Here’s an overview of Community Meetings – the purpose they serve and how to plan your own. Feel free to drop your thoughts  and experiences with community meetings in the comments. 

Purpose of a Community Meeting

• Share information and stories
• Create a plan or action collectively
• Solicit input and feedback from community members
• Show community power

AT LEAST 3 WEEKS OUT

• Set goal attendance
• Confirm a location, date, and time
  • When you call a venue, here’s the ask:
    • Can we have a public meeting at your location? We are expecting [x] people from [insert time].
    • If you have a volunteer who is helping to set up/recruit, confirm the above with them and ask them to give you a list of folks they are inviting
• Invite any guest speakers
• Promote on social media, emails, community boards, etc

AT LEAST 2 WEEKS OUT

• Set up a phonebank to recruit. Check out Tactic 101s | Phonebanking for a helpful guide
• Continue to promote on social media
• Involve press and traditional media if you choose

AT LEAST 1 WEEK OUT

• Share event on social media
• Send reminder email
• Call and confirm with venue
• Set meeting agenda and confirm with facilitators or guest speakers

DAY BEFORE

• Confirm again with venue
• Make sure meeting facilitators or guests have all necessary materials
• Make confirmation calls to attendees

DAY OF (before)

• Check in with venue about what space is set up for the event if wasn’t crystal clear the day before

DAY OF (after)

• Thank the people who attended and share next steps for engagement 
• Share successes on social/traditional media