Ideas for Local Group Activities: Difference between revisions
m →Related: cleaned up |
m Added wow, removed text belonging in other page |
||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level. | Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level. | ||
| success = | | success = | ||
* | * Members with different interests and schedules can find activities that appeal to them. | ||
| best | |||
| best = | |||
* Offer a mix of social, intellectual, active, and virtual activities. | |||
* Include options with different time and commitment levels. | |||
* Experiment with new ideas while maintaining successful favorites. | |||
* Encourage members to suggest and host activities. | |||
| pitfalls = | | pitfalls = | ||
* Offering only one type of activity. | |||
* Repeating the same events without trying new ideas. | |||
* Planning activities for organizers instead of members. | |||
* Ignoring virtual or low-commitment options. | |||
}}== Purpose == | }}== Purpose == | ||
Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement. | Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 40: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
! Category !! Examples | ! Category !! Examples !! Typical Effort | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Social | | | Social | ||
| Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, happy hours, coffee meetups, picnics | |||
| Low | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Intellectual | ||
| Book clubs, discussion groups, guest speakers, museum visits, science center visits | |||
| Low–Medium | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Games & Recreation | ||
| Board games, trivia nights, bowling, mini-golf, escape rooms | |||
| Low–Medium | |||
|- | |- | ||
| Creative | | | Creative | ||
| Craft nights, writing groups, maker activities, art workshops | |||
| Medium | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Outdoor | ||
| Walks, hikes, nature centers, sporting events, community festivals | |||
| Low–Medium | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | Virtual | ||
| Online discussions, virtual game nights, watch parties, interest-based meetups | |||
| Low | |||
|} | |} | ||
Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect. | Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect. | ||
''Clear expectations reduce barriers to participation.'' | ''Clear expectations reduce barriers to participation.'' | ||
== Simple Planning Framework == | == Simple Planning Framework == | ||
| Line 109: | Line 83: | ||
== Related == | == Related == | ||
* [[Events and Activities]] | * [[Events and Activities]] | ||
* [[Member Engagement]] | * [[Member Engagement]] | ||
* [[Membership Segmentation]] | * [[Membership Segmentation]] | ||
* [[Supporting Remote Members]] | * [[Supporting Remote Members]] | ||
Revision as of 04:16, 1 June 2026
See Local Group Events and Activities for how activities fit into overall event planning.
Words of Wisdom
A strong activity calendar offers multiple ways to connect.
Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level.
What Success Looks Like
- Members with different interests and schedules can find activities that appeal to them.
Best Practices
- Offer a mix of social, intellectual, active, and virtual activities.
- Include options with different time and commitment levels.
- Experiment with new ideas while maintaining successful favorites.
- Encourage members to suggest and host activities.
Common Pitfalls
- Offering only one type of activity.
- Repeating the same events without trying new ideas.
- Planning activities for organizers instead of members.
- Ignoring virtual or low-commitment options.
Purpose
Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement.
Why Variety Matters
Many Local Group activities center around food — and for good reason. Food is universal, accessible, and works across a wide range of ages and interests.
However, a strong calendar goes beyond this foundation.
Offering a wider range of activities:
- Reaches more members
- Encourages broader participation
- Creates multiple entry points for engagement
Types of Activities
A balanced calendar may include:
| Category | Examples | Typical Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Social | Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, happy hours, coffee meetups, picnics | Low |
| Intellectual | Book clubs, discussion groups, guest speakers, museum visits, science center visits | Low–Medium |
| Games & Recreation | Board games, trivia nights, bowling, mini-golf, escape rooms | Low–Medium |
| Creative | Craft nights, writing groups, maker activities, art workshops | Medium |
| Outdoor | Walks, hikes, nature centers, sporting events, community festivals | Low–Medium |
| Virtual | Online discussions, virtual game nights, watch parties, interest-based meetups | Low |
Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect.
Clear expectations reduce barriers to participation.
Simple Planning Framework
When planning an activity, ask:
- Who is this for?
- What level of commitment does it require?
- Is it accessible and clearly described?
- Does it add variety to the calendar?