January 7th is the Epiphany for Christians. It is the climax of the Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas (counted from December 25th until January 5th). In some cultures, the evening of the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Twelfth Night, is celebrated including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA).
The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.
So, whether you are a Christian or not, you can still use the theme of the Epiphany to “show” or “make known” information about your organization to the general public or to volunteers, supporters and even your own employees.
Here are 12 ideas – one for each day of Christmas - that you can use to “show” and reveal” the GOOD things about your GOOD cause as we start 2018!
- Post photos of the people, places and pets you have helped throughout the year on the walls of your offices or facility. Include a story or quote with the photos. People like to put a face with a cause, so share your stories and watch the conversations start!
- Take out a “thank you” advertisement in the local paper, as a post on Facebook or as an ad in a trade magazine. Thanking volunteers, contributors or the general public for their help and contributions in 2017 is a great way to start the New Year.
- The Epiphany remembers the three wise men that came to honor baby Jesus. The number 3 is a great number to use in business. Try to summarize your mission or statement of purpose in three words or in three sentences. Post these for employees, volunteers and visitors to see!
- Signage – do you have a sign at the entrance of your facility or offices? If you don’t have a sign, invest in a good one. If you do, is it worn out? Can people actually read the words? Is it visible to traffic from the road? Always put your best foot forward, and a sign is a great way to promote, advertise and “show” folks who you are!
- Hold a special meeting with employees and volunteers to start the New Year. Ask everyone to come up with three personal and professional goals for the year!
- Ask your volunteers to reach out and ask three people they know to help your organization in any way they can in 2018.
- Make the commitment to show up at networking meetings, chamber events, and other community events.
- If you are in management, “reveal” your company or organizations plans for 2018 with employees. Let them know they are an important part of the overall picture.
- Reach out and share with other organizations and businesses like yours. You may gain insight, ideas and even be able to cooperate on projects and fundraisers.
- Update your employee and volunteer directory.
- Try including a volunteer or employee feature story in company newsletter or other publication. When you “show” others the good people behind the good things you do, they will respond!
- Make the resolution to touch just one life with your time or talent. That has been, and always will be the best way “to show” how much you care!
Happy New Year!