Creating an America Goes Back to School
Planning Calendar

Now that you have put your core team together, assessed your community needs, surveyed resources, set your goals, and decided on measures of success, it's time to sketch a time line for your America Goes Back to School event and partnership.

May - June

• Meet with your local school superintendent and/or principal(s) to get their support and assistance.
• Hold the first 1998 America Goes Back to School meeting;
  • Select a chairperson and a single point of contact.
  • Decide on a focus and major activities. Set goals and objectives.
  • Create a specific timetable with key tasks and assign responsibility.
  • Designate subcommittees, with chairs, such as publicity, event management, budget, and others as needed.
  • Establish weekly meetings of committee and subcommittees.
• Prepare a budget and secure sources of funding.
• Contact potential sponsors (e.g., media groups, area businesses, community organizations).
• Contact schools, key community organizations and area businesses, local officials, and other interested parties to generate interest.
  • Tell them about the plans and how they can get involved.
  • Recruit volunteers.
• Select and confirm sites and invite dignitaries for special events. Make sure you consider accessibility issues for participants with disabilities.
• Create a publicity plan and community outreach strategy.
• Submit a proclamation request to the mayor's office or other local or state official. Seek a resolution from the school board, city council, or other governing body.
• Compile a media list and other sources for communication.
• Plan a pre-event announcement, such as a press conference.
• Decide how to evaluate the success of your effort and plan for an evaluation (i.e., design surveys, designate people to observe and record the effort).

June - July

• Follow up on initial plans.
• Prepare all written materials, including press releases, copy for fliers and articles, and talking points for use in speeches. Arrange for printing.
• Confirm sponsors, event sites, and participants and speakers.
• Hire or arrange for a photographer for events.
• Complete the "Let Us Know What You're Doing" form to let the U.S. Department of Education know about your event so it can be considered as a showcase site.

July - August

• Hold a pre-event announcement (This could be a proclamation signing and/or press conference.)
• Distribute promotional materials.
• Meet with news media representatives about advertising and coverage for events.
• Confirm all volunteers and assignments.

August - September

• Send news releases for events.
• Roll out publicity.
• Double-check details with everyone involved.

EVENT(S) August-September-October

• Share your enthusiasm.
• Enjoy the events!

October - November

• Send thank-you letters.
• Prepare final reports based on your evaluation and other input.
• Meet to review your plan for sustaining public interest and involvement throughout the year.
• Make recommendations for next year's kick-off.
• Set the first meeting date and select a chairperson.

November - May