DifferenceMakers, Ltd. - DifferenceMaker Calendar/Planner

The following hints were prepared by Genel Wokal, the Executive Director of the National Association of Workshop Directors and a veteran activities director and educator. She offers these as timely hints for things you might consider doing with your club or organization.

JULY

Use your leisure time to daydream about your ideal organizational activity.
Consider volunteer work.
Schedule family time.
Plan and schedule an executive planning meeting to be held in August where you collectively work through your organizational purpose, goals, objectives and projects/programs.

AUGUST

Set purpose, goals, objectives for the year.
Plan a "welcome back" activity for continuing members, advisors, students and staff.
Consider a new student/member orientation program like Transitions from DifferenceMakers/Herff Jones.
Plan and publish a monthly calendar of events.
Is there a leadership training workshop you should attend?

SEPTEMBER

Send dues to state and national associations and renew subscriptions.
Leadership training for officers and members.
Start member recognition program.
Do something to get the support staff on your side.
Plan and publish a calendar of events.

OCTOBER

Red ribbon week is usually this month. Perhaps you should plan an anti-substance abuse activity.
Put something about your organization in the newspaper.
When was the last time your constitution and bylaws were reviewed?
How about a workshop on effective poster-making?

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving /charity drive.
Make plans for a social activity. Harvest Ball?
Adviser Appreciation.
See if a local radio station will interview several of your members about you group activities.
Check with your membership about their classes and set up peer tutoring if necessary.
Look for a "cultural" experience for your members.

DECEMBER

Send holiday greeting cards to counterparts in other schools in your region.
Plan both a charitable and a social/fun holiday event.
Start planning to recognize Fall achievements.
Start working on a mid-year staff appreciation activity.
Decorate your area to promote a festive atmosphere.

JANUARY

It's time for a new beginning. What new things will you implement this year?
Re-evaluate your goals and assess your success in achieving them.
Consider sponsoring a multi-cultural event as part your Martin Luther King Jr. observance.
It's time to do something on that environmental project again!
Don't forget to get the publicity your group deserves.
Plan and publish a monthly calendar of events.

FEBRUARY

Valentine's Day!
Consider sending Valentines to a children's hospital or a retirement home.
Plan a patriotic rally for President's Day.
Make sure your advisers know how important they are.

MARCH

Get your second parent newsletter ready to mail.
Review your meeting skills. Have your meetings gotten sloppy?
Plan now for special weeks in April.
Decorate your area for St. Patrick's Day.
Beautify your campus for Spring.
Order your DifferenceMaker Calendar/Planner for next year.

APRIL

Plan to elect new officers.
Earth Day is coming!
Plan a multicultural event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
National Secretaries week.
National Teachers week.
Plan a retreat for officers for leadership training and a smooth transfer of power.
Don't forget to publicize your success.

MAY

Is there a summer leadership program you should plan to attend?
Begin the budget process.
Send Thank-You notes or little gifts of appreciation to all those who have helped this year.
Plan a year-end social program.
Plan a year-end recognition program.

JUNE

Plan and publish a calendar of events listing summer activities and meetings.
Honor your graduating members for their hard work and accomplishments throughout the years.
Prepare for summer leadership training.
Talk to friends from other places to get new ideas for activities, programs and fundraisers for next year.
Read books on meeting skills, management and leadership.