Events are not only social functions. Planned intentionally, they turn out to be very strong in terms of uniting people, creating awareness, and initiating actual change. Hosting events, both large and small, is one of the best ways to create change in your community. Here are some ways to achieve that.

Begin with purpose

A meaningful event process starts with a goal. 

• Do you need to fundraise to support a shelter in your area?
• Raising awareness of mental health issues?
• Celebrating cultural diversity? 

By setting the mission before anything else, you ensure that all actions, including the location and guest speakers, serve that mission.

Come up with a single sentence describing the goal of your event. Make it visible during the planning process, to ensure that the decisions reflect back on it.

Work with what you have

You don’t need a big budget to make a difference. Sometimes, the most suitable events are grassroots action supported by local resources:

• Libraries, schools, and community centers can provide low-cost or no-cost space. 
• Local businesses can offer to sponsor refreshments or donate supplies.

Create a list of contacts, of friends and colleagues, and small business owners, and invite them to give something or a skill in lieu of money. It develops partnerships at a low cost.

Make room to connect

A powerful event connects people. It can be a networking mixer, a panel discussion, or a volunteer day. In whatever format it takes, make a priority of letting the participants and attendees speak, share, and establish connections. The long-term community impact goes there.

What you can do: Plan your event to include built-in conversation opportunities, such as breakout groups, Q&A sessions, or casual meeting and greeting times.

Amplify local voices

Events are more effective when they touch upon the community itself. Rather than having outside experts, include local leaders, artists, or residents who have firsthand experience. Their words empower others to act.

Locate impactful individuals within the community, like Karen Mcleave, Toronto. Make sure their life profiles resonate with the theme of your event. Ask them to perform or give a speech during the event.

Leaders can make a significant impact at community events, whether by:

• Speaking about justice
• Participating in charitable activities
• Directly interacting with residents.

This can help build stronger relationships between institutions and individuals.

Maintain momentum

The impact of an event should not end once the chairs are put away. Provide participants with an obvious next step: 

• Donate
• Volunteer
• Sign a petition
• Join a committee. 

Complete your event with an effort to have each attendee promise to take any one action. Take notes or gather email addresses or telephone numbers so you can call back and monitor progress.

Wrapping up

Community events, when considered carefully, make waves long past an afternoon. They create awareness, trust, and make people feel a part of the family.

You do not need to have a perfect event. It only requires purpose, action, and people. And with that, you will even discover that a single gathering can greatly impact the community.