Build a sense of familiarity and cohesion through serialized programming.  Most of this includes items you may already be doing, however, changing the angle and marketing can help open up interest to attend for alumni and create a bit of guidance and inspiration for both veteran and new alumni board members. 

EXAMPLES: 

• Author Series - Most clubs already have these types of events or book groups year-round.  

• Get Out and Explore Series - inspired by a club with heavy winters to tour places farther out of the city and get outside during the nice spring/summer months. 

• Networking Series - These are sometimes in the form of Happy Hours, but, if you give them a bit more focus for each event then you could get ongoing interest, and reach other alumni.  

• Restaurant Series - Calendaring out dates 6-8 weeks apart or quarterly for small gatherings of alumni to check out various places in your region. These can have a theme like sustainability, fusion, and neighborhood-focused. etc. 

• Sports Series - This includes watch parties/tailgates of Brown sports teams. Local sporting event outings

These 3 key areas must be taken into consideration and included when building out your schedule for the year.  At certain times of the year, it may be more prudent to have fewer events and more communications or marketing because of holidays, whether a need to focus on administrative items.

1. Communications

   • Communication is not just sending event invitations.  It's recurring newsletter emails that include updates on the board, plans for the future, upcoming events/save the dates, recaps of recent past events, and resources/alumni spotlighting.  Also, social media to connect with alumni where and how they prefer, as best you can, and is easily transitioned to the new alumni volunteer board.  See Marketing and Communication Section. 

2. Events

   • The programming you lay out from casual picnic meetups to more formal speaker/panel events.

3. Board Recruitment/Administration

   • This is something that is going on throughout the year.  Through events and consistent communications with the board and with the alumni you create transparency that engages and encourages interests in continued interest in being on the board or joining the board  Any open positions should begin being advertised in late winter, February and early spring, March.  This allows time to schedule onboarding and support with current board members before the transition on July 1.  See Board Recruitment Section. 

Student Summer-Send-Offs 

Summer Send-Off events allow incoming students an opportunity to be introduced to the local Brown community and hear about the Brown experience from alumni and current students. For many incoming students and their families, a summer sendoff is their first experience as members of the Brown community and sets the tone for their sense of belonging as they embark on their first semester, so it is essential to consider the accessibility and inclusivity of the location when planning a summer sendoff event.

Head here for the complete inside scoop on Summer Send-Offs

Welcome to the neighborhood Event (Fall) 

The "Welcome to the Neighborhood" alumni event aims to welcome recent graduates and new members while encouraging less engaged alumni to reengage. This inclusive event provides an opportunity to reconnect with alma mater and former classmates and learn about new developments and initiatives within the alumni network. The goal and hope is to create a welcoming environment that encourages all alumni to participate and connect with the broader community. In addition, the event will also provide resources/information for educating alumni about the club's mission, goals, and activities.

Head here for the complete inside scoop on the Welcome to the Neighborhood framework

Community Engagement

For many alumni, public service is a cornerstone of the Brown spirit. Community engagement events are an opportunity to create rewarding experiences that leverage alums’ experience, skills, and passions while making a positive impact on your shared community.

Head here for the complete inside scoop on developing community engagement opportunities

Venue
Choose a location that is handicapped accessible, near public transportation, has parking, and is a good size for your number of anticipated attendees. 

Fees
Charge a per-person fee for this event. Club leaders have found that alumni commit to attending if a fee is collected. Tiered Pricing is ideal, at least giving alumni a better price than guests; it demonstrates the value when you are an alumn.

Greeting Attendees
Set up a registration table at the event entrance for name tags, check-ins, and walk-in registration. Registration sets the stage for a great event. Don't have a formal venue?  Wear Brown clothing or a hat, and bring along a Brown Flag to wave and guide people over to you! Make sure to have a paper check-in still to mark off who showed up and then take a picture so you don't need to worry about losing it.

Take Photos
These are useful for using on social media, sharing in recap newsletters, and helps other alumni who weren't in attendance see what they are missing out on ;-) 

Post Event
Following up with guests with a brief survey or with some photos is always a good idea. This could even highlight your next event or a call to action.