12/7/2024 MINI TAG DAY SIGN UP HERE:
Mini Tag Day Sign Up
Why a mini tag day? Our Tag Days on Oct 26 and Nov 7 fell short of our fundraising goals. So, we need to have another mini day in the hopes of pushing the team over the finish line. We will only be doing a morning shift and staging at the Veigel home so that we can send athlete teams to portions of the Woodson pyramid that we were not able to visit over the previous 2 Tag Days. It is CRUCIAL that we get as many participants (both athlete and parent driver) as possible. Please block off this morning to participate and help your team!
Tag Days are the largest fund raising activity for the Woodson Rowing Program. Door-to-door canvasing by student-athletes is spread out over two days in the winter prior to the beginning of on-the-water practice. Tag Days depend on favorable weather, good economic conditions and our traditionally friendly Woodson neighborhoods. They are mandatory volunteer requirements for athletes and family members. In addition to the fundraising impact, Tag Days can help create bonds among team members as they prepare to hit the water.
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WHAT EXACTLY IS TAG DAY?
Tag Days are the most important athlete-driven fundraiser of the year.
On Tag Days, athletes (transported by volunteer parents) walk door-to-door in our local neighborhoods. They are given scripts to help them confidently tell Woodson families about the sport of rowing, how we receive no FCPS funds, that we rely on dues and donations — and then ask for their support.
Rowers are always grouped together, so no one goes alone. Groups of 3 or 4 rowers (with at least 1 returning/seasoned rower) will be paired with 1 parent volunteer driver. Each parent volunteer will drive to their pre-mapped route so that the rowers may canvas their designated area. Parent volunteers are responsible for safely transporting rowers, keeping eyes on them during canvassing for safety, and helping them keep track of the cash and checks they collect.
WHY DO WE DO TAG DAYS?
Tag Days are our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year. So, while it might seem a time-consuming event, it helps us keep YOUR registration costs down, pay the coaches and maintain our equipment.
A FULL DAY OF VOLUNTEERING (pre- and post-lunch shifts) fulfills TWO of your athlete and/or parent volunteer requirements.
TYPICAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Time | Event |
8:30 AM | Arrive at Woodson. Park at the front of the building please! |
8:45 – 9:00 AM | Safety Briefing, Map Distribution, Assignments |
9:00 – 11:45 AM | Perform Morning Routes |
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Return to Cafeteria A for a break and LUNCH |
12:15 – 12:30 PM | Additional Material Distribution, if needed |
12:30 – 3:30 PM | Perform Afternoon Routes. Return by 3:30 PM at the latest. |
3:30 – 4:00 PM | Tally results, clean up and clear out. |
IMPORTANT TAG DAY TIPS AND INFO
❖ We are one of the few organizations authorized the privilege of Tag Days by Woodson.
❖ We are publicly representing our team and Woodson – please remind athletes to be respectful and polite during every interaction on Tag Days. Our conduct in neighborhoods is highly visible.
❖ Please wear weather appropriate clothing and if possible Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear – we may have donated items to borrow.
❖ Arrive on time to be grouped and receive neighborhood assignment.
❖ If participating in both shifts, lunch will be provided.
❖ Freshman/Novice athletes will be paired with experienced team members.
❖ Drivers will stay within sight of athletes at all times. Drivers will be responsible for the money collected. Safety is of utmost importance!
❖ After completing the neighborhood, the driver will return the athletes and money to the school.
REQUIRED FORMS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Student With Parent Driver Form – Required for all athletes.
Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance Information – Required for all drivers.
TAG DAYS FAQ
Do I have to sign up to participate? Technically, no, but it does help us figure out logistics. Using the sign up genius allows parent volunteers to PRE-ASSIGN groups to routes. If you “just show up” you will likely spend time waiting for a route/driver assignment instead of heading out. The more participants we have, the more quickly canvassing can be completed. Keep your eye on the newsletter and/or Slack for the sign up genius when it is available.
What if I don’t have all day or can only make one of the two days? Many hands make light work and we need all hands on deck! While we are hoping for everyone to participate for both of the full days, if you can only make one day or only the morning or afternoon shift on a given day, please note that in the comments on the sign up genius. The AM shift will run from approximately 8:30a – noon. The PM shift will run from approximately noon – 3:30p.
We understand and appreciate that many students may have other commitments on Tag Days. If this is the case, contact the Woodson Rowing President EARLY in the school year at [email protected] so we can determine how you can meet your mandatory volunteer requirements.
What should I bring with me? A positive attitude! But, in addition, we suggest the following:
ATHLETES:
❖ Please bring the Student With Parent Driver Form signed by your parents.
❖ A refillable water bottle. Stay hydrated and then you’ll have water at lunch.
❖ Woodson Rowing Spirit Wear, if you have it. A limited amount of spirit wear will be available to borrow for the day, should you wish.
❖ Snacks if you need them, but lunch will be served around noon.
PARENT DRIVERS:
❖ Patience. It can be challenging for athletes who have never canvassed before to speak to strangers. Your kind words and encouragement will go a long way.
❖ ALL DRIVERS must fill out this form to transport student athletes.
❖Anything you might like to have on hand while sitting in the car for a few hours (water, coffee, etc.).