HANDBOOK: Small regional alumni groups

Past experience has shown that a region must include at least 400 alumni to sustain regular programming (more than one event per year). However, we recognize that volunteers from cities or regions with smaller alumni populations may occasionally wish to host an event or connect with fellow alumni via email.

How to start a small regional group

1. Search the online alumni directory to determine approximately how many Rice alumni live in your region. (Please note: The online directory should not be relied on for mailings—simply for general information). If you need assistance, contact the alumni office.

2. A very successful alumni event will draw 10-15% of the region's alumni population. Most events have a 5-10% attendance rate, and the more events scheduled in a year, the lower the attendance rate at subsequent events. Based on these guidelines, determine whether your region's population can support an event.

3. If, based on the anticipated event attendance, you think your local population is large enough to support an event, contact the alumni office. Our staff can provide you with the following:
	Guidance as to what types of events work best in smaller alumni regions
	One mailing per year, upon approval of your event proposal
	Scheduled emails to alumni to publicize events. (We typically have email addresses for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of our alumni.)
	Online registration and/or payment options for events Events should be self-sustaining (i.e., all costs for the event should be covered by the attendees, with the exception of the mailing). Local volunteers are responsible for organizing the event, and the alumni office will provide logistical support as necessary. All details must be finalized 8-10 weeks prior to the event so that the alumni office has time to design, print, and mail the invitation, as well as all emails.