Why Events Should Be Part of Your Purpose Story.

A busy week for Purposefully, as I attended two client events - one as a co-organizer and the other as a sponsor. Attending these events on behalf of organizations with very different missions, I have a new- found (renewed, perhaps?) appreciation for community events as a way to magnify your mission. 

I was part of the event planning team for the BC Diabetes Research Network (BCDRN) at Kelowna's Innovation Centre on September 20 for the Type 2 Spark Innovation Challenge - $25,000 in seed funding available for researchers and innovative to look at prevention, treatment and management for type 2 diabetes. While the event's primary goal was to recognize innovative ideas and provide funding, it did that and so much more. It provided the BCDRN and opportunity to connect with community partners, share knowledge about innovative projects in research and connect with a community of people living with or affected by diabetes. 

The next night was a very different evening yet still focused on innovation and community engagement. Employ to Empower hosted its fifth annual Cardboard Project. As an event sponsor, I had the opportunity to sit back and really enjoy learning about the benefits of untraditional entrepreneurism for low income residents of Vancouver's downtown Eastside. 

Two events; two incredibly different charities - one science the other social; and yet, both of these events created similar outcomes - a stronger connection to the community and an opportunity to share their organization's purpose. 

When is your organization hosting its next community engagement event?