Here are some ideas from Pregnancy Center Solutions for your center to consider and implement on campus this fall:
Participate at Convocation. A lot of schools hold these types of events in order for the freshman to get familiar with the resources and organizations in their area. This is a great opportunity for your center to be involved. Make sure you engage your younger volunteers for events like this. The students need to see young, friendly faces that they can identify with. This may be a great opportunity for you to hand out homemade cookies with a palm size card attached. This will ensure that the students receive your information.
Collaborate with Student Ministries. These are the people that know your campus the best, and have an inner connection with the students. They can also be your ticket to reaching the inside of your campus. Invite the leaders to come tour your center and see first hand what you do. They may not even know you exist. Also ask them if they would be willing to have you come and talk to their group or leadership group. You will have to research to find out which ministries your campus has, but some might include BCM, RUF, Young Republicans, Cru, FCA, SFLA, Ratio Christi, Cross Impact etc.
Connect with RAs, Fraternity, and Sorority members. These are the key, influential people on your campus. Ask them if they would like for you to come and talk on issues such as date rape, healthy relationships, abortion, etc. Consider hosting a panel where the students can come and ask the questions that they need answered most.
Contact Campus Health Services. Give them information on who you are and what you do. If your campus is willing, set up a referral program with them (some campuses will not refer to clinics that don’t also provide abortions but it doesn’t hurt to try). Depending on your campus, you may be able to perform FREE pregnancy tests somewhere on campus.
Create a Student Organization. Each campus has different requirements in order for you to become an organization. See your campus’s website to find their requirements. Becoming a student organization gives you privileges (such as being able to use their facilities to host events, etc. on campus). In general, you need some pro-life, committed current students to help you form an organization.
Host Your Event on Campus. Events are a great way to generate excitement and interest on your campus. Consider hiring a dynamic speaker that will engage your college aged audience with a topic that is relevant to them. An example would be hosting an event around Valentines Day on “Finding true love in a loveless world”. Some colleges require that their students attend a certain number of “college approved events” for credit in order to graduate. Find out what their requirements are to be approved for this list. If you are worried about the funds required to host an event like this, consider making it a combined effort with the local churches in your area.
Sponsor a College Activity. While sponsorships may cost a small amount, they give you a great opportunity to be on campus where the students are. Sponsorship opportunities may include a pre-game party before a sports game, a 5k race, a sorority or fraternity fundraiser, or a school wide activity. If you decide to become a sponsor, carefully think through things that you can give out that would interest your students. Examples: nerf footballs, water bottles, or sport bags with your website imprinted on them. You may even consider handing out free pregnancy tests with your phone number on them. When they need it, your information will be the first they see. Avoid displaying pictures of babies and only coming with materials to hand out. They will avoid you like the plague!
Our team can help you create strategies and marketing materials to reach more clients.