Organize an #EFWeek event
This can be your students, co-workers, colleagues, clients, friends, or a specific group you want to help. It’s not a competition and you don’t have to break any attendance records, two is a group already!
Or you can consider having an event with people not in your immediate circle. If there are people in your local community you don't have contact with, consider reaching out. Venture beyond your immediate boundaries. Reach outside the bubble.
The number depends on the type and size of the event. The most important thing is to have a passion for sharing knowledge and supporting each other, and to make sure everyone has what they need to keep things running smoothly.
Classrooms, libraries, coworking spaces, conference rooms and various public spaces have in the past made for great event venues with some preparation.
But virtual events are also a rapidly developing phenomenon, showing the flexibility and ingenuity of freelancers and their ecosystems! Virtual events can be as a simple video call or as complex as a full on event via software. We are seeing interesting variations, such as silent gatherings and no-screen events as well. You are only limited by your imagination!
This will help you decide what you will do and how. There's a list of formats below.
It can be very general ("Tips to improve your freelance career") or specific ("How to deal with taxes and social security"). It can be skills-focused ("Learn how to use X") or simply a meet-up ("Get to know other freelancers").
If it's possible and responsible where you are, ask your local coworking space to host. If you can't find a location, contact us and we'll try to help. For online events there are many options from very simple to really high-featured. If you are suffering from choice overload, contact us and we'll try to help there, too! We have a fair amount of team experienc with virtual events and we love to share, so do reach out!
Ask someone to moderate the event. Invite a speaker (perhaps from a freelancers' association). Or keep it casual without a formal agenda.
Create a Facebook event and invite your network. Put up a poster in your coworking space. Share it on your social media and other channels (Slack, ,Whatsapp, Messenger…). And of course, submit it to www.freelancersweek.org so we can add it to our map.
>> Here is the EFW2020 press kit, which you can also use >>
Provide some drinks, or ask participants to bring their own. Put on some music to create some atmosphere. Use a projector to show slides (we'll provide you with some). Greet each participant and introduce them to someone else. Make a special Zoom background for your event.
Take photos or videos and share them widely! Use the hashtag #EFWeek. You can also @ mention us on our various channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @FreelancersEU
