Campuses close, relationships continue
My husband and I always use the phrase ‘Family comes first’ and I think this phrase resonates particularly well right now for a host of reasons. Sister Barbara Rogers, headmistress of Newton Country Day School, sent out a note to the “Newton family,” reminding us of our connection with the School and each other. It was sent at a time when our world was being turned upside down and I have to say it brought me to tears. To me, as an alum, it was that virtual hug that I didn’t even realize I needed.
Currently, development offices are struggling with how to maintain connections they worked so hard to develop during this new virtual reality. We believe this is a wonderful time for schools to remind alumni that they are still family and how important they are to the school community. Why not give them some ways to stay connected with current students, faculty, and other alumni?
Here are 5 engagement ideas for your development office to ask of alumni:
- Send us a short video supporting current students and faculty during this time of social distancing
- Reach out to your classmates to check in and see if they need anything; include a link to the class directory
- Send us a picture of you wearing your school gear or school colors for us to post on social media.
- Let us know if you are interested in a virtual coffee or cocktail hour with classmates, and we’ll help organize one
- Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram—it’s a great way to show support and stay connected
And if you are looking for outside help brainstorming or implementing any of these ideas, give us a shout. We can also help you prepare over the next few months with Pivot & Go Marketing Accelerator. It’s designed to help you move quickly and adjust to the new normal of marketing your school at a time when strategic planning, clear consistent messaging and ingenuity are critical.
