Engagement events are focused less on fundraising and more on interacting with members/potential members in the area, outreach and education. Depending on the type and costs of the event, consider a minimal (to cover expenses), non-refundable registration fee. This also helps with no-shows that are common at free events. There are endless opportunities for engagement events. If a chapter has a new event idea, be sure to talk through it with the regional engagement coordinator. Below are some examples of engagement events with brief explanations.
Birds and Brew: Designed to be a no-cost/low-cost event for members to connect and learn what’s happening in the area. They’re perfect for identifying new potential volunteers and promoting upcoming events. Work with a local brewery/bar to determine if it can host the event. Avoid hosting a Birds and Brew at a location that requires space rental fees. Some breweries will donate the first pint fill, and some will give discounts on the first glass. These are event partnership ideas but not requirements for hosting a Birds and Brew.
Sport/Trade Show Booth: Many regions have local sports shows/outdoor expos where booth space can be purchased. A local chapter can decide to purchase booth space and organize staffing for the booth during show hours. Sports shows are a great place to sign up and renew RGS & AWS memberships, advertise upcoming events, sell raffle tickets and engage with the public. Submit the Booth Material Order Form to the regional engagement coordinator one month in advance of needs, and the national office will supply the needed items.
Youth Events: There are many options for organizing a youth event. If funding is needed for a youth event, contact the regional engagement coordinator as grant funding may exist. You may also consider soliciting local donations.
- Youth hunts can be done on game preserves or wild-bird hunts.
- Consider a youth day where you can collaborate with local agencies or have chapter volunteers coordinate different “stations” such as orienteering, dog handling, habitat information, firearms/shooting, etc.
- When working with youth, the chapter must follow all state Child Protective Service laws and have records of any required state clearances.
- Written parental permission must be obtained before youth photos can be used.
Women’s Programming: Provide an opportunity for women to learn aspects of upland hunting from other women. Possibilities abound, such as learn to hunt/learn to shoot, advanced shooting clinic, dog training, scouting meet up, wild game and wine, women’s hunt, etc.
Consider collaborating with other organizations like:
- Women on the Wing
- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
- HerUpland, Artemis
- WildHERness
Future Hunters and Handlers: This style of event targets novice upland hunters. A day event of rotating learning stations like e-scouting, bird dog basics, veterinarian expert, equipment tutorials, habitat I.D. and much more.
Woods Walk: This is a great way to showcase any projects in a chapter’s area. Work with the forest conservation director or local agencies to have someone explain what habitat work was done and why it’s important.
Habitat Day: This can be cleaning up parking lots, trail maintenance, tree planting, help removing invasive species, etc. Organized by local chapter(s) or in collaboration with local agencies or other conservation groups.
Dog Training Day: Collaborate with dog training groups in the local area, as these groups may be able to offer suggestions of suitable grounds to hold the event. Talk with local retriever clubs, NAVHDA, AKC/UKC, professional trainers and members of the local chapter to solicit help planning this style of event and establishing an agenda.
Engagement Hunt: Provides an opportunity for chapter members to share a hunt or two with those outside their typical hunting crew. Pick an area with access to public land, determine a meeting place and split off into groups to hunt. After the hunt, consider finding somewhere to meet up and share a meal or grill food and share stories from the day. Collaborative: A chapter can work collaboratively with other like-minded groups. Examples of organizations to collaborate with are Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other local habitat/recreation groups and agencies.
