To generate publicity, build awareness about issues facing youth and interact with important groups of people, Boys & Girls Clubs organize a wide variety of special events. These events can include the following:
- Open houses
- Galas
- Golf tournaments
- Parent’s night
- Carnivals/fairs
Identify a special event that appeals to your target audience and consider holding it annually so that it will be consistently identified with your Club. This will help establish a strong identity in the community and distinguish you from other nonprofit competitors.
Most successful events have:
- An effective event-planning committee,
- Defined committee roles and responsibilities,
- A strategic timeline leading up to the event, and
- A back-up plan.
Behind every successful event is an effective event planning committee. The planning committee is the strength and support behind pulling off a fun, safe occasion for Club kids, their families and the community.
Much like your marketing committee, a good planning committee is comprised of a diverse set of people, each with their own unique talents or skills to contribute to the process. Try to involve other community organizations to create key partnerships while getting input from people who may have experience hosting large events.
Use your first committee meeting to establish a timeline and schedule leading up to the event, break members into subcommittees to facilitate an easier workload, and discuss options for the event’s budget.
A good planning committee should also:
- provide widespread support and attendance;
- delegate work;
- help identify your target audience;
- help establish event goals and objectives (e.g., drive membership, create community awareness);
- create and control the budget;
- generate media and community involvement; and
- generate sponsorships, cultivate donors and secure vendors.