Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, because it’s all about community engagement. There’s no other time of the year where you go out and knock on your neighbors doors – anyone with a porch light on is extending an open invitation. Halloween festivities in the workplace also invite people to reach out to people they don’t know very well and start a conversation, whether it’s an autumn happy hour, a lively costume contest, or simply gathering around the candy bowl in the first week of November.
Photo Credit: The Literacenter
A recent conversation on Ask-NCN showed that nonprofit centers are getting in the Halloween spirit. The Literacenter in Chicago, IL has dressed up their reception area as a giant jack-o-lantern, in preparation for the Grim Reader’s Revelry, a fundraiser and Halloween party featuring a lifesize statue of the headless horseman, a séance to channel the spirits of famous dead author, and an exclusive bite with Dracula (for VIP guests only).
Photo Credit: The Nonprofit Innovation Center
Other centers are planning cross-organizational costume parties. The Nonprofit Innovation Center in Sacramento, CA hosts a campus-wide NIC-or-Treat celebration for the staff and their families. A costume contest rounds out their events.
Photo Credit: Common Roof
The vision of the Common Roof in Barrie, ON, of a health growing community for children, youth, and families shines through in their Inclusive Halloween Extravaganza. Because their facility is highly accessible, they transform their space into a safe trick-or-treating environment for children with multiple special needs. Last year, they had over 120 children dressed as ghosts, goblins, witches, superheroes and more, celebrating the holiday in a safe environment.
How does your center celebrate Halloween? Share pictures with us on our facebook page!