GET INVOLVED
As a hyper-local organization, we look to the community to help us plan and execute events, share the stories of small business owners, and elevate the commercial corridor. Volunteers help us to make a greater impact and create a stronger community.
VOLUNTEER AT UPCOMING EVENTS
GMS COMMITTEES
GMS Committees are the hands and feet of the organization. These committees work collaboratively to create a vibrant, collaborative, and economically resilient business community that is attractive to both residents and visitors. Committee members are expected to:
Assume a one-year term from October to September,
Attend the monthly meetings and trainings of your committee, with no more than three absences during the year,
Oversee at least one project within your committee,
Respond promptly to meeting requests and emails,
Promote GMS and its work to your network and encourage their participation in our events, campaigns, and activities, and
Volunteer their time and skills to support GMS events and activities
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The Economic Vitality Committee, which shall be composed of Board Members, the Executive Director, and community members, shall use data-driven strategies to strengthen existing small businesses. The Economic Vitality Committee will oversee the small business grants process and work with the Executive Director to implement programs that directly support and stabilize Georgetown small businesses.
More specifically, the Economic Vitality Committee shall be responsible for:
Determining the criteria and priorities for the annual small business grant and selecting the grant recipients
Analyzing and interpreting existing market conditions, baseline data regarding job growth, businesses, vacancies and sales trends in partnership with the Georgetown BID • Annually collecting surveys from business operators to determine needs and priorities
Exploring programs, grants, and other resources for businesses, in conjunction with the Executive Director
Establishing and overseeing programming to educate small businesses on best practices and trends
Creating environments and opportunities for business owners and managers to network
Monitoring policies that may affect small businesses
Working with Executive Director to develop and regularly update a welcome packet
Working with Executive Director to provide information about community and economic development issues to local officials, public and private building owners, and the general public
Major EV Committee responsibilities include: • GMS Small Business Grants Program • Business Breakthrough Series Workshops • Annual business survey • Industry support groups
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The Events Committee, which shall be composed of Board Members, the Executive Director, and community members, shall plan and execute Georgetown Main Street events.
More specifically, the Events Committee shall be responsible for:
Organizing and hosting events that are designed to attract both locals and tourists to benefit the small business community
Organizing and hosting community events that locals together to enhance the vibrancy of Georgetown
Integrating fundraising opportunities into all events, in partnership with the Fundraising Committee • Recruiting and supporting event volunteers
Working with the Executive Director to ensure the organization is participating in events and programs expected in the DC Main Streets Grant Agreement
Major Events Committee programs include: • Art All Night • Flower Tour & Cookie Tour • Fall Market • Art Walks
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The Community Outreach Committee, which shall be composed of Board Members, the Executive Director, and community members, shall plan and execute Georgetown Main Street engagement with the Georgetown Community.
More specifically, the Community Outreach Committee shall be responsible for:
Hosting community events that are in alignment with the interests of the neighbors and small business community
Increasing the visibility of GMS to the neighborhood through strategic partnerships with community organizations and institutions
Instituting a regular neighborhood community event such as a happy hour
Identifying volunteers
Working with the Executive Director and other Committees to disseminate updates and programs with the neighbors
Major Community Outreach Committee responsibilities include: • Events geared toward Georgetown neighbors • Maintaining partnerships with community organizations like the Georgetown Citizens Association, Georgetown Village, Georgetown University, and more
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The Marketing & Public Relations Committee, which shall be composed of Board Members, the Executive Director, and community members, shall engage the neighborhood, promote Georgetown small businesses & the organization.
More specifically, the M&PR Committee shall be responsible for:
Increasing the visibility and protecting the brand identity of GMS through consistent graphics, communications, and images
Recruiting volunteers
Working with the Executive Director, Social Media Manager, and volunteers to produce content and increase engagement and impressions
Reviewing and revising communication strategies for GMS including social channels, email campaigns, and printed collateral
Developing and printing informational pieces about the organization and programs
Working with Executive Director, Social Media Manager to regularly review a content calendar
Reviewing and recommending website updates Major M&PR Committee responsibilities include:
Shop Small Marketing Campaign
Website updates
Online & print promotions
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The Fundraising Committee, which shall be composed of Board Members, the Executive Director, and community members, shall diversify and grow revenue for GMS, cultivate donor relationships, and support the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
More specifically, the Fundraising Committee shall be responsible for:
Developing and executing GMS's annual fundraising strategy, including individual donor, sponsorship, and grant outreach
Planning the I <3 GEORGETOWN PARTY
Identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations
Reviewing and recommending fundraising goals, timelines, and budgets to the Board
Supporting revenue diversification efforts to reduce reliance on any single funding source
Assisting with donor acknowledgment, recognition, and retention practices
Coordinating with the M&PR Committee on donor-facing communications and campaign messaging
Reviewing fundraising program performance, including community programs that support GMS's fundraising goals
Major Fundraising Committee responsibilities include:
GMS 10 Year Anniversary Campaign & Party
Individual & corporate donor outreach
Sponsorship development