Tips for Team Captains
1. KNOW YOUR ROLE
Your role is a multi-tasker’s dream. You are a recruiter, coach, fundraiser,
organiser, communicator and most importantly a cheer leader. Embrace
the opportunity and think big. You can do it!
2. CHOOSE A TEAM NAME
Choose a name that is familiar to those you are recruiting. However make
it fun and funny! This will help bring energy to your team and make you
stand out.
3. SET A TEAM FUNDRAISING GOAL
The average rider raises $200 dollars, which may guide you as you set a
goal for your team. However don’t be afraid to dream bigger, pick a goal
you want and go for it! Make sure you let all your riders know what the
goal is from the beginning so they not what you expect from them.
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4. CHOOSING TEAM MEMBERS
Make a list of potential team members first. Don’t ignore anyone and don’t
restrict your team to just cyclists. The important part is to have a team
which can support each other and who care about the cause. Here’s a list
to help prompt your thinking
• Spouse/partner
• Friends
• Mum or Dad
• Small group
• Church
• Kids or Siblings
• Neighbours
• Co-workers
• Boss or Pastor
• Classmates
5. MAKE (BUT DON’T TAKE) EVERYTHING PERSONAL
Can you remember the last time you answered a mass email? No?
So don’t send any of your own. If you would like to invite someone to
join your team make sure you do so personally. Email is fine, a
phone call is better but face to face is always the best option.
Remember never take a ‘no’ personally, just smile and move on.
6. COMMUNICATE REGULARLY
Send an email to your team regularly. Don’t write
an essay – it’s just an update to keep everyone
in the loop. Here are a few ideas to start you
off:
• Current team fundraising total
• New team members
• A team member who had a
great week
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• Future events/get togethers
7. BUILD SOME BUZZ
Post on facebook, get some team t-shirts with your team name, set
up a team twitter account, or host a dinner event for your team to
attend and spend some time talking about the cause you are riding
for. Build some buzz in order to build a stronger team.
8. GET TOGETHER
RIDE is about a community coming together to support the cause,
so if your team lives nearby make a point of getting together before
the RIDE day. Host a team BBQ or maybe train together, meet for
coffee to talk about fundraising goals or share ideas.
9. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Captains are leaders. So if you expect your team to raise funds set
the example and get your fundraising campaign going first. Any easy
way to start is to give to yourself as it shows them you’re serious.
Your team will follow if they see you working hard.
10. ARRIVAL AND CHECK IN
Make sure your team knows when and where to gather together on
the day. Set a firm arrival time and make sure every team member
knows what they need to do when they get there. If possible also set
a time to leave together, even if you are riding different distances.
Your main goal is to make sure people are connected and cared for.
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11. TAKE A TEAM PHOTO
Gather the team and make sure you take a lot of pictures before
(and after) you ride. Send copies of the best picture with a thank you
note to the team, and perhaps post it on Facebook or email for those
who have donated to your team for them to also see
12. SHARE YOUR MOBILE NUMBER
Make sure you team has your mobile number on the RIDE day so
they are able to call, connect and locate you as the day requires
13. STAY FOR LUNCH AND CHEER YOUR TEAM ON
Gather your team and celebrate you hard work and team effort by
eating together after the RIDE is over. Encourage those who finish
early to hang out, watch and cheer on the late arrivals – support is
what a team is for.
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