Nobody Wants to Come Out in the Rain (And I Get It)

• 2 min reading time

Let's talk about the rain.

Attendance is going to dip this season, and it's not because your event isn't good. It's raining. People are tired. Their kid has a cold. Despite having a mudroom, somehow mud is still tracked all over the house. They've already been out once today for work or other obligations, and the idea of getting dressed again, being soggy, grabbing an umbrella, grabbing a jacket, just doesn't sound that appealing. Even when they like you and they support the cause.

I am also that person. I RSVP with a yes, with full sincerity. As the day approaches, I begin to wish there was a "definitely maybe" confirmation option.

Here's what you should stop doing: taking it personally. A rainy-season dip in turnout is not a referendum on your planning committee or how likable your board is. It's weather. This is also shaping up to be one of the stronger El Niño seasons in a while, so it's worth planning for rather than hoping it doesn't apply to you.

A few things that have actually helped:

1. Get your whole board showing up and participating, not just the events committee. When people see a full board present, it reads as commitment, not obligation, and it helps carry the room when turnout is lighter than usual.
2. Consider doing more virtual this year than you normally would. Not everything needs to be in person to count. A hybrid option or a virtual-only alternative gets you participation you'd otherwise lose entirely.
3. If events are a major driver for fundraising, start thinking now about alternative ways people can give or participate that don't require showing up in person. Online donation pushes, matching campaigns, simple peer-to-peer asks. Build the backup plan before you need it.
4. Make sure your invite or event details clearly outline the rain-day plan. If people don't have to call, email, or check your social media to figure out what's happening or what to bring for themselves, that's one less barrier between them and showing up.
5. Lower the bar, and consider lowering the scale while you're at it. A smaller venue can mean smaller costs. If there's food involved, tomato soup and grilled cheese might do more for morale than anything fancier. There's something about a cozy meal and a little childhood nostalgia that puts people at ease. Lean into it. "Nothing reminds me of the joy of childhood more than peeling off rain boots and warming up with hot cocoa" is a better invitation than anything trying to pretend it's not raining. Use the season as a reason to do something different. Work with the weather, don't fight it.

Some things are going to feel smaller and quieter this season. That's not a reflection of you or your community. It's a reflection of the sky. Plan for it, work with it, don't apologize for it, and don't let a soggy turnout convince you the work doesn't matter.

It does. Even when it's raining.

- LP
Damp But Determined

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