FURst Aid: Advancement opportunities from hybrid public outreach series

Abstract

FURst Aid is a series of free, hybrid events for animal lovers. Attendees learn practical first aid and preventative care skills from a diverse pool of experts at the Oregon State University (OSU) Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM) to help them look after their furry friends. This case study will cover how the FURst Aid series offers public outreach, engagement and service, as well as continuing education to professionals (including CCVM alumni). It will also elaborate some practical tips and lessons learned for offering a successful hybrid event series. Though produced by a small advancement team and on a tight budget, the series yields great results and reaches a wide spectrum of audiences. By offering all events free of charge, economic barriers to the public's participating in and receiving benefits from this service are greatly reduced. From an advancement perspective, the series has enabled the college as well as the OSU Foundation to engage with a strategically important community for marketing, alumni relations and fundraising efforts. Readers will learn how to tap into their own experts to engage their own core communities, and considerations to plan, advertise and deliver a hybrid event series.