WCGN Conference 2014

1. Giving Circle of HOPE WCGN Conference 2014 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. Select the Best Forum for Learning • 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. To Educate Members the GCH: • Book Circle • Liaisons • Grantee presentations at each quarterly meeting • Presentations in Community • Grantee Celebration

8. Book Circle • 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. Service Projects • 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. Service Programs • 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. Liaisons • 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. Liaison Role • 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. Quarterly Meetings • 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. Annual Grantee Celebration • 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. In In closing 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!