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 Enlisting SupportYour committee is the heart of hosting a successful event. Here are 10 tips for building and keeping your Ag Day committee on track. Find a diverse group of participantsVariety is the spice of life, the old adage goes. So make sure your committee is comprised of individuals from different backgrounds and different skill areas. Contact different associations and organizations with interests in agriculture and ask for their participation. Start earlyDon’t wait until the last minute to form your committee. Begin at least 2-3 months in advance so members can get to know each other and have time to prepare. See our timeline suggestions. Identify responsibilities earlyIt’s helpful for every member of your committee to know their specific role. If you have time, jot down key responsibilities and expectations of each member to avoid confusion or duplication of efforts. Talk one-on-one with each member about what you expect from them. Begin meetings with a fresh perspectiveKeep committee members enthused about Ag Day celebrations by starting each meeting with a memorable thought or quote that underscores the overall mission of the effort. Keep meetings on trackMeetings that are too long or go off subject can be draining to committee members. To prevent this, prepare an agenda in advance with a start and stop time and make a commitment to keep to it. Plan aheadProvide a list of meeting dates and times in advance, so members can plan their schedules accordingly. Meeting participation will be greater, and you won’t have to track down everyone with a new meeting time. Recap action itemsIt’s easy to get lost in the details, so it’s helpful to be proactive in remembering what needs to be done. Keep a record of "action items" for each committee member and check back in on the status. Celebrate successesWhen members of your committee make progress, be sure to recognize it at meetings and in person. Positive accolades are an inspiration to the entire committee. Go easyLeading a volunteer committee can be challenging at times. Approach your leadership with a sense of humor and understanding. Get commitments right awayIf you’d like to host an event next year, talk with committee members immediately following your event when enthusiasm is highest to seek their commitment. If you need to raise funds to hold an event or require other donated resources, a diverse committee from several organizations may be able to help in your endeavor.
ADVICE FROM THE FIELD Event Planners
Event Calendar
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