Summer Institute for Communications and Marketing Pre-Institute Sessions-Because We-ve Always Done It This Way...Does that Make it Right

Because We-ve Always Done It This Way...Does that Make it Right

Pdf Summary

This document summarizes a session on alumni engagement fundamentals, presented by Joycelyn Blizzard and Katie Young. The session discusses reasons why programs or processes don't change and offers strategies for defining goals, assessing existing programs, and updating or sunsetting initiatives. The session also emphasizes the importance of engaging key stakeholders and highlights the opportunities that come with disruption. <br /><br />The document introduces the concept of the Mutual Value Proposition (MVP), which explains how engagement serves both the institution and alumni. It emphasizes that a lifelong relationship must be based on a mutually beneficial exchange. The MVP should be adaptable and scalable to individual events, initiatives, and programs.<br /><br />The document explains that delivering mutually valuable experiences involves connecting alumni to the institution and to each other, delivering unique content and connections, and assessing success through revenue, participation, satisfaction, and awareness. It also discusses the value to the organization in terms of advancing the institution and acquiring or stewarding alumni.<br /><br />The document then outlines a cycle for assessing programs, including analyzing and evaluating existing data, identifying gaps and barriers, making decisions, and defining, redefining, or eliminating plans. It suggests using a matrix map to help with this process.<br /><br />The document provides examples of programs that can be changed, refreshed, or eliminated and offers guidelines for selecting the best ideas based on clarity, usability, stability, scalability, sustainability, integration, and ROI. It also emphasizes the importance of gathering data throughout the implementation process.<br /><br />Lastly, the document offers advice on how to impact change from anywhere, including setting appointments, being prepared and articulating a vision, expecting resistance, following up, and staying positive. The key takeaways from the session include the criticality of data, the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement, and the need to remember the MVP and stick to the plan.

Keywords

alumni engagement

programs

change

Mutual Value Proposition

connecting alumni

assessing success

advancing the institution

assessing programs

selecting ideas

impact change