How to start an international ‘Trinity in…’ alumni group

Information for group leaders

The Alumni Relations & Development Office (ARDO) is delighted to support our ‘Trinity in…’ international regional groups to keep alumni furthest from Cambridge connected to each other and to the College. In return, we hope that groups will help us further our aims in supporting both our alumni community and current and future generations of students.

A group works best where there is active volunteer leadership, ideally a number of Trinity alumni representing each generation, working together. Some groups will form a committee, others operate more informally. Ideally, all groups will organise periodic social activities.

What should a ‘Trinity in…’ group do?

• Independently organise events – perhaps regular informal drinks in an easy to access location; a dinner at a local restaurant; a talk from a Trinity guest speaker (online via Zoom or in person), or a visit to a local place of interest
• Welcome new graduates to your area each year with a social event or email introduction to the group
• Create an online presence  – use whatever platform is most widely used in your location (e.g. Facebook, WeChat, WhatsApp) so that alumni can find and communicate with you and with each other
• Set up a generic group email address
• Form a small committee/steering group to share the responsibilities to ensure continuity, representation, and appeal across Trinity generations

What support will ARDO offer?

• Advice on getting started, building momentum, maintaining engagement
• Input and ideas on identifying other potential volunteer leaders in your area
• General (anonymised) information on the alumni demographic in your area
• Include the group on the College website and provide online registration forms
• Create a group presence on the College LinkedIn account and on Trinity Connect*
• Include the group in the College’s Annual Record magazine
• Send out e-communications on behalf of the group to members and local alumni
• Promote group activities via College social media, e-newsletters and magazines
• Event support by including details in our event listings and on our bookings system
• Use of the College Zoom account for virtual events
• Provide a Trinity in… logo for you to use in your communications
• Inform the group of upcoming visits from Trinity Fellows or staff
• Periodically partner on specific events and provide modest funding, for example, if the Master or other Fellows speak at your event

* Trinity Connect is the bespoke e-networking platform exclusively for Trinity alumni

How should groups support the aims of the College and the ARDO?

• Maintain the link between alumni and Trinity by keeping local alumni updated on College activities, and keeping us updated with your members’ news
• Support alumni and students relocating to or from your area by providing a friendly welcome, local advice, and career connections
• Support & promote awareness of Trinity and Cambridge, and liaise with other local Cambridge and Oxbridge groups
• In partnership with the Fellow for Alumni Relations & Development and the ARDO team, encourage and promote alumni philanthropic support for Trinity which is vital for the success of the College