Thread: An offer, should I refuse?

You may want to talk to the person who was chair person last year and find out how much work they had to do to run it. See if it is something you think you and your bf can handle. I also imagine that being the head would mean a lot of deligating tasks to other volunteers and for you to take on maybe the most important ones or just make sure everything all comes together correctly. It is a big responsibility but if you have an interest in event planning,then I would suggest to go for it. I know a part of the reason you are doing it is for sentimental reasons but also to help a very good cause. But you need to make sure you can handle it also.

If you do decide to take on the job, I bet there would be people who volunteered last year that might help you out if there are any areas you are not certain of. I would think for a cause like that, there would be plenty of volunteers willing to help you put on that event.

We have an amazing group of dedicated Volunteers. I'm actually quite close with all of them and quite close to the Event chairs from prior yrs. The event Chairs do ALOT including public interviews, a team meeting and committee meetings once a month, contacting of businesses for support. I'm sure our committee would be willing to help in any area they can. My fear is with my age. I've made a name for myself with those who relay yearly but those who are new and just joining, I fear they come to a team meeting and see its being ran but a couple "kids" and leave. I dont want to be the one that turns them away before they get to know why I'm so passionate. I also fear my bf wont carry is weight. When we do the Souvenir program, he does the cover page and I do the other 69 pages. Taking event chair isn't a 1 person job, I wont be able to handle it on my own and if he bums out on me, well I'm gonna drown. I've asked him how he feels and he's all for doing it but he doesn't have my drive. Most times I feel like I'm dragging him along behind me becauses i've invovled myself so deeply.

One part of me agrees that this is once in a lifetime. I dont do what I do for honor, I do it for all those fighting and all those who will fight cancer. I've publically said I wont stop relaying until Relay is nothing more than a celebration of a cure and even then I will celebrate.

Maybe my biggest issue is, all my life I've been the follower. Never took center stage from fear. Stood behind my Best friend non stop. Relay has made me step out on my own. My best friend hates it. Relay has actually ruined my friendship with her. I asked for her advice yesterday and she is now jealous that it was me that was chosen. she's angry because I told her I wouldnt make her a 3rd event chair (not my choice to make, only ACS can do that). Doing this would me standing on a stage in front of 400+ relayers with a microphone. Kinda alot for a girl with Social Anxiety. I know my bf would do most of the talking but what if something comes up and he cant. gotta think about this stuff

Kallygirlie, why do you say this is a one chance in a lifetime? Do you think if you decline, they will never offer it to you again? As we all wish for them to find a cure, unfortunately, I don't see that coming that soon. Maybe you may consider getting yourself more involved in the event but not necessarily the chair person. Ask for more duties than just the souvenir program this year. Show everyone that you can follow through and give yourself more confidence. And then next year or maybe even in a few, then you can consider the event chair. You may want to tell them that you don't feel you are ready to take that position yet but appreciate the honor and in a few years, you may just take them up that offer, if possible.

If you have already decided to take the chair, don't let me stop you. But if you think it may be too much for you, take on a few more assignments this year. Prove to them and to yourself that you can do.