Marketing your Clubs next event can seem like a daunting task! There are several questions to ask when you start planning your event marketing.
Such as:
Who will benefit from the event/fundraiser?
How can your Club be recognized for doing the project?
The goal of any marketing campaign should be for your community to know your Club exists. Seems basic but very important. They also must know you are supporting them through your service and fundraising. Lastly you want them backing your efforts and ultimately increasing your Club membership.
Below is a guide you can customize and use along with your Club's yearly schedule. Don't have a yearly schedule? Create one with your Club's Executive Council! Be sure to have your Club Secretary share important District events that are/will be listed in the yearly District Directory!
July - August: Kickoff the New Year
July 1: Launch of the new Lions Clubs calendar year. Announce new leadership and upcoming major events.
Early July: Update website and social media profiles with new leadership information and annual goals.
Mid-July: Host a kickoff event or meeting to energize members and outline the year’s objectives.
Late July - August: Promote membership drives targeting local communities and potential new members.
September - October: Community Engagement and Awareness
Early September: Plan and promote a community service project to coincide with back-to-school activities.
Mid-September: Begin marketing campaigns for any upcoming fall events or fundraisers.
October: Focus on Lions World Sight Day (usually the second Thursday in October). Plan events and raise awareness about vision health.
November - December: Holiday Initiatives and Year-End Activities
Early November: Promote holiday-themed community service projects (e.g., food drives, toy collections).
Mid-November: Publicize any Thanksgiving events or collaborations.
Early December: Market holiday events, including any special meetings, fundraisers, or social gatherings.
Mid to Late December: Share year-end achievements and thank members and supporters. Prepare and distribute a year-end newsletter.
January - February: New Year Initiatives and Mid-Year Review
Early January: Launch New Year campaigns and initiatives. Focus on health and wellness projects.
Mid-January: Promote mid-year membership drives and highlight the benefits of joining Lions Clubs.
Early February: Plan events around International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15).
Late February: Conduct a mid-year review meeting and share progress updates with members.
March - April: Spring Activities and Recruitment
Early March: Promote spring community service projects and environmental initiatives (Earth Day in April).
Mid-March: Plan and market spring fundraisers or events.
April: Focus on Lions Environmental projects. Engage with the community on Earth Day (April 22).
May - June: Year-End Wrap-Up and Planning for Next Year
Early May: Highlight achievements and prepare for annual reports. Plan events around Lions Clubs International Convention (usually in June).
Mid-May: Promote any final community service projects or events for the year.
June: Conduct year-end celebration and recognition events. Start planning for the upcoming calendar year.
Ongoing Activities
Consistent Communication and Social Media Engagement
Monthly: Send out newsletters updating members and the community about upcoming events, highlights, and opportunities for involvement.
Weekly: Post updates on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) about events, member spotlights, and service project highlights.
Quarterly: Host webinars or informational sessions on the impact of Lions Clubs’ work.
By following this timeline, Lions Clubs can ensure continuous engagement, effective marketing, and successful execution of events and initiatives throughout the year.
Shout out to Lion Judy Doyle for crafting this timeline!