The Communications Network is coming to a city near you. Introducing ComNetworkLOCAL, local groups of communications leaders led by Network members.

ComNetworkLOCAL Leadership Groups are opportunities for Communications Network members and other folks working in the social sector to get together in their local communities to:

  • Meet colleagues interested in communications from local foundations & nonprofits

  • Exchange ideas and learn new skills

  • Encounter emerging trends and innovations

  • Form partnerships

  • Grow professional networks

  • Build community

As we heard over and over in recent Network member surveys: “The Communications Network’s annual conference is necessary, but it’s not sufficient. I want The Communications Network to help me meet my colleagues at home.” Now, you can.

Becoming an Organizer

Interested in becoming a leader in your community? If you’re a current member of The Communications Network, you can work with The Network’s staff in Washington, DC, to become a local leadership group organizer.

Why You Should Consider It

As a local Network leadership group organizer, you will be a leader in your community. You will have the opportunity to connect with others both inside and outside of your field at events. You will feel a sense of pride after building a community that people rely on and enjoy. In addition, you will have access to the Network’s staff and Board. Having such a visible role will enhance your profile within the Network and could potentially help you in your career.

What It Takes

Are you enthusiastic about creating events to bring together communicators in your city and build community? Local organizers should be excited about creating and organizing events for their fellow Communications Network members to get to know one another, learn something new, and build a community. Organizing events is not always the easiest job, so we want leaders who are motivated to devote the time and work necessary to put on excellent events. In addition, as an organizer, you must commit to holding a minimum of two events a year.

Considering becoming an organizer? Ask yourself if the following traits apply to you:

  • I’m outgoing: I like meeting new people and helping new faces feel welcome in the group.

  • I have a sense of humor: Organizing events can at times be difficult and you may face a few unexpected last minute challenges. It’s important to have a sense of humor when hiccups happen.

  • I’m a proud local: Be familiar with your city/town/neighborhood because you will be looking for meeting space in your area and trying to build a community.

  • I’m creative: You get a thrill coming up with interesting event ideas that keep folks coming back for more.

  • I’m connected: We’ll help promote your event, but it’s up to you to recruit new folks and get friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the guy you met this morning in the elevator to come to your event.

  • I’m comfortable with social media: When it comes to bringing a community together, social media is your friend. You don’t have to be Mark Zuckerberg, but you should know how to post to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can use social media to spread the word about your events, share photos of attendees and presenters, and keep folks up to date about what’s coming next.

  • I’m reliable: Folks are counting on you to show up on time and keep things on schedule. Respect everyone’s time and they will be more likely to come back.

It’s hard to go it alone, so we encourage groups to have more than one organizer. Finding a few partners to co-lead your local Communications Network leadership group is key to starting a successful local group. We all have lives, vacations, and unexpected commitments that may interfere with attending an event you have planned. If you have multiple partners, it will be easier to fulfill your commitment.

Establishing a New Local Leadership Group

Contact Sean Gibbons, the Communications Network Executive Director at

Please be prepared to provide the following:

  • The names and contact information of all co-organizers.

  • NOTE: We recommend that groups have a minimum of three organizers and five members from your region. All organizers must be members of The Communications Network

Come prepared with ideas and goals for the following:

  • How you plan to recruit new members to your local group.

  • What kind of events you plan to hold, how many people you want to show up, and the impact you want to make in your community.

  • Names of some organizations and companies you’d like to partner with for resources, space, and presentations.

Meeting Space and Programming

We encourage you to look for free or donated meeting space within your community. Many Network members have space available within their offices and will be happy to share it. Some other possibilities include:

  • Local universities

  • Neighborhood bars or restaurants (you might even be able to get a discount on drinks and appetizers if you let the owner know in advance that you’ll be bringing a large party)

  • Local libraries

  • Museums

  • Public parks

  • Donated office space

Events can follow any number of formats, including:

  • Networking happy hours at local bars/restaurants

  • Informational talk given by expert in the field from a local college or university

  • Presentation and reception from a member in the area about something their group is working on that they feel would be beneficial to share with others

 

Those are just a few ideas. It’s up to you to decide how you want your group to function and what sort of events you will hold.

ComNetworkDC

  • Our pilot group, ComNetworkDC, has already launched and is boasting over 140 members

  • Led by Jade Floyd of The Case Foundation, Andrew Marshall of The ONE Campaign, Fuzz Hogan of New American Foundation & Jamie Perez of threespot

  • The group’s first event June 30th at The Case Foundation drew nearly 100 people

  • For more information about this LOCAL group, follow them on Twitter at @ComNetworkDC

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For more information visit the Network’s website.

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