Teams

It only takes one person to inspire hundreds — that's the power behind being a team captain. As a team captain for Challenge Walk MS you become a leader in a powerful movement towards a world free of MS.

Being on a team is an opportunity to share a great experience with friends, family members or coworkers — a community connecting to help end MS.

As part of the MS movement, you and your team are committed to a world free of MS. We’re committed to you and the success of your team. Follow these steps below to get started today!

Recruiting

Team members can be anybody — family, friends, co-workers, or even neighbors. Whether you’re a corporate team or a friends and family team, just be sure to ask everyone you know. Remember team captains must register themselves first and create a team before team members are able to join or register.

Be bold! The first step is to ask. Enthusiasm and spirit are contagious — your friends and family will want to join the movement when they see how committed and excited you are.

Think outside your neighborhood. Use this experience as a meaningful reason to reunite friends and family who live around the nation. They can fundraise and train at their homes, and then join you here on the day of the event. Keep each other motivated by e-mail or phone or surprise each other by sending care packages. A reunion on the day of the event adds a special memory to Challenge Walk MS.

Fundraising

Fundraising comes more naturally when you make it personal. It your team is walking for someone living with MS, ask them to share their story when making donation requests. Always follow these stories with statements about how much progress we have made in treating the disease. Another easy way to fundraise is through matching gifts, so be sure to ask anyone who donates to you if their company has a matching gifts program.

Some ideas that work well for teams:

• Throw a team challenge party. You can each take on a task, such as food, sending the invites or hosting. Invite a representative from the MS Society to the party to answer any questions your team may have.
• Set up an informational meeting at your company: Invite your co-workers to be a part of your corporate team by donating, volunteering or walking. Don't forget to invite the CEO of your company to get involved with the team. When the boss walks, everyone else will want to join you. A representative from the MS Society would be happy to speak at your meeting to discuss Challenge Walk MS and share the mission of the MS Society.

Training

One of the biggest perks to forming a team is that you already have training partners. It's much harder to bypass training, hit the snooze alarm or go for doughnuts when someone is counting on you to help them train. Training as a team keeps the momentum going and helps you support each other every step of the way.

Have fun!

Challenge Walk MS is about a community connecting to end MS and the accomplishment of a unique personal challenge! As a leader, it is up to you to remind your teammates of why they registered. Challenge Walk MS is more than a fundraising event — it is a celebration of how far we've come together.