Arthritis Walk Volunteer Notes - October 9
Arthritis Walk National Volunteer Committee Conference Call Minutes
Thursday, October 9, 2008 – 3:30PM – 4:30PM ET
I. Welcome – Chelle Precht, Chair - Arthritis Walk National Volunteer Committee
II. Update on Let’s Move Together
a. Let’s Move Together is a nationwide movement led by the Arthritis Foundation that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Participants can join the movement by committing to walk in their local 2009 Arthritis Walk and to move daily for better health.
b. Future of the Movement – Official launch will be in January 2009 to the external public. Tentative date for Let’s Move Monday is January 12. Chapters and volunteers will receive ways to launch the movement from the local level.
c. Tools & Resources:
i. www.letsmovetogether.org – Official website of the movement. It is home to tips on Ways to Move, personal stories of the Mover of the Month and the Volunteer Resource Center.
ii. Let’s Move Together Brand Guide
III. Team Development – Julie Butscher, Team Development Chair
a. Recruiting your Team Development Chair
i. Breakdown the position into multiple manageable positions
1. Past Team Chair v New Team Chair
2. Corporate Team Chair v Family Team Chair
ii. Recruit someone well known in the community
1. If their schedule is busy, name them the Honorary Chair and have the actual Team Development Chair be the “keeper of the knowledge.”
b. Recruiting Teams
i. Figuring out team goal
1. Start by defining types of teams (# of past, # of corporate, # of new, etc.)
ii. Set expectation of each committee member to recruit teams
iii. Ask each board member to recruit teams
iv. Ask vendors to have a team in exchange for a discount on their booth
c. Creating Team Competition
i. Use e-mails that offer incentive for increased fundraising. Ex: For the team that raises the most by (date) they will receive a (donated item).
d. Conduct a Kickoff
i. Chance to educate and excite the Team Captains
ii. Turn it into a celebration – “Welcome Back” Party
iii. Potentially hold it on January 12 – Let’s Move Monday
IV. Sponsorship – Chris Stoeri, Online Fundraising Chair
a. Sponsorship is about developing relationships
b. Finding Sponsors
i. Utilize board member relationships
ii. Ask committee members for their contacts
iii. Start Now! – Companies budget now for 2009.
iv. Approach past sponsors to convert to teams or upgrade
v. Discuss potential sponsorship with corporate teams from 2008
c. Making “the Ask”
i. Research the company to know their past involvement and market
ii. Let the company know benefits of their investment in Arthritis Walk
iii. Be flexible with the proposal. Be creative to allow the sponsor to meet their needs. For example: A car dealership becomes the "Pace Car Sponsor" and gets to display their inventory. A local hospital become the "Mission Tent Sponsor" to reach out to their audiences.
V. Walk in a Box –
a. Walk in a Box is the guide for the volunteer committee filled with best practices, tools and resources.
b. It is meant as a guide, but all of the pieces can be customized to fit your community
c. Contact your staff partner for your Walk in a Box
VI. Committee Members Wanted! :
a. The National Arthritis Walk Volunteer Committee is currently accepting nominations for their committee. This committee consists of many volunteers from around the country that have been leaders in their communities with Arthritis Walk and want to share their knowledge and passion with others. The national volunteer committee provides input, suggestions and direction on many topics for Arthritis Walk and also helps facilitate conference calls as well as trainings in chapters across the country. This year we are looking to fill positions in the following areas: Mission Vice Chair, Sponsorship Chair, Sponsorship Vice Chair, Public Relations Vice Chair, Team Development Vice Chair. All of these positions, when filled, will assist the existing chair for one year before assuming the position themselves for two years. This committee is an integral part of the overall national Arthritis Walk program and will continue to strive to grow Arthritis Walk as the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event. To apply for one of these positions, fill out the application and e-mail it to Chelle Precht (chelle@crcmr.com ).
VII. Next Call – Thursday, November 13 – 3:30 EST
a. 1-866-642-1665
Passcode: 300428#
