How Do We Volunteer?
The American Cancer Society Presents ‘Relay For Life’
What is Relay?: Relay For Life is a celebration of cancer survivorship and community spirit. Each year more than 3.5 million people (including 500,000 cancer survivors) take part in this overnight event. During the event, teams of people gather to take turns walking, jogging, or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times during the event.
We celebrate survivors by hosting a Survivor Reception, having all survivors walk the first lap and a luminary ceremony in honor or in memory of cancer survivors.
Relay For Life is also raises much-needed funds for American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patient services. Teams solicit donations, hold garage sales, car washes and much more.
Who Participates in Relay For Life?
Anyone! Friends, family, cancer survivors, caregivers, local businesses, students, hospitals, religious groups, service clubs and other organizations form teams to participate in Relay.
When and Where does Relay For Life take place?
Relay For Life events are held in thousands of communities across the country. Relays usually take place at a school or college track.
Volunteer Opportunities within Relay:
The core of Relay is its committee structure. Every Relay is made up of multiple committees. Here are a few brief committee descriptions:
Survivors- Recruit cancer survivors and caregivers t o participate in the first lap of the Relay. Coordinate the survivor reception ceremony and activities.
Team Recruitment- Mentor previous teams, recruit new teams from local community
Public Relations/Marketing- Coordinate year round marketing and media coverage for event.
Advocacy & Mission Delivery- Recruit Relay volunteers to join in grassroots efforts to change laws and public policies that affect state and federal cancer programs.
Registration/ Accounting-Helps oversee registration of participants and tabulating of funds raised per individual/team. great opportunity for bank tellers, accountants, cashiers etc.
Corporate Underwriting- Create spon sorship proposals and secure funding or underwriting donations from local companies and
organizations.
Food & Beverage- Secure donations of refreshments and beverages for the participants during the event.
Entertainment-Arrange entertainment for the event consisting of music, games, activities, etc.
Luminarias- Coordinate the laminaria ceremony, sell luminaria bags prior to and during the event.
Setup & Logistics- Oversee the Relay facility and assist with the setup and obtain needed items for the Relay such as tables, chairs, tents,
lighting, etc.
Volunteers are needed for the Rockville Relay! For more information, please contact:
Mardia Dennis, Mardia.Dennis@cancer.org, 301-933-9350
Call the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at 240-777-2600 to learn more about current volunteer opportunities.