There are many, many threads on VAF discussing ways to market and network to increase awareness of our companies. Within these threads are discussions about attending Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and other meetings.

We also have threads telling us how to create a great press release, what to announce to the world, and other ways of drawing attention to ourselves. Let me suggest another one.

The YWCA sponsors an event called Stand Against Racism. Their site states the following:

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA that aims to eliminate racism by raising awareness through its annual event.

Organizations across the United States are invited to become Participating Sites by hosting their own "Stand" locally. Individuals are then invited to join any of the "Stands", where hundreds of thousands of people will take a Stand Against Racism across the country.

Sign up as a sponsor. Host an event. Kill several birds with one stone. How?

1. Hosting an event will help educate members of your community on the what racism really is, how to identify it, and ways to combat it.
2. You will become known as a leader in your community.
3. You will have a wonderful story for the local news.
4. You will have great marketing materials that will last at least one year.
5. All the buzz will help drive people to your page.

Of course there are many more advantages.

Your event does not need to be huge. In fact, I am registered and I plan to reserve my church activity building and invite the membership to attend. If you find my registration you will see it listed as a private event. That is because our state fire marshal restricts the number of people who can be in the building.

My cash investment will be small. The ladies of the church will be asked to provide snacks. I will ask our pastor and a couple local leaders to speak. I may purchase some extra buttons or stickers to pass out.

It is a win for everyone.

What do you think?

__________________
Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Robin, what a neat event to be a part of - and you are so right on that participating in things like this is not only fulfilling because you're a part of something bigger than yourself and making an important difference in your community but it's a wonderful way to meet other people who may very well be interested in learning more about what you do. And you pointed out a few other ways it could be beneficial to business that I hadn't even thought of.

Thanks very much for posting this and please do let us know how your event goes!

__________________

Hello All!

I just wanted to give you a quick update on this event. I've really been swamped lately and have barely kept the local community up-to-date.

I ended up working with a local community center to book space for my event. I have been in constant contact with my local YWCA representative, keeping her posted on the progress. I have two other women helping out. These are the details for my event, to date:

I. Location - Rand Community Center
II. Three speakers have been secured. These are:

A) Christopher Ross of the Kanawha County Public Defender's Office
B) Jim Strawn, co-author of the "Glad, Sad, Mad" books.
C) Levi Phillips, former WVU basketball player.

III. Letters to local school principals will be mailed this week, requesting recommendation of one student from each class to read a prepared quotation regarding racism.

IV. Meeting with Community Center Board of Directors to discuss details and refreshments tonight.

V. Press announcements and contact with local media over next two weeks.
A) Receive bio information this week.
B) Incorporate bio information into announcements.

VI. Distribution of posters and informational materials next week.

VII. Finalize agenda, walk-through program two weeks from now.

More information will be posted as the event gets closer.

You can read official information here.

I'm really getting excited now! We may even have an extra special guest! Keeping that bit quite is proving really hard. We have a local citizen who has achieved great national status and I should learn this week if their schedule will permit them to participate.



I am interested to know if any of you have considered, or sponsored, a public event as a combination community service/marketing activity. That would include walks, Habitat houses, etc. How did you find the experience? Do you recommend this type of community activities?

__________________
Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog