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If your group or club wants to hold a special event for World Animal Day, here are a few points to bear in mind.
If you are fund-raising for a specific charity, animal shelter, campaigning group, etc, let them know in advance what you intend to do. Larger
organizations can often offer support in terms of publicity and useful advice. The other golden rule is that it’s never too early to begin planning. While it may seem as though you have plenty of time to
organize an event, you will find that the time flies by. You will also have to book any special participants (e.g. people giving talks or demonstrations) well in advance to make sure of their availability. Other things to take into consideration are:
- Venue: is your venue large enough to hold the planned event? Does it have all the necessary facilities, seating, electric power points, etc? Will there be sufficient parking space? If the event is in someone’s home, will you need to borrow extra chairs, cutlery, plates?
- Weather: is what you are planning suitable for early October? If it is an outdoor event, do you have a contingency plan in case of bad weather?
- Costs: are you sure that the event will cover your costs as well as raise funds for your chosen cause? If your event involves individuals providing, say, food or drink, you will need to decide whether you will expect them to pay an entrance fee as well.
- Legal considerations: will you need special insurance? Are you intending to sell raffle tickets in a public place? If so, you may need a special licence.
- Publicity: how widely do you want to promote your event? Local newspapers usually have some kind of diary listing which is free of charge, but make sure you know the copy deadline. Libraries, workplace noticeboards, leisure centres, pubs and clubs will usually be able to display posters for no charge.
- Speakers, visitors and outside participants: book visitors well in advance. It might also be a good idea to have a ‘Plan B’ just in case! Check whether any visitors will need travelling expenses or accommodation.
- Animals: if you are encouraging people to bring animals to your event, make sure that the facilities are appropriate. Have bowls of water available. And above all, make sure that everyone knows that they are responsible for their animals’ behaviour – some dogs, for example, can get over-excited and disruptive when there are other animals around.
- Equipment: double-check before the event that any AV equipment, etc, is working properly and that there will be an expert at hand to sort out any problems on the day.
- Money: if your event is a fund-raiser, agree in advance who is to look after the profits and who will be responsible for sending it to your nominated cause.
- After the event: it’s never too early to begin planning for next year! Have a debriefing session to talk over how you feel your event went and whether you would do things differently. Above all, don’t forget to
contact
us with a report of your event and send some photographs for inclusion on the WAD
website. Your hard work could provide valuable
inspiration for others in years to come!
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