Discover how ROR is leading the way in AI for community recreation — helping YMCAs, JCCs and rec centers create smarter outreach, optimize budgets and deepen local impact through generative AI.
At first glance, artificial intelligence may seem like a far cry from youth swim lessons or senior fitness classes. But for today’s YMCAs, JCCs and community recreation centers, AI isn’t just relevant — it’s rapidly becoming essential.
From budget constraints to rising community demands, nonprofit recreation leaders face constant pressure to do more with less. That’s where ROR, a strategic marketing and analytics firm, is stepping in with AI-powered solutions designed specifically for mission-driven organizations. Through a blend of creative development, hyper-local analytics and smart media planning, ROR is helping community rec executives tap into the transformative potential of generative AI without losing the human touch.
“AI is not about replacing people,” said Steve Ayers, the senior vice president of business development at ROR. “It’s about elevating your team’s capabilities so they can focus on the parts of the job that really matter — building relationships, making programs successful and serving the community.”
Here’s how that vision is playing out on the ground.
Creative Campaigns at the Speed of Community
One of the biggest AI breakthroughs for YMCAs and rec centers lies in content creation. Using generative AI tools, ROR can help organizations create professional-grade visuals, scripts, voiceovers and video content in a fraction of the time — and cost — compared to traditional production cycles.
“We’re generating full video scripts aligned to your brand voice, multilingual adaptations and even diverse imagery that reflects the community you serve,” said Ayers. “AI helps us go from concept to execution in hours instead of weeks.”
This is especially powerful for organizations that need to market seasonal programming, member drives or special events across different neighborhoods and languages. AI ensures every campaign can be tailored for maximum relevance, without overburdening staff or stretching the marketing budget.
Ayers emphasized that it’s not about cutting corners. “Authenticity is non-negotiable in community outreach,” he said. “That’s why we train these tools with your tone, your mission and your values. The AI learns what matters to your members.”
Smarter Spending Through AI-Driven Media Mix Modeling
For organizations where every dollar counts, understanding where to spend is just as critical as what to say. ROR’s media mix modeling solutions use AI to analyze historical performance and real-time data across platforms — from print to digital to out-of-home advertising.
“Most nonprofits don’t have the luxury of running inefficient campaigns,” Ayers noted. “We use AI to optimize your media spend by predicting which channels and messages are going to drive the most engagement, whether that’s memberships, donations or volunteers.”
By constantly learning from campaign performance, the models allow rec leaders to pivot in real time. Underperforming ad placements can be phased out, while high-performing ones are scaled quickly. It’s a data-backed approach to ensuring that limited budgets stretch further.
“Before AI, that level of agility just wasn’t possible,” said Ayers. “Now, you can adjust your strategy mid-campaign based on what the data is telling you.”
Hyper-Local Insights for Hyper-Relevant Outreach
A blanket marketing approach doesn’t work for community rec. That’s why ROR is using AI to analyze trade areas with pinpoint accuracy — combining thousands of geographic, demographic and behavioral data from over 262 million Americans to surface hyper-local insights.
The result? Recreation center teams can understand the unique needs and preferences of the people who live in their zip code, not just nationally or regionally.
“We can identify where young families live, what kinds of programs they’re likely to engage with and even how far they’re willing to travel,” Ayers explained. “You don’t just market a family swim class — you market it to the exact families who are most likely to attend.”
Beyond demographics, ROR also pulls in mobile behavior data and competitive overlays. That means centers can spot gaps in programming compared to nearby facilities, or find ideal locations for community pop-ups and events.
“It’s like having a neighborhood X-ray,” said Ayers. “You can make better decisions faster, with less guesswork. Think of it as a digital blueprint of your community. You see exactly where to focus, act faster and avoid costly missteps.”
Predictive Audience Building: Precision Powered by ROR’s Data Spine
Reaching the right audience isn’t just about timing — it’s about targeting with precision. ROR’s custom audience tools are built on a powerful data spine that blends first-party engagement signals, household-level behavioral insights and machine learning models trained on real member outcomes.
“Our platform doesn’t just look at demographics,” said Ayers. “It understands behavioral patterns — like who’s likely to join a fitness class, enroll in youth programs or lapse after a few months — and builds audiences accordingly.”
For example, a branch looking to grow its after-school offerings can target local households with school-aged children, demonstrated interest in enrichment programs, and a history of community engagement within a specific trade radius.
What makes this approach different is the predictive layer: ROR’s models continuously learn from past performance data to refine outreach lists, prioritize high propensity leads and suppress current members to eliminate waste.
“This isn’t guesswork or broad strokes,” Ayers added. “It’s data-backed targeting that provides a propensity score to join or use each program, designed to maximize every dollar and drive real conversion.”
AI as a Mission Multiplier
For many nonprofit rec centers, adopting AI can feel overwhelming. But as Ayers put it, the risk of waiting may be greater than the risk of starting.
“We’re in a moment of massive transformation,” said Ayers. “The organizations that lean in early will have the advantage — not just in efficiency, but in impact. We’re here to walk alongside you, not just to implement tools, but to unlock new ways of fulfilling your mission.”
In an age where digital engagement and personalization are no longer optional, ROR is helping community rec centers stay ahead — armed with smarter insights, better tools and a deep understanding of what it takes to serve local communities with heart.
Because when AI is done right, it doesn’t replace the mission. It powers it.
