How to do Phi Psi Fridays in 3 Easy Steps

(on any day of the week)

WHATS A PHI PSI FRIDAY?

Its similar to most other Phi Psi social events EXCEPT in the way its planned and evaluated. Its a way that: promotes having frequent events allows for events in multiple neighborhoods in larger cities is low to no cost to those planning it or attending requires minimal advance effort to organize has the best chance to be viewed as a success by all those who attend. can be easily branded as an Alumni Association event can be used to promote other AA, Chapter/Colony, and National events (The same applies for Phi Psi Mondays, etc.)

HOW DOES IT PROMOTE FREQUENT EVENTS?

This program only requires two Brothers to show up for it to be successful. Over time, as they have a good time and as these events are publicized in advance, others will begin to attend and you can have enjoyable get-togethers with three, four, five or more.. Still, numbers are NOT the goal any number above two is just a bonus. Minimal advance planning is needed. Either or both of the two can plan the event. He/they pick the location, date, and time, and announce via Phi Psi channels. Phi Psi Fridays can be held as often as any two Brothers want usually every Friday or every other Friday. This solves the weakness of monthly events; miss a monthly event and you're absent two months from these events. Some attendees will make most, some one or two a month, some less often. Weekly frequency better fits the schedules of all of them without inconveniencing the planners.

Its the It Only Takes Two! model. HOW DOES IT ALLOW FOR EVENTS IN MULTIPLE NEIGHBORHOODS?
In this context, a neighborhood is any section of a community where its easy to get to the event location picked. That promotes attendance by those already in the area and allows for events at the same time in multiple neighborhoods. Brothers have a choice as which to attend.

WHY IS IT LOW TO NO COST?

If you are meeting in a local restaurant or bar, theres no room to rent, no supplies to buy. Just find a table or two when you arrive and go from there. Any costs for food, beverages, billiards, etc., can be

personal.

WHY WILL IT BE VIEWED AS A SUCCESS EACH TIME?

If just two want to meet anyway to have a good time, the event will be judged by them as a success and worth doing again. Odds are high that others who join them will, too, especially as they return and build relationships. These are only held when at least two want to do it.

HOW CAN IT BE BRANDED AS AN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EVENT?

Just contact the Alumni Association and ask for permission to do it that way, as a series if all goes well. Then ask them to help share the news in a timely fashion that you provide to them. Get them a copy of this leaflet to get a better idea of what youre planning and why.

HOW DOES IT PROMOTE OTHER AA, CHAPTER/COLONY/NATIONAL EVENTS?

You and others will be able to share that kind of information during the socializing. No business meeting needed.

The It Only Takes Two Model

STEP 1
(Do the following in any order) a. Get a commitment from at least one other Brother that he will attend your event. b. Pick a location. If there is a Phi Chapter or Colony nearby, pick a location where undergraduates also can attend. Look for a place (such as a bar-restaurant) which offers entertainment (billiards, shuffleboard, video games, etc.) that you can incorporate intdo your program c. Pick a date and time. d. Connect it to your Alumni Association to help increase the AA's visibility. If there's a Phi Psi Alumni Association in the area, get permission to identify your event series as an Alumni Association activity.

STEP 2
Promote via all available channels email, Facebook, etc. If you plan to hold the first several on Fridays, promote it as a Phi Psi Friday. Once the brand begins to get established, you also might hold a Phi Psi Monday, Phi Psi Tuesday, etc., whenever desired.)

Let people know if they can bring guests. Explain they can drop in anytime during the event. Contact your Alumni Association or Kevin Marks, Director of Alumni Services, for names and email addresses. Perhaps the Alumni Association will send information out for you, as well as post your event on any Web page it maintains.

STEP 3 Arrive early and claim your space.

Use some identifier such as a small Phi Psi flag or paper flag on a stand to help first-timers find you.

Do not cancel, once announced, even if you may be the only one who shows up.
You never know who may show up and you dont want them disappointed. They may never return. Even sending out notice that the event has been cancelled doesnt insure everyone will get it.

Bring a camera and take photos of those who attended, then post on Facebook, etc.
This is another good way to build awareness and document your activities for your next AA report in The Shield, for your AA history files.

POST-MEETING
Don't be discouraged if the first, or first several, events don't draw. It may take several weeks. That's normal. Give it a chance. Numbers are not the the measure of success. Consider how you will save the photos and any notes about the event you want to keep for documenting these Alumni Association events for your history. (Consider creating the position of AA Historian or Reporter.)

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS
Alumni Associations can take the lead and let members know they can do Phi Psi Fridays or Phi Psi Mondays, etc. -- event under the AA name using these suggestions. In larger communities, multiple AA Phi Psi Fridays (and/or Phi Psi Mondays, etc.) can be held in different parts of the area, if there is interest. Alumni Association Web sites can be used to prominently promote Phi Psi Fridays, with a brief explanation of what they are and how early and late they will be announced. This Web site feature also should help drive frequent return visits to the Web sites.

THE MADISON MODEL (Madison, Wisconsin) 3

Most Phi Psi Fridays are held at the same location, but will shift to another from time to time for variety or other reasons. Those offering billiards, shuffleboard, video games, etc., are favored and are built into the event activity options. Games can be played at individual initiative or featured as part of the program from time to time. The site locations are chosen to be accessible by undergraduate members. Parking nearby is a plus, particularly if free. Bus service nearby is another plus. Events are open to wives, girlfriends, and other friends of Phi Psis. The host site is deemed responsible for insuring compliance with drinking age laws. Events are announced no earlier than at the previous event and no later than two days before via the Wisconsin Alumni Association Facebook page, the BadgerPhiPsi Yahoo Group, an existing list which gets messages to both alumni and undergraduates, and a special list for just Phi Psi Friday events. (Those even hours away get notices and sometimes drive to Madison to attend.) Advance announcements include mention that non-alcoholic beverages are available (along with food), and efforts are made to make those attending comfortable in choosing them. Phi Psi Fridays are held in conjunction with Founders Day celebrations when held on Saturdays. Any outside Founders Day guest speaker is invited to attend that Phi Psi Friday and his/her attendance is included in the event announcement. Questions: Contact Mike McCoy at 608/274-1638, On Hiawatha Circle Madison WI 53711, or mccoymh@chorus.net
June 14, 2011