Step Up January: 5 Event Ideas for Your Chamber
Step Up January: 5 Event Ideas for Your Chamber
Posted By admin |06 Jan 2019
We’re halfway into our national community campaign and we’re already overwhelmed with the amazing #JCIUKStepUpJan photos!
Though Step Up January has sparked personal fitness goals for many members, local chambers have also used the project as a springboard for fantastic and varied events. If you’d like some inspiration for your own chamber, keep reading to discover 5 event ideas – all of which are straightforward to organise and likely to engage with members and non-members alike. We've also included a few facts about the (very positive!) impact of exercising on your mental wellbeing.
Remember...your event doesn’t need to take place in January; you just need to publish it by the end of the month.
For more info about the initiative, please read the blog or email Community Action Director, Hannah Woodcock.
JCI Nottingham kicked off 2019 with a 5k run on the 6th January. Similarly, JCI Derry is holding a park run every Saturday throughout the month. This type of event is very easy to organise – just choose a scenic route and be prepared for the winter weather! As you may expect, exercising outdoors has fantastic results on mental wellbeing. Neuroscientist Dr Andrea Michelli says that the positive effects of a single exposure to nature – for example, a walk or run in the park – can last for seven hours after the individual has experienced it. In addition, people at greater risk of developing mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, benefit more from getting outdoors than others.
Want a break from stuffy, formal networking events? You could combine your next social with a physical activity, like JCI Leeds. On the 24th January, the team will be teeing off at Junkyard Golf, a bar that uses pre-loved and reclaimed objects for their incredibly creative courses. They’ll be swapping clubs for bats on the 27th February for their ping pong social at Roxy Ball Room. If you’d prefer something more up-tempo for your networking event, JCI Rotherham will be roller-skating at Simply Skate Arena on the 23rd January. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional roller or have two left wheels; the aim of the event is to meet new people and have fun!
Sporting challenges are a fantastic way to support good causes. In 2019, JCI Manchester will be continuing to raise funds and awareness for mental health; as part of this pledge, they are partaking in the MCR 10k on the 19th May for their chosen charity (TBA). To prepare for the race, they’re organising a weekly running club, starting on the 7th January – everyone's welcome to attend, regardless of running ability. By swapping business attire for running gear, this is another brilliant example of an alternative networking event.
You can always put a creative spin on a regular sporting activity. The morning after JCI Barnsley’s Annual Dinner, a few determined (and surprisingly speedy) members raced in high heels. Inspiration for Step Up January can be found anywhere - this idea was sparked by a a WhatsApp debate!
On the 26th January, JCI Yorkshire will be joined by canine companions at a 'Netwalkies' event at Rother Valley Country Park. According to Mental Health Foundation, pets offer a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Walking a dog often leads to conversations with other dog owners, which helps people stay socially connected and less withdrawn.
To keep updated with Step Up January, join the Facebook group and search for the #JCIUKStepUpJan hashtag on social media.
1) Pick a Scenic Route
JCI Nottingham kicked off 2019 with a 5k run on the 6th January. Similarly, JCI Derry is holding a park run every Saturday throughout the month. This type of event is very easy to organise – just choose a scenic route and be prepared for the winter weather! As you may expect, exercising outdoors has fantastic results on mental wellbeing. Neuroscientist Dr Andrea Michelli says that the positive effects of a single exposure to nature – for example, a walk or run in the park – can last for seven hours after the individual has experienced it. In addition, people at greater risk of developing mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, benefit more from getting outdoors than others.
2) Get Actively Networking
Want a break from stuffy, formal networking events? You could combine your next social with a physical activity, like JCI Leeds. On the 24th January, the team will be teeing off at Junkyard Golf, a bar that uses pre-loved and reclaimed objects for their incredibly creative courses. They’ll be swapping clubs for bats on the 27th February for their ping pong social at Roxy Ball Room. If you’d prefer something more up-tempo for your networking event, JCI Rotherham will be roller-skating at Simply Skate Arena on the 23rd January. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional roller or have two left wheels; the aim of the event is to meet new people and have fun!
3) Start a Club
Sporting challenges are a fantastic way to support good causes. In 2019, JCI Manchester will be continuing to raise funds and awareness for mental health; as part of this pledge, they are partaking in the MCR 10k on the 19th May for their chosen charity (TBA). To prepare for the race, they’re organising a weekly running club, starting on the 7th January – everyone's welcome to attend, regardless of running ability. By swapping business attire for running gear, this is another brilliant example of an alternative networking event.
4) Get Off the Beaten (Race) Track
You can always put a creative spin on a regular sporting activity. The morning after JCI Barnsley’s Annual Dinner, a few determined (and surprisingly speedy) members raced in high heels. Inspiration for Step Up January can be found anywhere - this idea was sparked by a a WhatsApp debate!
5) Hold a Dog-Friendly Event
On the 26th January, JCI Yorkshire will be joined by canine companions at a 'Netwalkies' event at Rother Valley Country Park. According to Mental Health Foundation, pets offer a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Walking a dog often leads to conversations with other dog owners, which helps people stay socially connected and less withdrawn.
To keep updated with Step Up January, join the Facebook group and search for the #JCIUKStepUpJan hashtag on social media.
By JCI Manager
