My name is Aliyanna Hill and I have had the honor of working for the Peer Power Foundation for 2 years. During my time here, I went from being a Success Coach to a Project Management Intern to my current role as a Graduate Assistant. In my internship and current role, I have had the opportunity to participate in the planning and implementation of many Peer Power Events. It is extremely rewarding to work behind the scenes of the amazing events and programs that are hosted throughout the year! When it comes to ensuring events are engaging a big part is showcasing personality and culture. Peer Power has always been a high-energy organization. The culture is rooted in inclusivity, individuality, and the drive to see everyone succeed.
At the Peer Power Foundation, our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential. A significant part of achieving this involves creating engaging community events and programs that inspire, educate, and connect our youth. While our core program remains a cornerstone of our efforts, we also invest heavily in initiatives like ACT University, Workforce Development, UM Connect, and Earn and Learn. These programs are carefully designed to cater to diverse post-high school aspirations and require meticulous planning to ensure their success.
Planning community events is a complex undertaking that demands a strategic and organized approach. Here’s a glimpse into the rigorous planning process:
- Needs Assessment: We begin by identifying the specific needs and interests of our target audience. This involves analyzing demographic data to understand the challenges and aspirations of young people in our community.
- Goal Setting: Once we have a clear understanding of the needs, we establish well-defined goals for each event. These goals may include increasing awareness of our programs, fostering community engagement, or providing valuable skills and resources.
- Programming: We curate a diverse range of activities and workshops that are both engaging and informative. The programming should be tailored to the interests and needs of our participants and should support our overall goals.
- Marketing and Promotion: Effective marketing is key to reaching a wide audience. We utilize a variety of channels including social media, email marketing, and community partnerships to promote our events and generate excitement within the community.
- Evaluation: After each event, we conduct a thorough evaluation to assess its effectiveness. This includes gathering feedback from participants, analyzing attendance data, and measuring the achievement of our goals.
Planning engaging community events is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By carefully considering the needs and interests of our target audience, setting clear goals, and developing innovative programs, we can create meaningful experiences that empower young people and strengthen our community.