COMTO Week
Our annual membership drive is a valuable opportunity to showcase the benefits of membership and encourage participation and greater involvement. This week brings diverse transportation industry professionals across modes and disciplines to the COMTO family.
COMTO Week highlights unique benefits for all stakeholders:
- Agencies: Gain COMTO as an equity partner to actualize agency equity, diversity, inclusion and workforce development initiatives
- Private Sector: Access to curated network of diverse career candidates for recruitment
- Historically Underutilized Business: Representation on National efforts to ensure equitable contracting opportunities for HUBS
- Academic Institutions: Individualized support for research and academic initiatives
- Individuals: Career advancement and professional development
- Students: No cost, Access to scholarship, paid-internship and employment opportunities
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Host an Event
Plan a local event to showcase your chapter’s efforts. Whether it's a community outreach program, an educational workshop, or a networking mixer, make sure your event aligns with COMTO’s mission and provides value to your members and community. Consider partnering with a neighboring chapter to co-host an event or share resources during the week. This collaboration can strengthen regional ties and expand the reach of your efforts.
Lunch and Learn
Invite members and supporters to hear from experts and network over lunch.
Book Club
Select a book focused on transportation, equity or related subject and invite participants to join for a fee and receive the book and take part in monthly discussions.
Golf Outing
Use this event to raise money for your Chapter’s Scholarship Fund.
Honor Your Members, Partners and Local Sponsors
Use this week to highlight outstanding members, partners and sponsors who have made a significant impact in transportation. Consider sharing stories on your chapter’s social media platforms, newsletters, or COMTO’s member portal to shine a light on those making a difference.
Networking Events
Organize a networking event that encourages members to meet local businesses and professionals. This can be informal and include activities designed to facilitate conversations. This will also allow local companies to share their products and services, which will provide a forum for your local HUBs to network and exchange information.
Volunteer Projects
Engage members in community service activities that also teach valuable skills, such as organizing a community cleanup or creating a resource guide for local job seekers.
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Legislative
Legislative Briefing Sessions and Educational Workshops
Organize informational sessions that provide updates on current legislative issues pertinent to transportation and diversity. Invite local government officials or lobbyists to speak about their experiences. Or offer sessions on the legislative process, how to communicate with elected officials, and best practices in advocacy.
Meet and Greets with Legislators
Organize informal gatherings where members can meet local legislators, discuss current issues, and express their concerns. These events will allow members to foster relationships with their representatives.
Member Spotlights
Highlight members who are doing outstanding work in advocacy and legislation through newsletters or social media.
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Membership
General Membership Meeting
Hold a general membership meeting to discuss local chapter business and invite a guest speaker.
Information Booths
Set up information booths at schools, libraries, community centers, or local events. Provide information about the Chapter and offer membership sign-ups.
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Youth and Workforce Development
Career Development Seminar or Career Fair
Work with your local high school, college, and local businesses and organizations to organize a seminar or host a career fair. This can provide youth with exposure to various career opportunities and allow members to connect with one another and potential employers.
Youth STEAM Day
Work with your local middle and high schools to do an event that would introduce and expose youth to the many career opportunities in the transportation industry.
Mentorship Program Launch
Launch a mentorship program by pairing experienced members with youth to provide guidance, support, and industry insights. During the membership drive, promote this program and encourage sign-ups.
Guest Speaker Events
Invite industry leaders and successful professionals to share their experiences and insights about workforce development. This can inspire youth and offer networking opportunities.
Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions
Organize workshops focusing on resume writing, interview skills, and communication. Invite local professionals to lead these sessions.
Career Shadowing Opportunities
Facilitate opportunities for youth to shadow professionals in their work environments, giving them first-hand experience of various careers.
Do you have suggestions to add to this list? Share them with COMTO at [email protected]!