What type of commitment is required to join Team BfB?

First, it’s essential that all of our Team members support Best for Babes’ mission and credo.  BFB is about standing up FOR moms’ right to make informed feeding decisions, FOR their right to quality breastfeeding care, FOR their right to a more supportive work environment, FOR their right to a more welcoming public realm, and FOR their right to access to the next-best substitute, donor milk.  We are not against formula or formula-feeding moms.  We are a no judgment, no guilt, no pressure zone and so is Team BFB.  As to the fundraising commitment, for most races, Team members commit to raising a minimum of between $150 and $350 per challenge/race in tax-deductible donations to Best for Babes. There are three exceptions: (1) If we are also paying the registration fee for a specific race, we will require those funds be paid in advance of the race and in addition to the fundraising minimum; (2) If the Team is focused on a major marathon, the fundraising goal may be higher; and (3) Team The Babe is Back members raise a minimum of $200 per personal challenge/race.

How do I  join Team BfB?

You can  join an existing team, or start your own, by registering on our website.  For a list click here or click on “Register” in the drop-down from the Team BFB Nav Bar above. If you wish to join Team The Babe is Back to be a part of our national “virtual” team, select that team from the list of existing teams.  You will then have your own customized fundraising page to share your passion, goals and journey with friends and family members!

What if I wish to start my own Team?

If you don’t see a Team in your area,  you can register a new team or join Team The Babe is BACK - our national “virtual” team for moms who wish to meet a personal challenge or finish a race on their own. Select Team The BABE is BACK from the roster of Teams.  By starting your own team you are automatically the Team Leader.

What is the role of the Team Leader and what are their responsibilities?

Before you are permitted to register a new team, you will be asked to review and accept the Team Leader responsibilities.  Click here to view.

As Team Leader, how do I decide on a race and fundraising commitment?

You can choose just about any race that has open registration.  We have found that many races even are happy to give a “block” of entries — even at a discount- to us as a charity.  If you you are unsure about how to select a race or go about inquiring about a charity block to reserve spots and/or a discount for your teammates, contact our Team Leader Coordinator at team@bestforbabes.org.  The Team Leader Coordinator can also help you set an appropriate fundraising commitment based upon the type of race/challenge you have chosen for your team.

Are donations on my customized page secure?

Yes!

What will team members receive?

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from knowing you are helping Best for Babes to change the world, once fundraising commitments are met, team members will receive our fabulous tech shirt, currently, The Miracle Isn’t the Bra — it’s Mommas and the Miracle Milk they make, donate use or appreciate! -shirt. Babes who raise more than the minimum will be eligible for Milestone Awards from Best for Babes’ generous sponsors.

What if I don’t raise the prescribed minimum?

In the case of most regular Teams, i.e., those not tied to major marathons like our Team  BFB at the Marine Corps Marathon, you will not be held accountable for any shortfall.   However, if you don’t raise the required minimum funds you will not receive the tech shirt or the goodies, nor the unparalleled feeling of knowing that you blazed a new trail on the “run/walk for a cause” highway in the name of breastfeeding. and will make you feel like you could leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Why might I be accountable for raising the full amount on a team heading to a major race? 

Special rules apply to teams at major marathons because we outlay substantial entry fees for our participants in advance of the race.  We would be losing money.

Do you have any sample language and tips for fundraising?

1. Personalize your story on your profile page and in emails about why the mission of Best for Babes of helping moms and babies to beat the breastfeeding booby traps(R) is important to you!  Were you and your baby or a mom and baby you know booby-trapped?  What was the consequence of being undermined?

2. State your Call to Action: Ex:  “I am running with Team BFB because I don’t want to see more mothers go through what I went through trying to breastfeed.”  Your story is set in the bigger picture of millions of moms each year who set out to breastfeed, and who have an unnecessarily difficult experience, most of whom give up before they reach their goals and are robbed of an incomparable enriching experience and of the lifelong health benefits for them and their families and IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT.  Team BFB is an opportunity to stand up for your own, or another mom’s and baby’s right to have good care, advice and 360 degree support for breastfeeding - the foundation of human health.  If this is an email, make sure you put in the link to your profile page @ http://teambfb.bestforbabes.org/2012/[your name]

2. Share your fundraising and training goals: Sharing how you’re faring keeps people close to you and engaged.  Ex: “This is my first race since I had my baby six months ago and it’s my get-back-in-shape and give back debut! By cheering for me, you’re cheering on all moms and babies!  My goal is to follow a three-month training program which will have me running my first 20 miler by September! My fundraising goal is also to raise $1000 to help bring down the barriers to breastfeeding that prevent so many moms from succeeding.”

3. Post status updates on Social Media -Facebook and Twitter,  to let people know how you’re doing.  And be sure to add your personal page URL at http://teambfb.bestforbabes.org/2012[your name] for donating!

3. Consider jump starting giving by making an $18 donation to yourself on your personal page — why $18?  Because it’s good luck!

For more information about Team BfB, contact us @ team@bestforbabes.org