Local Group Event Channels and Platforms
See Local Group Events and Activities for overall event strategy.
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 |
| Reminders and highlights | Good for visibility and updates | |
| Website | Central reference | Stable, up-to-date information |
| Meetup | Discoverability | Reaches new and prospective members |
| 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 | |
| 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.