GROWING YOUR LOCAL GROUP

SETTING A STRATEGY AND DEVISING PLANS TO DELIVER THAT STRATEGY Having an agreed strategy for your group will increase We also strongly recommend that you consider: its attractiveness to existing and new members as ■ the interests, passions and priorities of your group’s it will show a unity of purpose and a clear sense of members, direction. [...] Aspects you will probably wish to consider in ■ the major social and economic issues in your setting your strategy are: area, particularly in relation to marginalised or underrepresented groups within your community, ■ what do you want the group to have achieved in including BAME, women, disabled and LGBTQI the next year or two? people and young people, ■ how do you see your group in terms of memb. [...] Consider: taking on actions during the group meetings? ■ Does your group ask new members what they think ■ Does the group have an attractive leaflet, website about the group’s plans? or social media profile that tells people about the ■ Does your group ask new members what they group? might like to do for the group? ■ Are group meetings welcoming, well facilitated and ■ Are new members given the r. [...] Asking new ■ Does your group have a simple and attractive members what skills they have to contribute and what leaflet that a new member could distribute to other they are most interested in doing and what skills they sympathetic organisations? would like to develop will help to ensure that your ■ Could they come with you to meet with another new members are both doing what they are most community. [...] The more your all efforts and successes via its newsletter and we group feels part of a wider movement that is achieving strongly encourage groups to connect and share on success, the more likely it is that you can inspire your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and in the members and attract new ones.