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= Local Group Events and Activities =
== Purpose ==
== 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.
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== The Role of Events ==
== The Role of Events ==
Events help Local Groups:
Events help Local Groups:


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


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== Engagement Levels ==
== Engagement Levels ==
 
Not all activities require the same level of involvement.
Not all events require the same level of involvement.


See:
See:
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== Planning and Calendar ==
== Planning and Calendar ==
A strong event calendar:
A strong event calendar:


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== Communication and Promotion ==
== Communication and Promotion ==
Events should be easy to find and understand.
Events should be easy to find and understand.


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== 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.


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== Roles and Collaboration ==
== Roles and Collaboration ==
Events are a shared responsibility across multiple roles.
Events are a shared responsibility across multiple roles.


Common contributors include:
Common contributors include:


* ExComm and Individual Hosts (planning and logistics)
* ExComm and individual hosts (planning and logistics)
* Membership Officer (member experience and outreach)   
* Membership Officer (member experience and outreach)   
* Communications / Editor (promotion)   
* Communications / Editor (promotion)   
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* Members can easily find and understand events   
* Members can easily find and understand events   
* A variety of activities are available   
* A variety of activities are available   
* New members feel comfortable attending  
* Both in-person and virtual options are available 
* New members feel comfortable participating  
* Participation reflects different engagement styles   
* Participation reflects different engagement styles   


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== Key Takeaway ==
== Key Takeaway ==
A strong event program is not defined by a single event or format.
A strong event program is not defined by a single event or format.


It is defined by offering multiple ways for members to connect — on their own terms.
It is defined by offering multiple ways for members to connect — in person or virtually, and on their own terms.


== Related ==
== Related ==
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* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
* [[Engagement Levels Overview]]
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Ideas for Local Group Activities]]
* [[Get Involved Virtually]]


=== Execution ===
=== Execution ===

Revision as of 23:56, 25 March 2026

Local Group Events and Activities

Purpose

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

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:

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

See:

Communication and Promotion

Events should be easy to find and understand.

  • Use multiple communication channels
  • Keep information consistent across platforms

See:

Creating Welcoming Experiences

Events are most effective when they are welcoming and accessible.

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

See:

Roles and Collaboration

Events are a shared responsibility across multiple roles.

Common contributors include:

  • ExComm and individual hosts (planning and logistics)
  • Membership Officer (member experience and outreach)
  • Communications / Editor (promotion)
  • Area Coordinators (local events)

Local Groups may divide responsibilities differently.

What Success Looks Like

  • 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

Success is not measured only by attendance, but by connection and accessibility.

Key Takeaway

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.

Planning

Engagement

Execution

Member Experience

Roles