Finding the perfect location for a marriage and relationship education program can seem like an overwhelming task but it is central to the overall success of your program. The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center gives educators some resources for finding the location best suited for the needs of a population. Imagine what it would be like to walk through a large building or complex where it is difficult to find the workshop space. For many people that would be a sign to turn around and go back home. If any part of the space feels intimidating or inconvenient, it may deter participants from proceeding.
Look for:
- Proximity and convenience for participants.
- Reasonable rental fees. Some locations may require a space rental fee, while others may not.
- A private room where non-group members are not going in and out during program time.
- Comfortable accommodations, including heating and air conditioning, good ventilation, and comfortable seating (comfortable enough to not distract from learning).
- Audibility, so that everyone can hear and be heard by the educator
- Limited potential distractions.
- A good fit for the number of participants. For example, 10 people in a large auditorium or 100 people in a small classroom are not good fits.
- A participation-friendly room arrangement, so that all participants can see and be seen by the educator.
- Possible locations include the following:
- Schools, colleges, and universities.
- Religious organizations.
- Neighborhood and family resource centers (e.g., YMCA, YWCA).
- Government agencies (e.g., Cooperative Extension Service facilities, social services)
- Corporations, businesses, and workplaces
- Health care facilities
- To conduct a workshop location assessment and review information over operational issues, download our Tip sheet and How-to Guide:
- How To Guide: Operational Issues for Healthy Marriage Programs
- Tip Sheet: Operational Issues for Marriage Education Programs