Below are some tips from universities currently running Big Pink Volleyball Tournaments!
Why did you choose to start Big Pink Volleyball on your campus?
· James Madison University - The event was implemented because we wanted to add an additional special event program. This event was very successful at WIU and created funds for a great cause.
· Carthage College - Our campus is very athletic and I thought it would be a good hall philanthropy for the building I was working in to organize.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We wanted to not only give back to our community but use the event as an educational event to our student population on the importance of giving back.
· University of Alberta - Having known Judy at Western Illinois University and the successes they had, we wanted to also offer something new and something that can make a difference.
What kind of response have your received from your campus community from the event?
· James Madison University - The event is significantly smaller than WIU, but has increased from the previous year. JMU is a very involved campus, so I believe that the program will continue to increase.
· Carthage College - Most people are very excited about it. However, it is difficult to reserve space during athletic seasons and as a result, we've had to hold the event during odd off hours, which makes it difficult for people to participate.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We didn't get much help from other departments last year. This year, the event is being co sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha. All proceeds from the event will go through their foundation.
· University of Alberta - Great response from the cancer society, not bad turn out for the first year.
Do you partner with any other departments on campus for your event?
· James Madison University - The event is strictly implemented by University Recreation.
· Carthage College – No.
· Missouri Science and Technology – Residence Life but we struggled in the collaboration at times.
· University of Alberta – We didn’t this year, but we will with student groups
Do you have any unique marketing techniques for your tournament?
· Carthage College - We always blow the ball up and have it available at the sign up table for people to see how unique it is.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We are giving organizations extra participation points for Intramurals.
· University of Alberta - We went around the with big pink volleyball to all our intramural volleyball games and hope to promote it on athletic events (we have a street team that goes out to different buildings on campus)
Do you have any tips for people that are looking to start the tournament at their school?
· James Madison University - I would suggest that schools should market to the entire intramural program to begin their event. Research how WIU organizes and implement their tournament because they do it very well.
· Carthage College - Definitely seek out forms from other institutions to help you make sure you're covering all your bases. Also, make sure to check with your school's liability policies.
· Missouri Science and Technology - Get students involved with the planning and execution of the event. Sororities and Fraternities are good groups to have contacts with.
· University of Alberta - Try to get the ball donated as it is the biggest expense
· James Madison University - The event was implemented because we wanted to add an additional special event program. This event was very successful at WIU and created funds for a great cause.
· Carthage College - Our campus is very athletic and I thought it would be a good hall philanthropy for the building I was working in to organize.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We wanted to not only give back to our community but use the event as an educational event to our student population on the importance of giving back.
· University of Alberta - Having known Judy at Western Illinois University and the successes they had, we wanted to also offer something new and something that can make a difference.
What kind of response have your received from your campus community from the event?
· James Madison University - The event is significantly smaller than WIU, but has increased from the previous year. JMU is a very involved campus, so I believe that the program will continue to increase.
· Carthage College - Most people are very excited about it. However, it is difficult to reserve space during athletic seasons and as a result, we've had to hold the event during odd off hours, which makes it difficult for people to participate.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We didn't get much help from other departments last year. This year, the event is being co sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha. All proceeds from the event will go through their foundation.
· University of Alberta - Great response from the cancer society, not bad turn out for the first year.
Do you partner with any other departments on campus for your event?
· James Madison University - The event is strictly implemented by University Recreation.
· Carthage College – No.
· Missouri Science and Technology – Residence Life but we struggled in the collaboration at times.
· University of Alberta – We didn’t this year, but we will with student groups
Do you have any unique marketing techniques for your tournament?
· Carthage College - We always blow the ball up and have it available at the sign up table for people to see how unique it is.
· Missouri Science and Technology - We are giving organizations extra participation points for Intramurals.
· University of Alberta - We went around the with big pink volleyball to all our intramural volleyball games and hope to promote it on athletic events (we have a street team that goes out to different buildings on campus)
Do you have any tips for people that are looking to start the tournament at their school?
· James Madison University - I would suggest that schools should market to the entire intramural program to begin their event. Research how WIU organizes and implement their tournament because they do it very well.
· Carthage College - Definitely seek out forms from other institutions to help you make sure you're covering all your bases. Also, make sure to check with your school's liability policies.
· Missouri Science and Technology - Get students involved with the planning and execution of the event. Sororities and Fraternities are good groups to have contacts with.
· University of Alberta - Try to get the ball donated as it is the biggest expense