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== Purpose ==
== Purpose ==
Help Local Groups create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.
Help Local Groups create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.
A strong event mix increases participation, reduces barriers, and helps more members feel included.
== Guiding Principle ==
No single type of event works for everyone.
A successful Local Group offers a variety of ways to connect — in person and virtually, across different levels of commitment.


== What Is an Event Mix? ==
== What Is an Event Mix? ==
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=== Variety ===
=== Variety ===
Offer different types of activities so more members can find something that fits.
Offer different types of activities so more members can find something that fits.


* Social, intellectual, creative, and experiential 
* Social and intellectual
* Structured and informal
* Active and relaxed
* Structured and informal
* Familiar and new


See:
=== Engagement Levels ===
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]


=== Engagement Levels ===
Provide options for different levels of commitment.
Provide options for different levels of commitment.


* Low (easy to join, minimal commitment) 
* Low-commitment activities that are easy to try
* Medium (regular or interest-based participation
* Medium-engagement activities that encourage ongoing participation
* High (leadership, hosting, organizing) 
* Higher-engagement opportunities for members who want deeper involvement
 
See:
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]


=== In-Person and Virtual Balance ===
=== In-Person and Virtual Balance ===
Include both in-person and virtual opportunities.


* In-person builds deeper relationships 
* Include both in-person and virtual opportunities when practical.
* Virtual expands access and flexibility 
* Different formats reach different members and help reduce barriers to participation.


See:
=== Accessibility and Timing ===
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]


=== Accessibility and Timing ===
Make it easier for members to attend.
Make it easier for members to attend.


* Vary days and times
* Vary days and times
* Consider travel distance and schedules
* Consider travel distance and schedules
* Include low-effort options 
* Keep some activities low-cost and low-effort
 
* Clearly communicate expectations
== Simple Planning Framework ==
== Simple Planning Framework ==


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== Example Balanced Monthly Mix ==
== Example Balanced Monthly Mix ==
A simple, sustainable calendar might include:


A simple, sustainable approach:
* A casual social activity
* An intellectual or discussion-based activity
* A virtual activity
* A recurring event members can count on


* 1 low-commitment activity (e.g., coffee, virtual hangout) 
Adapt the mix to your group's size, interests, and volunteer capacity.
* 1 medium-engagement activity (e.g., book club, discussion) 
* 1 social or group event (e.g., dinner, outing) 
* 1 virtual option (can overlap with above) 
 
This is a guideline — adapt based on your group’s size and capacity.


== Start Small and Build ==
== Start Small and Build ==


You don’t need a full calendar immediately.
You do not need a full calendar immediately.


* Start with 2–3 consistent events
* Start with a few consistent events
* Add variety gradually
* Add variety gradually
* Focus on what works 
* Focus on what members enjoy
* Repeat successful formats
* Repeat successful formats


Consistency is more valuable than volume.
Consistency is more valuable than volume.
== Common Pitfalls ==
* Offering only one type of event (e.g., only dinners) 
* Overloading the calendar with too many events 
* Ignoring virtual or remote-friendly options 
* Designing events only for already-active members 
* Not providing clear entry points for new members 
== What Success Looks Like ==
* Members can find something that fits their interests and schedule 
* Both in-person and virtual options are available 
* New members have easy entry points 
* Participation reflects a range of engagement styles 
* Events feel consistent, sustainable, and welcoming 
Success is measured by inclusion and connection — not just attendance numbers.
== Key Takeaway ==
A strong event mix is not about doing more.
It’s about offering the right variety of opportunities so members can connect in ways that work for them.


== Related ==
== Related ==
=== Core Pages ===
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Member Engagement]]
=== Designing Activities ===
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Planning Your First Activity]]
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
=== Supporting Access ===
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
=== Planning and Execution ===
* [[Event Calendar Best Practices]]
* [[Event Calendar Best Practices]]
* [[Event Channels and Platforms]]
* [[Supporting Virtual Engagement]]

Latest revision as of 06:14, 3 June 2026

Purpose

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Help Local Groups create a balanced, sustainable mix of activities that supports different member interests, engagement styles, and availability.

What Is an Event Mix?

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Your event mix is the combination of:

  • Types of activities (social, intellectual, virtual, etc.)
  • Levels of engagement (low, medium, high)
  • Formats (in-person and virtual)
  • Timing and frequency

The goal is not more events — it’s the right mix of events.

Core Dimensions of a Strong Event Mix

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Variety

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Offer different types of activities so more members can find something that fits.

  • Social and intellectual
  • Active and relaxed
  • Structured and informal
  • Familiar and new

Engagement Levels

[edit | hide | edit source]

Provide options for different levels of commitment.

  • Low-commitment activities that are easy to try
  • Medium-engagement activities that encourage ongoing participation
  • Higher-engagement opportunities for members who want deeper involvement

In-Person and Virtual Balance

[edit | hide | edit source]
  • Include both in-person and virtual opportunities when practical.
  • Different formats reach different members and help reduce barriers to participation.

Accessibility and Timing

[edit | hide | edit source]

Make it easier for members to attend.

  • Vary days and times
  • Consider travel distance and schedules
  • Keep some activities low-cost and low-effort
  • Clearly communicate expectations

Simple Planning Framework

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When planning your event mix, ask:

  • Who are we trying to reach? (new, remote, active, etc.)
  • What engagement levels are we offering?
  • Do we have both in-person and virtual options?
  • Are there clear, low-barrier entry points?
  • Does this add variety to what we already offer?

Example Balanced Monthly Mix

[edit | hide | edit source]

A simple, sustainable calendar might include:

  • A casual social activity
  • An intellectual or discussion-based activity
  • A virtual activity
  • A recurring event members can count on

Adapt the mix to your group's size, interests, and volunteer capacity.

Start Small and Build

[edit | hide | edit source]

You do not need a full calendar immediately.

  • Start with a few consistent events
  • Add variety gradually
  • Focus on what members enjoy
  • Repeat successful formats

Consistency is more valuable than volume.

[edit | hide | edit source]