You Make THE Difference

Below are the notes from our meeting with YMTD on March 9

Dear Host Societies,

Thank you again for joining the Zoom meeting last night and, most importantly, for the commitment you have made to hosting a stop on the You Make The Difference (YMTD) program tour. We truly appreciate the time, effort, and enthusiasm each of you is bringing to this initiative. Your partnership is what makes it possible for us to bring this program to communities across the province.

Following our discussion, there are a few key items we are asking each host site to review and assist with as we move forward.

Registration Link Review
Please take a few minutes to review the registration link for your site and confirm that all the details are correct. Specifically, check:

  • Venue name
  • Address
  • Maximum registration capacity

If anything needs to be updated or adjusted, please let us know so we can correct it right away.

Handout Materials
Each site will need to print the participant handout materials. The document is approximately 15 pages and is best printed:

  • Double-sided
  • Black and white

If possible, please arrange printing locally or coordinate printing through your organization. If printing costs are a concern, please let us know and we can work together to find a solution.

Food Arrangements
Because the program will be delivered at 20 stops, we are hoping to keep food costs as economical as possible. Our suggested approach is a light meal, such as:

  • Pizza
  • Sandwich platters from a grocery store
  • Veggie trays

Along with simple refreshments:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Water

Some host societies may choose to offer something additional with the help of local sponsorship, which is certainly welcome.

Please let Jess know what you are considering for your site. We are happy to help coordinate approval with the YMTD program team to ensure everything fits within the overall budget.

Room Setup
Ian’s preferred room setup is a close, horseshoe-style layout, which helps keep the sessions interactive and intimate.

Additional notes for the room:

  • For smaller groups, a microphone is not required.
  • If attendance is closer to 120–150 participants and a microphone is available, that is great, but not essential.
  • Ian also uses flip charts as part of the session.

Promotion
One of the most important roles for each host society is helping to spread the word and promote the event locally. You know your communities best and understand who would benefit most from this program. Personal invitations and direct outreach can go a long way in encouraging participation.

We will schedule another coordination meeting as we get closer to the event dates, but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support with any aspect of planning.

Thank you again for your leadership and for hosting a YMTD session in your community. We are grateful for your partnership and excited to bring this program to so many locations together.

Warm regards,
Jess Cook
1st Vice President OAAS
District 10 Provincial Director 
jesscia@oaasfairs.com

Ontario

Download YMTD Press Release

What is the “You Make THE Difference” Initiative? It is a national grant-funded leadership initiative powered by Fair.com, designed to equip fair boards, community and volunteers with practical strategies to thrive in today’s shifting environment.
Core Objectives is to assist fair organizations overcome key challenges, including volunteer shortages, financial sustainability, and leadership fatigue.

Fairs.com Canada

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🍁 GRANT AWARDED!

Congratulations to the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, the latest recipient of the You Make THE Difference grant! These incredible leaders are strengthening communities across Ontario through their local fairs and agricultural societies. With the resources and training provided by this grant, they’ll continue to educate, empower, and inspire those who make rural life thrive. The You Make THE Difference National Initiative — led by award-winning Fair and Ag Society advocate Ian Hill — is dedicated to supporting those who uplift and unite their communities.

Fairs.com is proud to sponsor this movement. We can’t wait to see the tour make its way to Ontario! 🇨🇦#YouMakeTHEDifference#OntarioFairs#AgriculturalSocieties#CommunityBuilding

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