Kick-Off Events

OFTW Kick-off Event Guide (7 min read)

What is a Kick-off Event (KOE): A One for the World chapter Kick-off Event is the first public event that a new chapter holds and acts as both an introduction to OFTW for the general student body and as an initial recruiting event for potential Executive Board members and Student Ambassadors.

Topics covered:

  1. Identifying a speaker
  2. Preparing the content
  3. Executing the logistics
  4. Effective marketing and outreach
  5. Other Best Practices

Identifying a Speaker

Kick-off Events involve someone talking about the basics behind One for the World - extreme poverty and effective giving. Historically, chapters have opted for a professor because of the logistical ease and ability for a popular professor to draw a crowd.  while this is still an option we have seen many other types of speakers be successful. Here are a couple:       

  • Current or former member of the OFTW Executive Committee 
    • They provide perfect messaging but are primarily located in hub cities (Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco)
    • If interested, please email Evan (evan@1fortheworld.org)
  • Members of the Effective Altruism community or a representative from a beneficiary charity
  • You or your co-president!
    • While we are still developing the best practices surrounding a chapter leader-only KOE, we have seen great success recently. You provide the perfect messaging and are able to relate to your fellow students in a way that no other speaker can. Also, there are almost no logistical issues to consider! 
    • If interested, please email Evan (evan@1fortheworld.org) and he will give you all the materials and guidance you’ll need to have a great event!

  1. Preparing the content

OFTW created a Kick-off Event Sample Program. Please reference it as you structure your KOE!

Something very important to remember: your Kick-off Event is a fantastic opportunity to recruit an Executive Board (EB) and Student Ambassadors (SA). Do not forget to mention the open applications for positions on your EB and your SA program. The emails below call for applications, but it’s important to make the “application ask” at the event as well. A clear Call to Action in person is substantially more effective than an email ask, which may not even be read by some good candidates.

When preparing the deck please feel free to use and/ or reference the Intro to OFTW Deck!

  1. Logistics

  • Reserve a space on campus - make sure the space is easily accessible for all potential attendees and has video presentation capabilities. Historically, chapters have aimed for a room with a 50 + person capacity, but you should aim for more attendees in order to create an exciting atmosphere and build social proof around effective giving!

  • Gather attendee information - don’t forget to collect attendee names and emails when they arrive (eg. a table set up at the entrance with two computers for sign in)
  • Pictures - make sure someone has been designated to take pictures and videos so they can be posted on your new social media accounts
  • Handouts - (optional) print and distribute the “Problem, Solution, What is OFTW” flyer
  • I GIVE ONE % sign - if you haven’t done so already get a “I GIVE ONE %” sign. Here is the link to the “I GIVE ONE %” sign instructions!

 

  1. Effective marketing and outreach

Kick-off Event Invite Email

Subject: One for the World Kick-off Event Invite

Hi Jane Doe,

Have you ever said to yourself… I want to help people, I want to have an impact, or I want to change the world?

Well here is your chance to turn those good thoughts and intentions into action!

There is an exciting new initiative coming to McGill called One for the World. It’s a transformative organization and grassroots movement, with chapters at Wharton, Stanford, MIT, Harvard, UPenn, Duke, Berkeley, and Columbia that is working to end extreme poverty in the developing world by motivating students to engage in effective philanthropy.

We want you to join us in launching this new chapter of One for the World! We are still accepting applications for the Executive Board positions and the Student Ambassador program. The OFTW McGill Kick-off Event will serve as an opportunity for interested students to learn more about OFTW and how to get involved in the movement. We think you could be a great fit for our community and could benefit from the opportunities One for the World has to offer!

The OFTW McGill Kick-off Event will take place on September 18th at 8p in College Hall, Room 202. Our main speaker will be Professor Smith, Assistant Dean of the School of Business / Steve Hind from the One for the World Executive Committee (former BCG and Bridgewater Associate)

Beverages and snacks will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there! And of course, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best,

One for the World McGill Chapter Leaders

 

Recruitment Email

Subject: One for the World  Executive Board Positions

Hi all,

Have you ever said to yourself… I want to help people, I want to have an impact, or I want to change the world?

Well here is your chance to turn those good thoughts and intentions into action!

We are looking for talented students to apply to join the One for the World Executive Board. The OFTW Executive Board provides overall strategic direction to the chapter, manages operations, runs marketing and outreach, engages with existing donors, and works to expand the organization's donor base.

If you are looking for an opportunity to set the direction of a growing organization that can make a huge impact, this is an exciting opportunity. If interested, please submit your application [link to your application] by 11:59 pm on September 25th.

To learn more about One for the World please visit 1fortheworld.org and watch the attached introduction video.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Best,

One for the World McGill Chapter Leaders

Kick-off Event Reminder Email

Subject: REMINDER One for the World Kick-off Event

Hi Jane Doe,

Looking forward to seeing you tonight at the One for the World Kick-off Event! Please feel free to forward this email to any friends or peers that you think might want to come!

Where: College Hall, Room 202

When: Tonight from 8:00pm - 8:45pm

Who: Professor Smith, Assistant Dean of the School of Business.

Why: Because we want to end extreme poverty in our lifetime!

Beverages and pizzas will be provided.

Best,

One for the World McGill Chapter Leaders

 

Kick-off Event Thank You Email

Subject: Thank You for Coming!

Hi all,                                                                  

We want to thank you for attending the official One for the World McGill kickoff event last night. We hope that you found the event informative and worthwhile. Your presence made a direct contribution to the community we endeavor to create.

If you were interested or inspired by anything you heard last night we encourage you to apply to our Executive Board or Student Ambassador program.

The Executive Board provides overall strategic direction to the chapter, manages operations, runs marketing and outreach, engages with existing donors, and works to expand the organization's donor base. Learn more about Executive Board positions and apply here [link to application]

Student Ambassadors (SAs) are the lifeblood of the One for the World. SAs are responsible for spreading the message of effective philanthropy to their respective networks and growing the OFTW movement on campus. Learn more the Student Ambassador program and apply here [link to application]

We are so excited about McGill joining the One for the World movement and we hope you are too!

Best,

One for the World McGill Chapter Leaders

  1. Other Best Practices

  • Follow up with everyone who attends
  • Make sure everyone is wearing a OFTW shirt
  • Practice what you are going to say before the event

Example Marketing Materials: