Recently, we put out a request calling for inputs on events for 2015. We had a bunch of people ask us in private, what we were looking for. Here is a simple primer on CIC events and how you can be a part of it.
What is a CIC Event?
The Cambrian Indian Community organizes a set of events throughout the year for the local community. Some of these are regulars like Diwali and Mehendi night. Others are flexible- we have them for a few years and then based on interest and availability of a crew, skip them in favor of others.
How can I participate?
There are multiple ways you can participate in a CIC Event. Here are a few simple ones.
1. I like to just attend and enjoy.
Here, you would look out for dates on our events, sign up in the designated manner and show up to enjoy the event and the company of friends in the community. This is a great way to get to know whats going on in the community and some of the folks behind the events. This is also a great introduction and a ringside view of what CIC is all about.
2. I like to participate but not organize.
Some parents prefer this approach for their kids who get to participate in CIC events like Raamnavami (music and dance), Diwali (Arts and cultural), Easter Egg Hunt, and so on. Parents themselves participate in some of the events but that is the extent of participation. This approach offers way to know a few folks who are part of the same participating team, very well. This is a good way to see how CIC events come together from a 5000 ft view.
3. I like to volunteer, coordinate and maybe, organize an event.
This is the real deal. I say this because this is the shortest path approach to making a ton of friends in the community. Every CIC event is put together with a ridiculous amount of attention to detail and care for every attendee. It is an experience onto itself to be a volunteer, a coordinator or an event organizer. All it takes is enthusiasm to be a part of building and executing an event to perfection. It is a ton of fun and you make friends for life along the way. You can volunteer to help on event day or help coordinate one specific part of the event or well, organize it.
4. I am an ideas person.
Your ideas as very important to us. There is more about this in the following paragraphs. If you have a suggestion for an event, please speak up anytime.
I have ideas but I am not sure what to do with them.
Every great event starts with the germ of an idea. Once you have an idea, speak up. Tell us about it on Facebook or by messaging one of the CIC board members or emailing us. Let us know if you just want to give us the idea or help make it a reality. Remember, we are all started as rookies at some point of time or the other. There are experts in every aspect of event management within CIC who can work with you in flushing the idea out and figuring out a way to make it happen.
One thing to remember- as much as we can help execute the event, sometimes, you, the inventor has the original and the purest form of the vision. You might be the best person to do it. But let that not deter you from sharing your ideas. If you cant make it happen due to whatever reason, we can figure out ways around that.
What constitutes an idea? Give me an example.
Ideas can be one liners like - I want to have an event for Holi.
Ideas can be a few sentences - I would like to do something for Holi. It could be an event with folks in Indian attire at the local park. We can play with colors and have a snack afterwards.
Or, if you are the detail oriented type, a one pager with everything you have in your head, poured out. You could also record it if you hate typing and email it to us. Or let us know you want to talk and one of us will sit down with you to work through it.
You tell us what and we can work together in everything else. Really!
I want to organize but don't have experience putting an event together.
Most if not, all of us had never done events for a community before. There is always a first time to everything. So don't let lack of experience deter you from pitching an idea or wanting to make it happen.
Still hesitant. I have a job. Kids to take care of. I think it will be a time sink.
We understand completely. Guess what, we are all on the same boat. And that is exactly why, we want you to talk to us. Let us discuss and figure out something where your idea gets the right forum. And we can make it happen. Together as a team. You do not have to do all the heavy lifting. The sheer thrill of seeing your vision come true is well worth the effort of atleast pitching it to us. You never know :)
What do I get out of it?
For starters, you make a lot of friends. You earn a lot of goodwill. And all of that is worth a lot. From talking to folks who have done this- many have gotten the opportunity to learn so much about event organization, time management, people management, and hands-on experience doing things like decorations and what not. The amount of learning here in terms of life skills is a lot. You will be a better person for going through one such experience.
Mmmmm..
No more excuses. Jump in. There is a ton of fun to be had and a lot of friends to be made. Let the community participate in your wonderful ideas. Kindly include us in your grand visions.
