Outreach Plan & Contact Info PDF In the past, Convergence attended various conventions and threw room parties. We also created the “Converge Upon” in order to introduce our members to community activities and make new partnerships. These yielded results in attendance at and improved the content of our events.
Convergence was always marketed by word of mouth and by presence–people saying “you had to be there!” was always something we prided ourselves on. That sense of being there drives our outreach plan, trying to put our best feet forward: we want to show Convergence out and about, in action, bringing people together to have fun.
Our outreach goals are to improve our personal and organizational relationships. We want to give members and staff access to year round experiences that build our core community and competence. We want to open up and widen the ways we invite participation from members–whether first timers, seasoned volunteers, attending pros, or guests of honor. We serve and draw more of all these members by getting our people out there having fun, making everything we touch something where they’ll say, “Oh you shoulda been there, Convergence was there!”
The expanded outreach plan works in three areas
1. Repurpose the Converge Upon
Similar to Michael Lee’s version of the Converge Upon Renovation and Eryn Hildebrand’s Geek.Kon event we’re budgeting up to $200 per occasion for Converge Upons. The board budgeted to support people who are willing to be ambassadors and give a written report so they can host a community-oriented event inside another event—conventions, partner events, and organizations where it benefits Convergence to have a visible presence and support.
We ask a committee, including the Directors of Development and Community Relations, to invite people who would be willing to serve as Outreach Team(s).
Anticipated/Planned CUs
Gallifrey – Feb
Marscon – March
Minicon – April
SDCC July
Dragon*Con -
Geek.Kon 2012
Six @ $200 = $1200
Additional CUs
Budget up to $200 per event for up to eight or more community-generated events = $1600
Total 2012: $2,800
2. Con Parties and community service booths
Individual external events, usually conventions, where Convergence will have a pre-planned presence. Budget range will be $500-1000 per convention or outside event.
Convergence representatives who choose to participate as volunteers will have half or more of their event membership and lodging paid by the organization. The teams will bring and wear convergence-branded gear, and if they are volunteer events, volunteer, preferably in teams of two.
Arisia – January $350
Capricon – Feb $1000
Anime Detour – April $1000
North Star Roller Girls Final Bout – event April 28 $500
Minneapolis Pride – support to partnership booth – June $500
Plunderfest – gathering at at their event – July $500
Fringe Festival – event collaboration or other presence – August $500
Planned budget: $4350
Planed budget for additional parties or public service opportunities proposed by community members: $4000
Total: $8350
3. Worldcon 2012- Aug 30-Sept 3
A large group presence in coordination with local and regional partners, including hosting at least one night of an open room party at the World Science Fiction Convention in Chicago.
Because of the expense of Worldcon, Convergence Events will seek to help our ambassadors with the expense of the event. We will try to budget for a block of memberships, which we then extend as half- or full-scholarships to Convergence volunteers and members who are willing to come as part of our ambassador corps to the Worldcon. We will need at least 12 people and should shoot for 15 or more.
Total budgeted: $6,225