique name, plan to
decorate your tent city with props that match your theme.
GET THE WORD OUT! Put up Relay For Life posters and display the event
brochure. Become your organization’s personal Relay For Life cheerleader!
Show the RELAY VIDEO to everyone on your team. It will connect them with why
Relay For Life is important, and how much fun the event will be.
Have your team SET A GOAL for fundraising. Have each participant set a
personal goal, and then set a team goal. Encourage team members to meet their
goal by constant communication with them.
“Let the good of who you are reflect off of everyone you meet.
Let the positive attitude and hope of your dreams illuminate the darkness
and ease the burden of someone else.”
YOUTH REQUIREMENTS
For a youth to participate in Relay For Life, the following criteria must be met:
1. Only individuals who are registered may be at the track after dark. Anyone not
signed up on a team, will be asked to leave.
2. All youth teams are REQUIRED to have a chaperone (parent or guardian) at the
track at all times. The name and phone number of your chaperone must be submitted
to the American Cancer Society office three weeks prior to the event, along with your
Chaperone Commitment Form. The chaperone is not required to be a part of the paid
team. Your chaperone will be responsible for your teams’ behavior.
3. The chaperone must be present at the time of team registration or the youth team
will not be allowed to participate.
4. All participants must have their parent or guardian sign the waiver. One
emergency contact number must also be listed.
5. All participants must bring their picture I.D. [ASB card or driver’s license] to the
event, and be able to present it if asked.
6. In order to spend the night, youth teams must have raised a donation for the
American Cancer Society.
7. No co-ed tents for youth teams.
8. All youth participants must abide by the general Relay For Life rules and guidelines.
RELAY REMINDER
Relay For Life is a family-friendly activity.
All Relays are alcohol-free and tobacco-free.
Youth Team
Chaperone Commitment Form
As a Youth Team Chaperone, you are an integral part of Relay For Life. We at
the American Cancer Society are grateful for your presence and for your act of
taking up the fight against cancer. As a chaperone, there are a few things that
we ask of you. Although for the most part they are common sense, please read
the following before signing on as a Chaperone.
Again, thank you for your dedication to the youth of our community and to the
American Cancer Society. We value their energy, enthusiasm and involvement.
Requirements for Youth Team Chaperones:
1. Enforce the Youth Requirements and General Rules of Relay For Life.
2. Be a role model by abiding by the rules including no smoking or alcohol
consumption at the event.
3. Be aware of your participants. Students may only leave the track area with
permission of the chaperone.
4. Only registered team members shall be at your campsite after dark.
5. You must be aware of your students the entire 24 hours. We welcome cochaperones to enable you to get some rest.
“I have read the Relay For Life Requirements for Youth and Chaperones and am
willing to be a chaperone at Relay For Life.”
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(Print Name)
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(Signature)
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(Address)
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(Phone Number)
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Capt
Name
Individual
Church
Sm Biz
Healthcare
Military
School
Corporation
Non-Profit
Address/City/ Zip
Phone #
Family
T-shirt size Survivor?
* Registration fee of $150 must accompany this form and be submitted prior to event.
Gov’t
$$$
Club
Company/Affiliation: _______________________ Team Captain: __________________
Team Name (something clever!):_____________________________ # on team:________
TEAM REGISTRATION FORM
Stanford Relay For Life 2003