Hi all! I wanted to put out there that I will be starting some in person workshops at a local community center. If it does well, I will have more. It seems that most people are tired of Zoom and need to get out of the house!
My question was, how can I advertise to the greater AWA community…meaning that my area is pretty devoid of workshops as it is (and writing groups are very closed here), and AWA is all but non-existent. But, I know there are writers around and some that would know of AWA and want to have a workshops close to home. The community center is pretty popular and can advertise that way, but not sure if anyone around here would actually think to consider looking at community centers for workshops.
As a side note, I was very ill the last almost year, and before that we were dealing with some family deaths, so I am a bit out of the game as I was unable to hold workshops or attend any of the affiliate workshops. Sad face. So, I am here asking what everyone else talked about while I was gone. 🙂
Hi Sandra, Congratulations on overcoming what sounds like it’s been a tough year, and getting ready to get out there with some in-person workshops. Are you aware of AWA’s Northeast Chapter – I would contact them and ask them to spread the word. Also, if you’re doing it in person, all the old ways hold true: press release to the local small community paper, notices up in bookstores, libraries, yoga centres and other places literary people like to gather. Katie could put something in the AWA newslettter if you let her know what to put in there. Facebook will likely have community groups for your town or your area.
How do you get your news about local things that are happening?
It has been unbelievable. I am doing better and a few more Dr appointments and hopefully in the clear.
You know, I DID know about that chapter and I am not sure why I didn’t think to reach out! Thank you for reminding me.
To be honest, our area is pretty much a desert for many things. Most people have to go to Trenton or Philadelphia. The community center owner and I want to change that! She is also a writer and we have been brainstorming other workshops.
I just know that last time I looked for AWA things in my area there were zero. 🙁 Everything I have done, it’s been online. And I want to change that.
I WAS going to go to the library and see if I could post something. We only have Barnes & Noble here and they no longer have a bulletin board, but I may reach out and see if there is some way to advertise there. I am in a very odd little corner here for things to do!
Hi Sandra,
It sounds as if you’re looking to hold in-person workshops only for people who are familiar with AWA. Or would they be open to the general public? If so, you might be in the position of introducing your community to the AWA Method. I put up fliers to advertise my workshops–kind of time consuming, but I have gotten participants who saw them at the local bookstore. And I always put the AWA logo at the bottom of the flier, maybe even use a few key words in the text to mention positive support/inclusive participation, etc. Also, is there a local radio station you could approach to do a “PSA”–public service announcement–or even do a brief appearance on a radio show that promotes local stuff like this? Go for it! Swing on out! –Ann
Hi! I think flyers are going to be the way to do it. Advertising is really expensive here. Our local libraries won’t let you advertise anything that isn’t free and non-for-profit.
The radio is an idea. We do have a local one I can research to see if it would be feasible. I have honestly only met one person who knew what AWA was! We only have a Barnes close to us, all the others have closed. Sad face. BUT. When I was doing the night school with the district (pre-covid), most of my participants were seniors. I had an idea to check out the local senior developments and see if I can post flyers there.
The community center is only a year old, so we are trying to also get the word out about the CC in general (because that still benefits the writing group!).
Thanks for the advice!