Event Planning Tips: A Simple Guide

Step 1: Form a Working Group or Host Committee
You don't have to do it alone! Some of the most successful events include a group of people who represent a wide range of ideas and expertise. Reach out to your friends, family and community members that might be interested in helping you celebrate by raising awareness and generating dollars to support RAINN's fight against sexual assault.

Once you have formed a working group, call a meeting to formulate an event-planning checklist, assign roles and delegate responsibilities. Regroup periodically to ensure

Step 2: Choose a Location
Keep it simple! Fancy and elaborate does not equate a greater generating capacity. The easiest place to have your event might be the best place including,

  • Your house or apartment or a friend or family member's place
  • A local community center or church
  • A coffee chop, bowling alley, or club
  • Any place that is fun, convenient and free!
Keep in mind the nature of your event, the ages/interests of your guests, and your budget when choosing a location.


Step 3: Pick a Date
Choose a date that works for you, your chosen location, and the majority of the people you are planning to invite.

Step 4: Create your Invitations and Develop an Invitation List
This is your opportunity to be truly creative! The design is all your own, from an evite to a hand crafted invitation, but be sure to include all the pertinent information in the context, including:

  • Date
  • Start/End Time
  • Location
  • Description of event/theme and activities
  • Cost (if applicable)
  • Working Group Members and Contact Information
  • Brief summary of RAINN and language indicating that your event is to benefit RAINN
  • RSVP deadline and contact information (if applicable)
Utilize the network of your working group to devise a list of people who may be interested in helping fight sexual assault. Intend on inviting twice as many people as you expect to attend, as some will likely not be able to make it.


Step 5: Generating Donations and Dollars
In thinking about the best way to raise money at your event, be sure to consider the people that you are inviting as well as the type of event you are having and associated costs. Here are a couple of things to consider:

  • Would most of your guests be able to make a contribution at the door?
  • Are you providing food or an activity that has a cash value (bowling, etc)?
Provide several opportunities for people to give via a cover charge, raffle, personal ask, donation form, silent auction...


Step 6: Final Event Check List
Throughout the event planning process you've been adding to and crossing out "to do's" on your list and now is the time to verify that all necessary tasks have been completed. Send an event reminder to all potential attendees

Step 7: Post Event Follow Up
Congratulations! Your event was a tremendous success, but there are a few things that still need to be completed, including sending "thank yous" to your working group, attendees, venue, etc. and accurately organizing funds to be donated to RAINN. Please do not send cash rather write a check or send a money order. In addition, send a complete list of all attendees and their contact information so RAINN can send thanks for their contribution.