Preparation

Questions you should address first

• Why are you starting the group and what will it aim to do?
• Who will be in it?
• Where will it take place?
• Does what you are planning to do overlap with what other groups are already doing in the same area? Are there groups you should be working with?

Get support

It is important to gain support from others, such as neighbours, parents at school, church and community centre members. Try to do some initial advertising. You could create a simple poster or leaflet and place it in areas you want to target such as the school, library, community centre or local shops. Hold an informal public meeting to explain your ideas and generate interest. Think about what venue to use and what might be the best time of day to hold your meeting.

Develop your group with others

Once you have got people interested, begin to meet to think about the goals and aims of the group, how to achieve them and share out the tasks. This way everyone can have a say and feel involved in the group from the very start and one person does not feel as if they have to do all the work.

Voluntary Action Wakefield District can support you to look at your aims and objectives, if you need some help.