- About Tour
- Riding
- Safety
- Fundraising
- Volunteering
- Teaming Up
Grow Your Team for the 2006 SAM’S CLUB MS 150 Bike Tour
Recruitment Tips for Team Captains
- Get the word out
- Tell your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors about the Tour.
- A team consists of four or more riders. When you get three friends to join you, you’ll have your own team.
- Send an e-mail to everyone on your e-mail list.
- Post news about your involvement on your personal Web site.
- Mail letters to everyone you know announcing your commitment and inviting them to join you. It’s helpful to include a brochure with the team name already filled in.
- Follow up with phone calls or e-mails to learn who is interested in joining.
- Communicate the importance of the cause with everyone. Excitement – especially for a great cause – is contagious.
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Get company support
- Ask the highest-ranking person in your company or group to send an endorsement memo announcing that he or she is riding or supporting your team. The memo should also ask others to join. A matching gift form should be included if your company has a matching gift policy.
- Remind company officials that Tour participation is an excellent way to get the name and brand in front of thousands of receptive customers – as well as statewide media outlets – in a positive, productive light.
- Ask your company to provide financial help, such as paying for jerseys or hosting a fund-raising day.
- Talk to departments such as HR and community relations for recruiting assistance.
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Display posters and brochures
- Display Tour posters, flyers and brochures in central locations. Company cafeterias, water cooler areas, gyms, library bulletin boards and other high-traffic places are ideal. Write the Team Captain’s name and phone number on the posters.
- Display a sign-up list in accessible areas to generate interest.
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Newsletters/Intranet
- If your company sends newsletters or has its own intranet, include a Tour article and photo. List names of participants and include your name and phone number.
- Mention your business competitors’ teams, especially if their teams were bigger or raised more money in 2005. Healthy competition helps a great cause.
- Do you belong to other groups, such as chambers of commerce, professional organizations, alumni associations or area committees? Communicate your participation at their meetings and in their newsletters and Web sites. Issue a challenge for other members to join you.
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Host Sign-Up Parties
- Host a breakfast or lunch sign-up rally at work.
- Hold a new team member registration party. Encourage each team member to recruit at least one more person and bring him or her to the party. Award a prize to the member who brings the most new people.
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Use the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Schedule a visit from a National MS Society representative to speak with potential team members, HR, management and officers at your company, classroom or meeting place.
- Request additional supplies, such as brochures, posters, donation cards and fund-raising videos.
- Ask to team up with a Veteran Team Captain for advice and support.
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Make It Personal
- Saddle up as a Pedal Pardner. Ride on behalf of someone with MS who is unable to ride. Share your Pedal Pardner’s story and your own with friends, family and co-workers. Inspire them to join you.
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Make It Fun
- The SAM’S CLUB MS 150 Bike Tour is a fun event for a serious cause. Participants, volunteers and sponsors find this Tour to be an affirmative, life-changing mission. Share your enthusiasm and excitement with others. People will be drawn to your intensity and passion for the mission to fight MS.
- Everyone is looking for ways to relieve daily stress and boredom. The SAM’S CLUB MS 150 Bike Tour will do that.
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Create Relationships
- Team camaraderie shines even brighter than individual enthusiasm. People like to belong and be a vital part of their communities. If they see the bonds between you and your team members, others will be receptive to joining.
