| JUNE 1, 2023 -- When your Grange decides to hold an event, how does that event actually come to fruition? Grange events don’t plan or promote itself, so that means that somewhere along the way, members (or in some cases a single member) takes the bull by the horns and makes sure that the work is done and that the event goes off without a hitch.
How many times has your Grange decided to hold an event, waited until the last minute to promote it, and then wondered why it was not in the newspaper and no one from the community was attending? It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the work that needs to be completed today, and not think about what needs to be completed tomorrow and the outcome if those pieces are rushed or forgotten about all together.
Planning is one of the most important functions when promoting your Grange, its events, and projects and yet it remains the single most neglected function in all of public relations.
A great place to start when your Grange wants to host an event is to take a look at the mission and vision of your Grange. What successes and failures has your Grange experienced historically? Maybe you have had a very successful community concert, but not as successful Neighbor’s Night.
Evaluate what has worked in the past and make a list of those successes. Examine the challenges and note what improvements can be made for the future. Was planning done in advance, or was it rushed?
Were the promotions prepared from the start, or submitted at the last minute?
Implementation and execution are important. Establish a timeline and post it for all involved to follow. Note important dates along the way, and do not miss them.
Never assume. Remember that Grange members do have jobs, family responsibilities and a life outside of the Grange, and may not be able to devote all of their time to working on Grange events. Be prepared and be flexible. Delegate specific tasks, so that one or two people, or a small group, are not responsible for all the pieces. Plus, it is never wrong to ask for assistance when the tasks at hand seem overwhelming.
Planning ahead saves time and money in the long run. Member burn-out is no longer an issue when you plan ahead because you’re working smarter when more people are involved. Many hands make lighter work. Remember to communicate your level of success to everyone involved and thank them for their help.
You’ll find that once you’re Grange planning is orderly and organized, you’ll wonder how your Grange ever accomplished its goals with the old chaotic approach. Planning ahead pays off with an improved bottom line, new members, and enthused existing members and volunteers - and that’s what success is all about.
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