Community Connections & Marketing InnovatorAt — Hijos Del Sol Arts Productions

Project Overview: This Service Learning Project at CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is an exciting opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience while supporting a local nonprofit that promotes the arts. Students will engage in two core areas: Community Outreach/Marketing through tabling events, and Social Media Outreach to increase the organization’s online presence. The project will offer real-world skills in both face-to-face community engagement and digital marketing, with a mission to raise awareness of the nonprofit’s programs and help local artists thrive.

By combining in-person outreach and social media initiatives, students will help connect with a wider audience, increase attendance at events and workshops, and promote the nonprofit’s complimentary open art studio hours.

Project Goals:

• Enhance community engagement through both in-person and online outreach.
• Increase visibility for local artists and their work.
• Support the nonprofit’s mission by promoting its services, events, and studio space.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Community Outreach & Event Marketing:
   • Find & Attend Local Events: Students will research local events such as PTA meetings, school days, and festivals (e.g., El Grito) where the nonprofit can participate. These events will be added to the organization’s calendar for outreach opportunities.
   • Tabling & Workshop Assistance: Students will help set up tables at community events, engaging with attendees to promote the nonprofit’s services. They will also assist in facilitating interactive workshops and creative activities for participants of all ages, helping foster an appreciation for the arts.
2. Social Media Outreach & Digital Engagement:
   • Create Engaging Content: Students will develop and schedule social media posts that showcase local artists, upcoming events, and activities in the studio. The goal is to highlight the nonprofit’s mission and encourage more people to get involved.
   • Respond & Engage: In addition to content creation, students will interact with the community by responding to comments and messages, helping to build an active and positive online environment that supports local talent.
   • Promote Programs: Students will use social media to increase awareness of the nonprofit’s open studio hours, workshops, and events, encouraging more community participation.

Learning Objectives:

• Real-World Marketing Experience: Students will learn how to combine traditional marketing strategies (through event outreach) with digital marketing (through social media) to create a comprehensive approach to community engagement.
• Community Impact: Students will help foster stronger ties between the nonprofit and the community, encouraging greater participation in arts programs and providing local artists with increased visibility.
• Collaboration & Creativity: Through this project, students will collaborate with nonprofit staff, fellow students, and the community, fostering a creative environment that celebrates local talent.

Desired Student Qualities:

• Outgoing & Engaging: Comfortable interacting with the public and online audiences.
• Strong Communication Skills: Able to convey the nonprofit’s mission both in-person and through digital content.
• Creative & Passionate: A love for the arts and community service, with an eagerness to contribute to outreach efforts.
• Marketing & Social Media Skills: Experience in event planning, content creation, or social media management is a plus, but not required.

Skills & Experience Needed:

• For Community Outreach:
  • Strong verbal communication.
  • Event planning and coordination (preferred).
• For Social Media Outreach:
  • Basic social media platform knowledge (e.g., Facebook, Instagram).
  • Experience in content creation or familiarity with tools like Canva (preferred).
  • Basic understanding of social media analytics and scheduling tools.

Event Details & Commitment:

• Typical schedule: 2 hrs a day, 2 times a week, totaling 4 hrs weekly (4pm-6pm).
• Physical Requirements: Some event days may require students to assist with lifting and setting up materials.

Why Participate? By joining this Service Learning Project, students will:

• Gain hands-on experience in both community engagement and social media marketing.
• Make a tangible impact on the visibility and success of local artists.
• Be part of a creative and supportive community that celebrates the arts.

1 service learner spot!

Requirements:

• Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
• Driver's License
• Must be 18 or older
• Bilingual Desired but not required