The Shrinking Attention Span Challenge for School Advancement
In a world where attention spans are constantly shrinking, engaging constituents in ways that used to work before is becoming increasingly difficult. Our attention spans are shrinking. Studies show we spend less time on any single thing. This decline stems from our fast-paced, overstimulated world where multitasking is the norm and digital devices constantly vie for our attention.
It has become harder to engage constituents in conversations about giving. So, what does a small school advancement team do?
Compass School of Texas' Solution: Fireside Chats
When there is a lot of competition for attention, one thing that works is providing value on topics parents care about. Compass School of Texas has this amazing idea: host fireside chats which offer content from experts in a special location that helps families and provides insights they otherwise wouldn't learn.
At Compass, our goal is to empower parents through education and raise awareness about essential programs and concepts for which we passionately advocate. We focus on crucial topics such as brain development, the transformative power of education, and the importance of being a lifelong learner. We want to equip parents with valuable tips and actionable strategies they can implement at home, fostering an enriching environment for their children’s growth and success.
In the fall of 2024, the school hosted its fifth and sixth installments of the fireside chat series, "A Child's Brain Development and the Case for Nature and Science" and "Find Your Family Compass with Less Anxiety and More Connection", respectively.
Learning from the Advancement Director at Compass School of Texas
Katie Doherty is the Advancement Director at the Compass School of Texas. We had the chance to speak with her to learn more about the Fireside Chat series at her school.
How do you recruit speakers?
We identify the topic first and then discuss which panelists would be best to speak on the content. Strategically blending different voices, backgrounds, experiences, and areas of expertise is intentional and can result in a great conversation with energy and an easy flow.
How do you come up with topics and how do you determine who to invite?
Currently, We have been focused on the brain and its development, mental health, nutrition, and healthy habits. We are next moving into a series that will highlight our five core values of Community, Family, Leadership, Purpose, and Resilience. The April fireside chat we will focus on leadership. We are planning to ask men and women who have served in political office or in the United States Armed Services to serve on the panel. We have been brainstorming ideas. Compass’ leadership team discusses what topics and we are moving forward with our Core Values series for now so that will take us through planning through Fall of 2026. We typically have one in the fall and one in the spring.
Leveraging Fireside Chats for Prospect Engagement with ChalkBooks
With the help of ChalkBooks, Katie Doherty, a new Advancement Director at the Compass School of Texas, was able to quickly build lists of the top prospects she wanted to engage but didn't know well enough to ask for an in-person meeting.
The solution was an event invitation to the Fireside Chat that brought a lot of value to them and opened the door for future conversations that are more organic and value-based.Katie quickly pulled lists of current parents, her top prospects and friends of schools as well as donors that have recently donated.
Quick Guide to Hosting Your Own Fireside Chat
Here’s a to-do list for the Director of Development to organize an event with remarkable speakers that aligns with the goal of empowering parents through education:
Event Planning & Strategy
- Define Event Objectives
- Clarify key goals: Empower and educate parents
- Identify takeaways: Tips and actionable strategies for parents to apply at home.
- Select Event Format & Date
- Determine whether the event will be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
- Choose an appropriate date and time, considering the availability of key speakers and the target audience’s schedule.
- Identify and Secure Speakers
- Research experts on brain development, education, and lifelong learning.
- Reach out to potential keynote speakers, educators, or thought leaders with notable credentials.
- Send formal invitations and confirm participation.
- Plan the Agenda
- Develop an event schedule with time slots for each speaker.
- Allow time for Q&A and interactive sessions for parents to engage directly with speakers.
- Include opening/closing remarks that tie back to the school’s mission and vision.
Logistics & Operations
- Secure Venue or Platform
- If in-person: book a venue large enough to accommodate the expected audience.
- If virtual: select a platform like Zoom, Teams, or a webinar hosting service with breakout room capabilities.
- Arrange A/V and Tech Support
- Confirm sound, lighting, and projection equipment for in-person events.
- For virtual events, ensure stable internet connection, good camera setups for speakers, and tech support on standby.
- Catering and Hospitality
- Arrange catering for refreshments, if in-person.
- Plan for speaker hospitality (e.g., welcome packets, hotel, and travel arrangements).
Marketing & Communication
- Develop Marketing Plan
- Create promotional materials (flyers, emails, social media posts).
- Send “Save the Date” invitations to parents.
- Highlight the value of attending by focusing on the actionable strategies and tips that will be shared.
- Collaborate with Key Stakeholders
- Involve school leadership, faculty, and parent ambassadors to spread the word.
- Partner with relevant organizations or local groups to help promote the event.
- Prepare Registration Process
- Set up an easy registration process (online forms or RSVP system).
- Track attendees and manage reminders.
Content & Material Preparation
- Prepare Speaker Bios and Event Program
- Write speaker introductions and prepare event programs for attendees.
- Include resources like reading lists, tips, or worksheets for parents.
- Coordinate with Speakers
- Confirm presentation topics and flow.
- Ensure each speaker’s content aligns with the event’s overall theme and objectives.
Day-of Event Execution
- Set Up On-Site (or Virtual) Registration/Check-in
- Organize a check-in table for name badges (if in-person).
- For virtual, ensure registration is smoothly integrated with the platform for easy access.
- Host Event Rehearsal
- Conduct a run-through of the event with speakers and tech team to ensure everything is seamless.
- Engage Attendees
- Facilitate interaction through Q&A sessions, breakouts, or live polls (depending on format).
- Capture key moments and quotes for future use in communications or marketing.
Post-Event Follow-up
- Send Thank-You Notes
- Thank speakers, attendees, and volunteers.
- Personalize messages, including key takeaways from the event.
- Conduct Post-Event Survey
- Request feedback from attendees to improve future events.
- Collect data on what parents found most useful and engaging.
- Share Event Highlights
- Post event recap, photos, and videos on the school’s website and social media.
- Create follow-up materials with key takeaways or resources mentioned during the event.
This checklist will ensure that the event aligns with the School’s mission of educating and empowering parents.
.png){kind=icon}
