IWW “HOW TO” GUIDE - STAGE 1
You don’t have to do this alone, we can help!
Every CU team will have different skills and experiences but they all share a common vision. And we are here to help you execute on your vision. We’ve got years of experience helping organise this week so you may as well use it! If you haven’t met us yet, you can ask the outgoing International Secretary to introduce us or just drop us a line.
We’d love to meet with you!
MARCH & APRIL
HAVE A COFFEE WITH US
Let’s share ideas about IWW and how we can support your vision. We know what does and doesn't work for International Students so can help with the planning!
CONSIDER YOUR AIMS
Previously the CU has focused on giving a warm welcome, sharing Jesus, getting students connected where they fit, and growing the CU students themselves.
AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Historically, 2-5 people has been perfect to ensure work is spread evenly and decisions are made quickly. It’s very helpful to have International Students on this committee.
APRIL & MAY
Have a meeting with the organising team:
Confirm Evening Events - Social events with an optional Bible study have always worked well. If you want your events advertised in the booklet all International Students receive, get your event information to the international office by the end of May.
Plan Recruitment - International Welcome Week success usually hinges on the CU Welcome Team. The bigger your team, the bigger the welcome!
Communicate with the Student Union - The Student Union is often busy and slow to respond so speaking to them early is key. For best results, book the marquee (Tue-Sat day) and Riley Smith Hall (Tue-Sat night). Make sure to mention that the marquee will need electricity and chairs provided.
Follow Up - Deciding what next steps you're inviting International Students to take after this week really helps the CU ministry to feel seamless and cohesive. Don't forget that some International Students will be Christians and some won't, so invite people to events that you think they're likely to get the most out of.
Meet up with Transformations Leeds. We can HELP WITH:
Training - We’ll take the CU through what they need to be confident in reaching International Students.
Church Welcome Services - We’ll do the legwork and organise these so you don’t have to.
Recruiting - We’re especially good at finding Christian International Students for the CU team.
Volunteers - We can provide staff, interns, and volunteers from churches.
Key things to do BY the end of may:
Previously, the time towards the end of exams has been ideal to recruit a CU team for IWW.
Contact the CU Individually - Advertisements, blanket emails, and announcements are a great first step but nothing beats a personal conversation. Whether digitally, or in person, recruit internally by directly contacting the CU students individually. A closed facebook group for those who join the team is a great idea.
Meet with the Potential IWW Team - A short meeting for those who have expressed interest in joining the IWW effort has been encouraging. It makes the week feel tangible to people so that they're more likely to commit to it. This is a great time to share stories of how God's worked through previous IWW, what the week entails, and what they're specifically committing to during the week itself.
Organising Committee To Take Action ASAP - IWW feels a long way away but it’s a lot easier to get things sorted before everyone goes away for the summer.
JUNE
Meet With the IWW Organising Committee
It's great to get the organising committee together before people leave Leeds. If that's not possible then connect digitally for progress check-ins. It’s always good to:
Review the team meeting and discuss ways of recruiting more people.
Appoint one person to update the facebook group every 3 weeks, at least.
Follow up on the room bookings, marquee, electricity, and chairs. It’s not confirmed until it’s in writing!
Send progress updates to Transformations Leeds.
Pray together.
If you’ve got any questions, concerns, or suggestions feel free to drop us a line at phil.thomas@transformationsleeds.org.uk and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
