Editing Local Group Event Channels and Platforms

{{Words of Wisdom
| wisdom =
The best event is the one members know about.

Use multiple channels, but keep information consistent.

Members should receive the same core details regardless of where they see an event.
| success =
* Event information is easy to find
* Information is consistent across platforms
* Members know where to look for activities
* Events reach both existing and prospective members
| best =
* Use the communication channels your members actually use
* Keep event information consistent across platforms
* Designate a primary source of event information
* Update all channels when information changes
| pitfalls =
* Relying on a single communication channel
* Maintaining conflicting event information
* Posting events too late
* Assuming members will search for information
}}
== Purpose ==
Explain how different communication channels are used to share and promote events.

== Channel Overview ==
Each platform can serve a different purpose — together, they help members discover, understand, and attend activities.
{| class="wikitable"
! Channel !! Primary Use !! Notes
|-
| Newsletter || Primary event listing || Often the main source of truth
|-
| Email || Reminders and highlights || Good for visibility and updates
|-
| Website || Central reference || Stable, up-to-date information
|-
| Meetup || Discoverability || Reaches new and prospective members
|-
| Facebook || Community engagement || Sharing, reminders, photos
|-
| National Calendar || Broader visibility || For events of wider interest
|}

== Choose the Right Channels ==

Choose the channel(s) that work best for your Local Group — consistency matters most.

{| class="wikitable"
! Situation !! Recommended Channels
|-
| Regular communication || Newsletter + Email, Mensa Connect
|-
| Reaching new people || Meetup, Website, Mensa Connect
|-
| Community interaction || Facebook, Mensa Connect
|-
| Broad visibility || National Calendar
|}
See [[National Tools and Resources]] for information about using Mensa Connect and the National Calendar.

== How Each Channel Is Used ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Channel !! How Used !! Best Practices
|-
| Newsletter ||
*Often the primary or official event listing  
* Provides advance notice and full details
* Should be consistent with all other platforms 
| Often the main source of truth
|-
| Email ||
*Event reminders  
* Highlighting upcoming activities
* Communicating updates or changes 
| Keep messages short and clear and link to full event details when possible
|-
| Website ||
*Serves as a stable reference point  
* Should include:
** Upcoming events
** Key details and links
* 
| Keep content current and aligned with other platforms
|-
| Meetup ||
*Useful for discoverability and attracting new people  
* Allows RSVPs and interaction 
| Use for RSVps
|-
| Facebook ||
*Supports community visibility and sharing  
* Useful for:
** Reminders
** Photos
** Informal engagement 
|
*Keep event details accurate  
* Avoid relying on Facebook as the only source
|-
| National Calendar ||
*Provides visibility beyond the Local Group  
* Useful for:
** Larger events
** Events of broader interest 
|
*Submit events early  
* Ensure information is complete and consistent
* Tools: [https://www.us.mensa.org/attend/calendar/ National Event Calendar]
|}

== Consistency Across Channel ==

All platforms should include the same core information:

* Date and time  
* Location  
* Description  
* Contact details  

If something changes:

* Update all platforms  
* Clearly communicate the update  

== Related ==

* [[Event Calendar Best Practices]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]