Want to help out? Suggestions from a newbie!

As the Administrator of the Highland-White Lake Business Association, I've helped organize and run three events so far.  Each grew in size, starting with close to 200 attendees in February to 10,000 attendees at the end of June.  What I've heard many times is, "I wish I would've known how to help."   My advice, get involved before, attend the event, and/or be part of the follow up.  

Getting involved before means attending planning meetings.  Hearing what is being planned and having time to assess your own availability and talents will help you plug into the event where you will be most comfortable.  Don't be afraid to speak up!  Take the reins on a small piece of the puzzle and ask for assistance if you need it.  For example, Sparks in the Park needed posters to advertise the event.  Maybe you enjoy creating posters by hand or through a computer program.  Stand on up!  Take those reins!  Set deadlines for yourself and bring the creation back in plenty of time to print and distribute it before the event.  Maybe you have a connection to a printer in the area who would do you a favor and print the posters at a reduced rate.  Regardless of your availability, connections, and talents, events could use you during the planning stage.  STAND UP!!  TAKE THE REINS!!!

Those planning meetings might have met during times you were unavailable or you were unsure how your talents could be utilized because the event is new to you.  Go, experience, and get involved while there.  Walk up to those in charge (AGAIN TAKE THE REINS!) and ask if there is anything you can do.  Give the person a minute or two to think about it.  Or if you see an area where you might be helpful, offer that service specifically.  For example, a member of the association took it upon himself to take some photos at our Laughs at the Legion event in February.  He saw that we did not have a representative taking photos, felt it would be a great way to capture the success of the event, and had people grouping up all over the room for many smile filled pictures.  Getting involved might be as easy as making a couple trips to turn in food orders or standing next to the person in charge until they think of something they can't leave to do themselves.  Don't be afraid to jump in and help out.

The event has come and gone and you are kicking yourself for not contacting the organizers about helping out.  It isn't too late!  There are always tasks following an event that could use an extra pair of hands.  TaKe ThOsE rEiNs!!  Offer your time and talent after the event to send thank you notes, put equipment used back into storage, remove signs displayed in public places, clean-up the grounds where the event took place, thank the public through media connections, and more.  Depending on the event the after effects may take days or just hours.  You can still make a difference.  

The goal is to change those who "wish" they had helped out into "YES!!! I helped make that event a success!"  Stand up!  Take those reins!