Jump Out of Your Box

When these meeting site options are used, community access is easier and people’s interest is heightened. By choosing nontraditional community locations and events, the section shows its sincere interest in involving community people and tailoring participation opportunities to their needs. To reach people who don’t typically participate, the section needs to go to where they congregate and feel comfortable—in other words, to their own turf.

Using nontraditional sites for regular meetings need not be expensive. One section invited another organization to host a tour speaker. The local section covered the speaker fee and travel (i.e., $300 to the ACS Speaker Service), while the host organization provided space and snacks (value: $200–250). In many cases, another organization may have its own “free” space for its meetings. Sharing resources is a good way to leverage your budget to fulfill your goals. In addition, your section’s credibility is enhanced by new approaches. A good reputation for providing quality activities is priceless.

Don’t forget to advertise! Let people know what you are doing. You can host the world’s best meeting, but if no one knows about it, nobody will show up. Ask your partner to advertise to its membership as well. Send a press release to the local newspaper and television about two weeks before the event. Unique human interest stories are few and far between in most communities, so you might get an article in the local paper.

Finally, tell us (and others) about it! Don’t forget to highlight your nontraditional location in your Annual Report, and self-nominate for a ChemLuminary Award!

Examples of nontraditional meeting places: planetariums, art galleries, community fairs, neighborhood associations, state parks, nature preserves, health clubs, opera house, movie theaters, historical sites, and plant nurseries.

Victoria Finkenstadt, Chair
Tools & Technology Subcommittee
ACS Committee on Local Section Activities

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