1. The “How To’s” of Successful Education Programs

2.  Mission Driven:  Make education a priority.  Include education as one of your organizational goals.  GCH “To educate and increase awareness of local needs.”

3.  GCH has 3 strategies within its mission:  Provides service programs.  Provides Grants to Local 501c3’s.  Engages in education.

4.  Education is fundamental to all that the GCH does and with all the populations that we serve.  It provides one on one learning.  It provides hands on experience.  It is inherent in all that we do.

5.  Decide who you want to educate.  Members  Community  Grantees/Community Partners

6.  Is this a formal event?  Outside speaker?  What is an appropriate venue?  Thinking bigger scale? – Then:  Do you need a concept paper?  Do you need a program plan?  Is this an informal event?  In a member’s home? Example: Book Circle  Other points?  Planning is Key!

7.  Book Circle  Liaisons  Grantee presentations at each quarterly meeting  Presentations in Community  Grantee Celebration

8.  Books selected by members  Topics related to community issues  Meet in homes or local restaurants  Led by member volunteer  Often invite local speakers to participate  Recent example: “Orange is the New Black” with community partner, Friends of Guest House

9.  One of your best educational forums  Education while serving and having fun  Example  Hunger program at Empty Bowls  Hand our material on local hunger  Show ppt. on local hunger issues during program  Provides hands on learning experiences

10.  On Going  Helping Hungry Kids  Shelter Programs  One Time  Empty Bowls  Each provides a rich educational opportunity for Giving Circle Members and for the community

11.  Members are encouraged to assume the role of liaison to a new grantee organization.  Particularly if they have presented that 501c3 during the grant review process.  Provides a way to acquire in-depth knowledge of one agency.

12.  To interface between the new Grantee and your organization  Provides an excellent one-on-one experience, especially for new members  Often inspires members to volunteer with that agency

13.  Invite new Grantees to meetings and networking periods.  Include a networking period before and after the business meeting.  Invite Grantee to speak about how grant dollars are being used.

14.  Guests:  Current grant winners  Giving circle members  Community members  Local dignitaries  Goals:  Learn about work of Grantees  Educate community and community leaders about work of circle  Recruit new members  Network

15. There are numerous ways to provide successful educational programs:  Informal  Hands on  Inexpensive  Varied in nature  Easy to do  Highly successful

16. Be willing to broaden your definition of what constitutes Education.

17. Thank You and GOOD LUCK!! Go forth and educate!