7 Steps for Organizing an Amazing LGBT Event Conveniently Close to You

Whether you live in a small town or a major city, it can sometimes feel like the perfect LGBT event for you just doesn’t exist. But if it doesn’t exist, creating it can be a great way to get more involved in your local LGBT community and meet more people. Here are seven steps to get you started.

1) Figure out what kind of event you want to organize.
Before you can start organizing an LGBT event in your local community, you need to figure out what events are missing. Does your community need an LGBT book or movie club? What about a reading series? Are you more interested in starting a brunch group? Maybe you’re into LGBT dance parties.

You also need to think about the scale of your event. If you’re interested in a dance party for 50 or more people, the process of organizing your event is going to be a lot more challenging than an informal OITNB viewing party in your living room.

2) Gauge community interest.
As a former student organizer, I can confidently say there are few worse feelings than hosting an event that three people show up for. While you might long for a gay comic book club, you need to make sure other people are interested too. Ask friends, contact anyone local in your online communities, put a survey out on Facebook and Twitter, and ask local LGBT organizations if they know anyone who might be interested.

3) Find a co-organizer.
Once you have an idea and you’ve found other people who are interested, ask someone who seems as dedicated as you are if they’d like to help organize the event. While working on an event alone gives you more control, working with someone else is a lifesaver if something else comes up in your life. The best co-organizer is someone who has a different set of strengths and skills than you.

4) Make to-do lists and set deadlines.
Write down everything you need to do to plan your event, from buying plastic cups to booking a space. Set a deadline for each task, and assign someone to it. Make sure you check in regularly to see that everything is getting done. For larger tasks, like booking a space, keep several options available. Before you set a final date for an event, confirm that you’ll actually be able to accomplish everything you need to do in time.

5) Connect with similar groups and events.
Going to similar events and talking to event organizers can open up the door to work on future events together. They also may be able to point you toward resources you didn’t know existed, or direct group members toward your event. People are also far more likely to show up on the big day if they know you personally.

6) Start promoting your event as soon as possible.
Once you’ve set a date for your event, start promoting online and in person. Post flyers in LGBT centers and coffee shops. Create a Facebook event. Follow up with anyone who expressed interest in early planning stages. The most effective way to promote an event is to connect with people in person or at the very least with a personal invitation. If 100 people RSVP on Facebook, you can expect 20 to 30 to actually show up—and that’s being optimistic. A Facebook “Maybe” is always a no.

7) Deliver what you promised, and ask for feedback.
If your event is a reading for LGBT authors, make sure the authors who say they’re going to read are actually going to show up. If your event is an OITNB viewing party, don’t sit on the couch and watch YouTube videos because someone just had to show you a squirrel wearing tiny sunglasses.

Let go of the idea that everything is going to go exactly how you planned, and shoot for about 90% success. Your first event will not be perfect, and that’s okay. Asking for feedback from those who attended will help make the next event even better.