A new year makes room for a fresh start. It's also the perfect time to get ahead on your group organizing and save yourself stress down the road. Use this checklist as a guide to what you should start planning this January. You'll thank yourself later.
Finalize Schedules Through the Spring
Many groups and responsibilities resume in January. Whether it's scheduling church volunteers for the next few months or creating a reservation calendar for the office conference room, planning ahead will pay dividends. Genius Tip: You can easily link sign ups that span multiple months using tabbing.
Start Planning: Beginning of the month, even if you don't send all your sign ups out at once
Start a New Club
Check off some of your New Year's resolutions right away by forming a new group. Need an idea? Start by organizing a book club — it's easy to keep track of RSVPs, the host and snacks with a sign up. Another simple, healthy idea is to start a neighborhood walking or running group. Share your sign up on social media to see who's interested in participating.
Start Planning: Beginning of the month — get your momentum going while others are feeling motivated in the new year as well
Organize Cookie Sales
Girl Scouts are out in full force at the beginning of the year selling their beloved cookies. Help your troop stay organized and maximize fundraising abilities by coordinating booth sign ups. Genius Tip: See how these Raleigh, N.C., Girl Scout troops organized their cookie selling process with SignUpGenius — and earned more money.
Start Planning: Beginning of the month, then send out sign ups at least two weeks in advance
Plan a MLK Service Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a holiday dedicated to serving others. If you're looking for service ideas, try these 20 ideas to get started. Need something that takes a little less planning? Get your kids or a group of friends together to perform some of these 100 random acts of kindness.
Start Planning: Beginning of the month (or sooner for a large effort)
Offer Tax Prep Help
The flood of W-2s and other tax documents at the beginning of the year will also mean a rush to accountants. It's simple to keep your business schedule organized with SignUpGenius. Create a sign up with available appointments, and your clients will even receive reminder emails a couple of days ahead of time about their commitment.
Start Planning: The beginning of the month for the early birds
Celebrate the 100th Day of School
The 100th Day of School is a milestone for children and teachers alike, and it will usually fall between January and early February depending on your school calendar. Make the day a celebration of learning with these 50 ideas. A classic: Ask students to each bring 100 of a small item, whether it's acorns from their front yard or M&Ms.
Start Planning: Early to mid-month depending on when this falls for your school.
Prep for Pinewood Derby
An honored scouting tradition, Pinewood Derby will get your pack's competitive juices flowing. This will likely land in February, but as a leader, make sure you've handed out car kits and established rules early. Create a sign up to recruit parent volunteers and judges and coordinate a snack schedule for the big night.
Start Planning: In mid-January so you have plenty of time to hold car-building workshops beforehand
Plan a Church Retreat
The quiet winter months are a great time to either finalize plans for a winter church retreat or get a head start on a spring one. You can organize volunteers or donations with a sign up — or ask attendees to register and pay on one simple sign up. Genius Tip: If you need inspiration for programming, try these 60 church retreat planning ideas and themes.
Start Planning: By mid-month to give yourself plenty of time for expert execution
Throw a Super Bowl Party
The big game is held the first Sunday in February, but you'll know two weeks ahead of time the two teams that have made it to the Super Bowl. Keep things simple with a sign up that requests food such as appetizers or desserts. Plus, get an accurate headcount by collecting RSVPs online.
Start Planning: Mid-month after the teams have been finalized
Get Ready for Valentine's Day Parties
Get ready for a sugar high and start planning your school's Valentine's Day party. Ask parents to send in treats with a sign up or use the holiday as a fundraising opportunity and plan a school movie night. Genius Tip: These 20 films are some of our favorite for the occasion.
Start Planning: Mid-month if you're having a more elaborate party or fundraiser or late January if it's a low-key class party
Go out and make the most of your clean slate this year. We can't wait to see the genius things you'll do!
