Jump to content

Local Group Events and Activities: Difference between revisions

From Mensa Wiki
BethWeiss (talk | contribs)
m Created WoW
BethWeiss (talk | contribs)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Words of Wisdom
== Purpose ==
| wisdom  =
A strong event program is not defined by a single event or format.
 
It is defined by offering multiple ways for members to connect — in person or virtually, and on their own terms.
 
Success is not measured only by attendance, but by connection and accessibility.
| success =
* Members can easily find and understand events 
* A variety of activities are available 
* Both in-person and virtual options are available 
* New members feel comfortable participating 
* Participation reflects different engagement styles 
| best    =
| pitfalls =
}}== Purpose ==
Provide an overview of how Local Groups design, organize, and support events as part of member engagement.
Provide an overview of how Local Groups design, organize, and support events as part of member engagement.
Events are one of the primary ways members connect, participate, and build community.
== Guiding Principle ==
A strong event program offers variety, flexibility, and clear entry points for different types of members.
No single type of event works for everyone.


== The Role of Events ==
== The Role of Events ==
Events help Local Groups:
Events are one of the primary ways members connect, participate, and build community.  Events help Local Groups:


* Welcome new members   
* Welcome new members   
Line 45: Line 23:
Virtual and in-person activities should be viewed as complementary, not competing.
Virtual and in-person activities should be viewed as complementary, not competing.


See:
See: [[Get Involved Virtually]]
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]
 
== Types of Activities ==
== Types of Activities ==
Local Groups benefit from offering a range of activities.
Local Groups benefit from offering a range of activities.
Line 67: Line 43:
* Includes different engagement levels   
* Includes different engagement levels   
* Provides clear and consistent information   
* Provides clear and consistent information   
To design a balanced and sustainable mix of activities, see:
To design a balanced and sustainable mix of activities, see [[Designing Your Event Mix]]
 
* [[Designing Your Event Mix]]
 
See also:
* [[Event Calendar Best Practices]]


== Communication and Promotion ==
== Communication and Promotion ==
Line 80: Line 51:
* Keep information consistent across platforms   
* Keep information consistent across platforms   


See:
See [[Event Channels and Platforms]]
* [[Event Channels and Platforms]]
 
== Creating Welcoming Experiences ==
== Creating Welcoming Experiences ==
Events are most effective when they are welcoming and accessible.
Events are most effective when they are welcoming and accessible.
Line 89: Line 58:
* Reduce barriers to participation   
* Reduce barriers to participation   
* Support first-time attendees   
* Support first-time attendees   
See:
* [[Welcoming New Members]]
* [[New Member Events]]


== Roles and Collaboration ==
== Roles and Collaboration ==

Revision as of 04:06, 1 June 2026

Purpose

Provide an overview of how Local Groups design, organize, and support events as part of member engagement.

The Role of Events

Events are one of the primary ways members connect, participate, and build community. Events help Local Groups:

  • Welcome new members
  • Build relationships and community
  • Provide intellectual and social engagement
  • Support ongoing participation

Events are one of many ways members engage — not the only way.

Virtual Engagement

Not all engagement happens in person.

Virtual activities are an important part of a strong event ecosystem. They:

  • Provide access for remote or homebound members
  • Offer lower-barrier ways to participate
  • Create flexible options for different schedules and comfort levels

Virtual and in-person activities should be viewed as complementary, not competing.

See: Supporting Virtual Engagement

Types of Activities

Local Groups benefit from offering a range of activities.

See:

Engagement Levels

Not all activities require the same level of involvement.

See:

Planning and Calendar

A strong event calendar:

  • Offers a mix of activity types
  • Includes different engagement levels
  • Provides clear and consistent information

To design a balanced and sustainable mix of activities, see Designing Your Event Mix

Communication and Promotion

Events should be easy to find and understand.

  • Use multiple communication channels
  • Keep information consistent across platforms

See Local Group Event Channels and Platforms

Creating Welcoming Experiences

Events are most effective when they are welcoming and accessible.

  • Provide clear expectations
  • Reduce barriers to participation
  • Support first-time attendees

Roles and Collaboration

Events are a shared responsibility across multiple roles.

Common contributors include:

Local Groups may divide responsibilities differently.

Planning

Engagement

Execution

Member Experience

Roles