Public events

Over the years many people have put on introductory or public events in their communities. Some have been big and some small. Some have worked better than others. It seems that those that have worked best have been a little bit innovative with a lot of preplanning and effort. In our community in Norwich we have tried to get away from the ‘same old’ with everyone coming, watching a DVD of Maharaji speaking and going home. Instead we have had food, drinks, musicians and expressions as well as guest speakers, all of whom have added a more human and personal touch to the occasion.

At an event at the Mermaid theatre in London this year which brought 120 new guests, the organisers divided the evening into two parts. The first part was a more formal occasion with Kadiali, a musician from Mali, got everyone in the mood by playing the Kora as people started to take their seats. This was followed by well chosen DVDs and 'testimonials' from two young people. The second part was a ‘soirée’ with more live music and bars. It was a place where people could chat, pick up the Keys if they wanted or just enjoy dancing to the music. Everyone who was involved really enjoyed putting on this event and felt that it was a great success. From some of the feedback, people particularly liked the ‘human touch’ and the fact that Emma who gave an expression said ‘see you later in the bar’!

Here is some feedback from someone who helped to set up the event and people after the event:

'Being involved in managing a small section of this public event was a real treat. It is always a wonderful surprise at how 'easy' it is to be working towards an event where you and the team are all focused on one thing only - offering an opportunity for everyone to have the possibility of experiencing something special and personal when listening to Maharaji's message. I had a brilliant day.

' Something that is for everyone, regardless of religion or cast, I am definitely going to look into the keys’. ‘It was very moving to see people talking about their experience live . Instead of more videos’.

musician at the Mermaid event in London, February 2008

Promotion is a really important part of a public event. Gone are the days when we shied away from advertising in the media. Some people have placed adverts in local newspapers or written advertorials inviting people to an event. For instance in one small town in Gloucestershire a half page advertorial brought 60 people to an introductory event with Charan Anand.

It might be worth having a promotional strategy with a concept for the event and a number of different strands. Here is our idea for the strategy to promote an up and coming public event in a music café in Norwich.

1.Via word of mouth
2.Via electronic media, including whats on sites, email invites sent to all people on mailing lists and also to friends, also linking to websites
3. Via tickets and posters in shops and restaurants /cafes
4. Via articles, advertorials and adverts in newspapers
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