Message From the Captain #16

Right now, your mentees are in one of two categories. The first, and preferred category, is that of butt-kicking fundraiser. You know the type – they are zipping along, money coming in, no worries. Clearly, they have an incredible mentor!

The second category, though, is of more concern. This would be a mentee who continues to struggle with fundraising. Either their recommitment date has not yet arrived and they are struggling, or they have recommitted but are lagging behind where they need to be to escape having to pay their own money in. This is the group you need to focus on, now and for the next month or so. Try to meet with them one on one if at all possible. You need to see if you can get them to reveal their fundraising plans, and allow you to help shape these. I will be glad to help meet with them and you if you need me to. Just let me know what you need, and what they are up against. For me to get involved in helping you, drop me a line and let me know who you are concerned with – let’s quantify this so we know exactly how many people we are concerned about.

A couple specific ideas that are time dependent, both involving March Madness: One is my hat idea – participants offer to wear the hat of a hated team in return for a suitable donation. I am going to try this one more time in my note for this week. The next idea would be to have some March Madness parties. If their team is out in the cold, and those of their friends are looking strong, especially if they are hated rivals, all the better. They can tell their friends that people can come to their party to watch them suffer. Or band together to route against a common foe. Sell tickets. People can get as creative as they wish – it is a party!

If you are mentoring new participants, remind them about the Fund Raising Clinic for the Summer Team tomorrow night. And remind them about the Summer Team Silent Auction on the 16th.

That is about all from the Captain’s Chair this week. GO TEAM!
Cap’n Art