June 9, 2015 | By: Monica Castillo
Are you interested in putting together a community awareness event or festival? It’s a lot of work, but putting together a successful event may be easier than you think.
Would you like to have an event where your child can laugh and play with other children? Bring awareness to the community about their disability? It will take some effort, but in the end, it is totally worth it. Do you know other parents who feel the same way – encourage them to help you! Build a core group to work with you.
Put your ideas down on paper and develop a game plan for what you would like your event to accomplish. Include a budget for the event. Divide up the jobs with your core group of friends.
Next, take your plan to both your local school district and your city officials and ask for their help. Parks and recreation programs are generally very receptive. Working with a city or school district is always a great way to secure a location. Whether your focus is a children's festival, a 5k awareness walk or a combination, once you've secured a location you are ready for the next step.
Involving the community is a great way to meet new people, publicize your awareness campaign and recruit sponsors for your event. Talk to local businesses to ask them to sponsor your event. Sponsorships will help pay for tables, chairs, tents, t-shirts, food, drinks and games. Invite local non-profits to take part as exhibitors alongside the sponsors. A resource fair can easily be included in the event if space is available.
As the event date nears, send flyers with event information to local schools and make sure to formally invite your local city commission and school board to the opening of the event. Working together to make the event a success can help to ensure cooperation in future projects or events. And, don’t forget to check our Find Services, Groups & Events page for other events in your community!