Phoenix is a place of endless possibilities. Seriously, it’s true. Don’t believe me? Here, let me show you!
I bring you: Community Involvement 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Phoenix Events
1.) Choose An Interest
Whether you’re a music junkie (Stinkweeds), boutique-vore (Butter Toast), environmental evangelist (Rogue Green), food frenzy (Cycle) or just want to try something unique (Places, Spaces, and Faces), I can guarantee you will find an exciting event any night of the week.
Some of these events you have to find, which is the best part. It’s like a sweet, city treasure hunt. (And who doesn’t like booty?)
2.) Get Onto Social Media
If you want to find things outside of your circle, bite the bullet and get on Facebook. There, you’ll find all you need to know about your event. It’s important to get the details. If you find an event or topic that interests you, more than likely, there’s a Facebook and Twitter page attached to it.
Sweet Discovery Numbero Dos: Many of these small businesses, venues, and events partner with other small businesses, venues and events. And people talk about it online. While you’re engaging with the venue of the event and the hosts, you’re also chatting it up with the people attending. Before you know it, you’re plugged into the community (and having a bit of fun in the process).
3.) Coordinate Upcoming Events
So, you RSVPed to some events coming up and you’re ready to rock. Word of caution – Don’t go overboard. Despite your superhero cape, you can’t be two places at once. Grab a calendar and jot down some of the events you want to check out. This is not rocket science. But getting RSVP-zealous equals unintentional overlaps or event burnouts. Believe me, people in this town are passionate about their events and will convince you to keep coming (as you should.) Get the details, plan your weeks, and pace it out.
4.) Show Up
It doesn’t do a whole lot of good to RSVP, then be lazy and skip out to watch a rerun of Jersey Shore (it’s called TiVo, people). Be intentional about showing up to your RSVPs. Not only will you meet interesting people in a unique Phoenix space, the odds that you’ll have an amazing night are as good as seeing Snooki falling down in bar (very likely).
Let me give you another example. This is your chance to have an influence in things you care about. Just as the great Gandhi once said (and is constantly quoted on bumper stickers), “Be the change you want to see in the world,” attending an event will give you that opportunity to get your voice heard.
Case in point: You discover a rare meet and greet forum event on Facebook, with a chance to chat it up with a potential Phoenix mayoral candidate. You’ve been talking to your friends for months about needing more support for economic sustainability efforts in Phoenix. Now, you have that chance. Going to the event is your opportunity to speak out! (Note: This event actually happened through Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce.)
How about your random desire to try Vietnamese food? There just so happens to be a cool event coming up next week (cue: mark your calendar) where you can sample some delish goodies at the new restaurant Rice Paper while meeting members of your community. You can’t do that by staying home.
5.) Go Explore!
Beware: Once you make that first step, you may discover other things you didn’t know existed. Like a unicorn event. (Um…what?) Yes.
Co+Hoots (a collaborative working space for creative types) is hosting Unicorn Arts Mix, a unicorn-themed show celebrating Raising Unicorns: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Starting and Running a Successful – and Magical! – Unicorn Farm by author Jessica S. Marquis while benefiting the new and inspirational film arts nonprofit, Sailbear Labs. The event is this Friday and 7pm. And no, I am not making this book up.
Get your glitter and come on out!
