The
of GallantFew within local communities. Connect Serve Build awareness C o m m u n i t y A m b a s
a d
r P r
g r a m
face
s
o
o
CONTENTS 03 Overview 04 GallantFew's Mission 05 VetSTAR Overview 06 Patriot Challenge Overview 07-09 Registration Step-by-step 10 February Showtime 11 Patriot Program Incentive 12 Building a team 13 Communications Ideas 14 Event Ideas 15 Fundraising Ideas
We continued to be humbled by those supporting our mission of serving the military community. Thanks to patriots like YOU, we can assist those transitioning from active duty service to civilian life filled with hope and purpose, regardless of era or branch. Let's Connect America to Her Veterans by connecting them to the community in which they live.
Mission objectives:
Lead a team and recruit participants to join the cause
Educate your community by attending events, sharing Patriot Challenge, and spreading the mission of GallantFew
Host a kickoff gathering in your community, attend events throughout February, or create a PC wrap-up event
Motivate and inspire your community to connect to its veterans by leading the way
Fundraise in support of the mission: supporting our military community
Communicate - share successes with and ask for assistance from fellow Community Ambassadors via Slack or the GallantFew team
Your gear:
Information about GallantFew, Patriot Challenge, and the Patriot Program Incentive Strategies to encourage participation within your community
Tips on planning kickoff events, community motivators, and wrap-up events
Best practices and ideas for maximizing fundraising Story starters for posting on social media on your profile or ours
Patriot Challenge flyers, images, and info that can be shared to support your mission
Our team! We are happy to support your personal mission through Patriot Challenge
Our Mission
GallantFew provides one-on-one transition assistance and veteran support to any service member or veteran seeking guidance along their transition from the military and reintegration into American society.
We motivate communities all over the nation to take responsibility for returning veterans; welcoming, connecting, and including.
Our Origin
What began as a small group of Army Ranger veterans connecting and supporting fellow Rangers over a cup of coffee grew into the bustling organization GallantFew is today. What was once a small group of men connecting Ranger veterans in their local community expanded to GallantFew today, which serves all branches, all eras, and all veterans.
The mission remains the same: help our military community establish a life of hope and purpose as they enter the next chapter of their lives. Since our founding in 2010, our resources have expanded, our team has multiplied, and our impact has grown exponentially. We serve all military community members, but we will never forget our Ranger roots.
Our Process
The GallantFew VetSTAR (Self Training And Response-ability) Program is the method by which GallantFew provides one-on-one mentorship to veterans The Program encompasses mentorship in the main fitness areas of transition from military service to civilian life: emotional, physical, spiritual, professional, and social. Goals within each fitness area are:
Emotional - A personal growth mindset with a sound emotional state. Physical - Healthy and fit lifestyle.
Spiritual - A life of purpose and direction.
Professional - A fulfilling career, education, and financial growth.
Social - Integration and leadership in civilian communities.
The first step in the process is the GallantFew Azimuth Check to provide a holistic assessment of the individual in each of these five fitness areas.
We're focusing on holistic health in all of the five areas of fitness. Connecting America to her veterans can mean so much more than just enhancing our physical fitness. WHAT'S NEW? 28 days: Your team commits to supporting America's veterans and GallantFew's mission in February 565 miles: Your team commits to completing 565 miles of activity Change lives: Your team commits to helping change lives through GallantFew's programs and other national and local military support and remembrance initiatives through fundraising. OBJECTIVES TEAMS Can be any size Are not limited to a geographical region Can be named to honor a fallen, wounded, or serving military member Will register and track activity and fundraising progress ONLINE Registration only Registration + T-shirt Registration + T-shirt + Finisher's Coin Corporate Opportunites Available REGISTRATION GallantFew's Patriot Challenge is a nationwide veteran transition advocacy and fitness event bringing together military veterans and local communities each February to raise funds for GallantFew's transition support programs while benefiting national and local military support and remembrance initiatives.
Fresh ideas More Good How to Register Step 1: Visit patriotchallenge.org and click "Register" Step 2: Complete Registrant Type Team Captains should register FIRST to set up a team for others to join!
Step 3: Complete Registration Details Step 4: Create your account The email and password will be used to LOG IN. Very important to keep track of.
Step 5: Finish registering Step 6: DONE! Look for your registration email. Check SPAM if you do not see it in your inbox. Don't forget to share YOUR code! Also, this is where someone can add a donation during registration if they choose.
February is SHOWTIME!
During the month of February:
Participants can register as individuals, join your team, or create their own team. NEW this year is the addition of TWO registration options.
Participants will complete a physical activity to log their activity as a distance or time equivalent to the duration of the activity. NEW this year: a focus on the holistic wellness of our participants with an alternate activity aimed at developing the five fitness areas of our VetSTAR training.
Participants will raise funds while logging their miles. NEW this year is the addition of incentive tiers to motivate even the most hesitant fundraisers.
The Patriot Program Incentive is here to stay!
This program allows teams to share funds raised with GallantFew AND an approved military support or remembrance initiative. In 2022, we gifted nearly $66,000 to organizations that support our mission within the military community.
To qualify, teams must have 10 or more members, collectively log 565 miles of activity, AND raise more than $1,000. Proceeds after the initial $1,000 are then split 50/50 between GallantFew and the approved organization. Proceeds will be the amount after Stripe processing fees are subtracted.
Building your team
Your primary role is to inspire your community to participate in Patriot Challenge as your teammate or as a Team Captain of their own team in support of the GallantFew mission.
Gallant Gear
Once you receive your Community Ambassador shirt or your Patriot Challenge shirt, WEAR it Use your Gallant Gear as a conversation starter and opportunity to share our mission and encourage them to join you in fueling that mission.
There is no "I" in TEAM
You can be certain that each member on a team has a role crucial to the team's success. We don't all enjoy fitness. We aren't all exemplary fundraisers. Each team member can contribute to the team's total mileage and funds raised by doing what they can at THEIR skill level! Don't let geography constrain you, recruit members across the country or even the globe!
What is YOUR name?
Participants will be asked about their Community Ambassador at registration. We want to make sure to know it's YOU so that we can thank you!
Reach out, spread the word, and think outside of the box !
COMMUNICATIONS
For those with social media, utilize those channels and use the GallantFew, GallantFew at The ROC, and Patriot Challenge Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to spread the word! If you belong to a community group where you can share posts or information, share GallantFew and Patriot Challenge updates there as well. Sharing posts can also be effective for those that do not want to create content. We can also post on your behalf if you would like to utilize our platforms. Please use #patriotchallenge or #gallantfew on your posts
Post a flyer about GallantFew, Patriot Challenge, or an event you may be hosting in a community business, gym, or on a community workspace board or events page online. We are more than happy to create one for you!
Networking events are a great place to insert your work as a GallantFew Community Ambassador. It's easy to share the mission of how we serve and your participation in GallantFew's Patriot Challenge. Encourage support by sharing what you are doing or inviting others to join you.
Use technology to share details with a group of people via text, email, or even add a blurb to your email signature that might spark a conversation about the mission of GallantFew and Patriot Challenge
Workout
Hosting Events
Promote free workouts at your gym, invite community figures to join you, set up a table for registration and swag from local vendors, gather a few food trucks, or offer a raffle to fundraise!
Informal Meet-up
Gather friends to meet up and participate in a group activity or walk at a local park or attraction.
Fundraising Event
Host a get-together with friends at a local venue for great conversation and fellowship. Ask the establishment to share proceeds to GallantFew This could even be the starting point for group runs/walks throughout the month. You could also host an event like a fish fry for your local community, where the proceeds benefit your team's fundraising goals.
Running Clubs & Races
Use a local race or an event to gather your team and community. This is a great opportunity to use a pledge-per-mile approach to fundraising Wear your Gallant Gear and use it to start a conversation to educate others about GallantFew and how they can join you in supporting the mission. Collaborate with a local running store or club and get involved in their events or host your own event at a time when attendance is the highest.
Dog Walk Lunch
Meet up and participate in a dog walk in a neighborhood or park with friends. Share what you're doing for GallantFew and enjoy fellowship with all participants.
Virtual or in-person event to tune in to a presentation by you or a member of GallantFew to share the mission and ways in which we serve the military community over lunch.
& Learn
Fundraising Events
Your team can plan a fundraising event, such as a community fish fry, or reach out to a local business to donate a portion of their sales to your team's efforts. Local breweries have participated in this previously, as have larger chains like Texas Roadhouse.
Pledge per Mile
Many supporters will agree to pledge a dollar amount per mile completed. All pledges must be received by GallantFew no later than March 31st to be counted towards an individual's or team's fundraising total
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many corporations offer employee matching programs such as Double the Donation This provides an effortless way for engaging your corporate community and getting them involved in your cause.
Sponsorships
Ask your family, friends, or even a local business to join you in your efforts by sponsoring your team during Patriot Challenge. We can provide a sample sponsor letter if needed.
More tips from a top fundraiser are also available on our Resources Page.
