Local Group Event Channels and Platforms

Event Channels and Platforms

Purpose

Explain how different communication channels are used to share and promote events.

Each platform serves a different purpose — together, they help members discover, understand, and attend activities.

Guiding Principle

Use multiple channels, but keep information consistent.

Members should receive the same core details regardless of where they see an event.

Channel Overview

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

How Each Channel Is Used

Newsletter

• Often the primary or official event listing
• Provides advance notice and full details
• Should be consistent with all other platforms

Email (Non-Newsletter)

• Event reminders
• Highlighting upcoming activities
• Communicating updates or changes

Best practice:

• Keep messages short and clear
• Link to full event details when possible

Local Group 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

Best practice:

• Ensure details match official listings
• Monitor RSVPs and questions

Facebook (Groups or Events)

• Supports community visibility and sharing
• Useful for:
  • Reminders
  • Photos
  • Informal engagement

Best practice:

• Keep event details accurate
• Avoid relying on Facebook as the only source

National Event Calendar

• Provides visibility beyond the Local Group
• Useful for:
  • Larger events
  • Events of broader interest

Best practice:

• Submit events early
• Ensure information is complete and consistent
• Tools: How to submit events to the National Event Calendar

Consistency Across Channels

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

Choosing the Right Channels

Not every Local Group uses every platform.

Situation	Recommended Channels
Regular communication	Newsletter + Email
Reaching new people	Meetup, Website
Community interaction	Facebook
Broad visibility	National Calendar

Use the channels that work best for your group — consistency matters more than quantity.

What Success Looks Like

• Members can easily find event information
• Information is consistent across platforms
• Events reach both existing and new members
• Fewer questions are needed to understand event details

Key Takeaway

Different channels serve different purposes — but all should tell the same story.

Related

• Event Calendar Best Practices
• Events and Activities
• Member Communication
• First Contact Templates