The marketing committee chair should be knowledgeable about the fields of marketing or sales and choose others who have diverse skills to serve on the committee. Don't be afraid to involve outside agencies and other marketing professionals on a pro bono or volunteer basis, as well. Don't forget to include your Club's CPO, marketing or public relations manager or development director on the committee.

Marketing committee responsibilities include:

• analyzing the organization’s data, mission statement and long-term goals;
• thinking creatively about competitive marketing strategies;
• developing and implementing an effective marketing and communications plan; and
• evaluating the plan to make sure it is cost-effective and produced the desired results.

With your marketing committee on board, the next step is to draft a marketing plan. This document should be created by the marketing committee and approved by your board, and should include:

• a 12-month calendar of Club plans, programs and events;
• key messages and audiences;
• communications tactics;
• strategy for working with local media; and
• deadlines and accountabilities for implementing all aspects of the plan.

Don't forget to include national and local events such as Boys & Girls Club Week, Youth of the Year/Month, Day for Kids and the It Just Takes One campaign.

Read Setting Marketing Goals & Objectives >>