2. Pennsylvania Division Increasing School Involvement in Relay For Life

3. Participants will gain knowledge of: Proven strategies for engaging schools in RFL Best practices for Increasing School Involvement School recognition and award best practices The tools and materials available to grow success Learning Objectives

4. AGENDA Why involve schools in RFL? Engaging schools in RFL Increasing Involvement Recognition & Awards Tools & Materials Best Practices Sharing Q & A

5. Increasing school involvement in every community in PA **Special focus on Elementary and High Schools Pennsylvania RFL Strategic Direction

6. …to make School Involvement in Relay a priority in every RFL community. Healthier kids Income potential Working through systems Future leadership We have several good reasons…

7. Taking Good Care of our Kids - Healthy lifestyle habits start when we are young…

8. Income potential…in the PA Division 1,706 Elementary Schools 819 Middle Schools 719 High Schools

9. Do the Math!!! See The Potential!!! 4 new school teams per RFL community (minimum of $1,000 per team) = $4,000 more per event = $800,000 for the Division! In 2008 Pennsylvania had 911 School/Youth teams 9,361 participants $99.51 youth participant fundraising average, $1022 team avg. Represented 1% of all RFL Teams Estimated revenue of almost $1 million

10. Working Through Systems School systems are some of our largest employers in our communities Able to reach more people and recruit more teams in system and outside of schools Working through systems = working smarter!

11. Future Leadership Builds self esteem & self-confidence Develops important skills – leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, consensus building, and networking Being a part of Relay builds a broader base of citizen involvement and set the precedent for continuing support Relay offers schools a “win/win” proposition as our objectives mirror theirs – growing citizens & commitment to community

12. Administrative Endorsement Find your Champion Build Relationships Another way in the door Engaging Schools in RFL

13. Administrative Endorsement Superintendent (or Principal) Committee (or honorary chair position) Principal’s meeting Letter to schools Assembly or Rally “What can we do for you?” Inform of current involvement

14. Find Your Champion Staff or Faculty Survivor Student or Staff currently battling cancer Someone with a passion for fighting cancer Ask Superintendent for a name Health/PE coordinator for District Last year’s team list

15. Build Relationships Said to be the “KEY” to our success in school involvement!! Start with a mission focus – “What can the American Cancer Society do for your schools?” Ask this every time – not just on the 1 st visit Provide materials and curriculum for teachers (Mini Relay kits)

16. Build Relationships - continued It’s all about the RELATIONSHIPS! Visit the Superintendent BEFORE the Relay to thank Visit again AFTER the Relay to present awards Visit schools throughout the year Recognition at Principal’s meetings Make the Team Captains feel valued and appreciated Use every opportunity to thank – in person, in writing, or in front of groups

17. Another Way in the Door… Look at last year’s team list for school connections Health/PE Coordinator for school district Teacher/Faculty touched by cancer

19. Champion Mission Integration Challenges/Competition Incentives Mini Relays Recognition Increasing School Involvement

20. Champion – Your Champion Can Make ALL the Difference Characteristics of a Champion: Staff or Faculty Survivor Passion for fighting cancer Well-known/connected Has time & willing to commit Not always a traditional role

21. Champion Continued… Champion’s Role: Get EVERYONE involved Write letters Speak at meetings/assemblies Use their influence & connections Spread the excitement! Internal school communication system

22. Mission Integration This could be the door opener and the key for increasing involvement in Relay (depending on your Champion/Administration) “How can we partner together?” “What’s in it for the school? Students?” Mission opportunities provide a way to differentiate ourselves from other organizations by the year long impact we can have on students and faculty.

23. Challenges/Competition Schools are very competitive! Competition creates excitement and energy  more people want to become involved… Traveling trophy to top school in district Challenges: classroom to classroom, school to school, district to district Opportunity for school to excel and generate pride

24. Incentives Pennsylvania Division Youth Incentive Program Incentives WORK when we promote them! Adds excitement to the program for young students – encourages more to become involved. Levels: $25, $50, $75, $100, $175 Youth Participant Envelope and Youth Incentive Prize Order Sheet available – easy to manage system (students, teachers, and parents) Age appropriate items

25. Mini Relays What is a Mini Relay? Held at Elementary School During school hours Students raise money prior to event Opening & closing ceremonies Games, rides, concessions Offers more opportunity for schools and students to get involved.

26. Recognition Reigns in Schools! Awards & Recognition are key in schools… Increases competition Increases fundraising Increases spirit/energy/excitement…involvement!

28. Recognition is key… Recognition within the school/district Recognition at the Relay Recognition from the Region/Division Recognition & Awards

29. Recognition Within the School/District Schools love to be recognized! In front of peers – at Principal’s meeting or faculty meeting Recognize Principals involved Traveling trophy to top school in the district Classroom or grade level challenges – recognize at assembly Publicity in local newspaper

30. Recognition AT the Relay Event Level Awards Most Spirited School Team Most Money Raised by a School Team Longest “chain of hope” (fundraiser) Also a great place to recognize Mini Relays held. Be CREATIVE!

32. How do we differ from other organizations? 1.Our Mission – lead with the mission – “What can we do for your school?” 2.Recognition – local, in front of peers, state level, etc. 3.Flexibility – Relay can take place in the schools any time 4.Year-Round Community Presence – work in each community beyond time of Relay

34. School Involvement Best Practices Group Findings Give Options – time frame, level of involvement Lots of “stroking” Middle School – incentives work Package materials simplistically Include students in solving generation differences Luminaria cermoney, fundraisers, etc. Communication Email group set up for Team Captains Keep Principal in the loop Pizza rallies after school

35. PA School Materials Available Mini Relay kits Print Materials Additional Tools/Promotional Items Tools & Materials

36. Mini Relay Kits What’s in the kit? How to get started Fundraising ideas What happens at a Mini Relay Sample letters (all kinds) Posters and worksheets CD with all content National Materials Code: 7548.61

37. Print Materials – On The Link RFL Youth Fundraising Envelope RFL Youth Incentive Prize Order Sheet RFL Mini Relay Talking Points RFL PA SHLI Mini Relay Flyer

38. Additional Tools ACS RFL Youth Videos – DVD 7542.64 WHAT OTHER TOOLS DO YOU NEED?

39. Q & A

40. 1.Share this information with RFL committees 2.Plan and implement – School Involvement in Relay in EVERY RFL community in our Division! Next Steps

42. Thank You!