The end result should be a tentative calendar ready for publication and distribution at the first club meeting. This will give the membership a head start in planning their own family's calendar. Asking them to save the dates well in advance could increase event attendance. Our spouses' clubs around the Coast Guard are truly creative in event planning and fund raising. This year's newsletters brought excellent examples of this genius.
Advanced planning is a good solution to many club problems.
It gets the board thinking like a team before the club year begins. The published agenda gives perspective members a good idea of the clubs goals and values. And other organizations can plan their events without conflicting dates. The first meeting of the club year is an uncertain time for all. The new comers are wary of the organization and the old members are worried that this will be the last time they will see the new comers.