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When developing a group it is important to establish it in a way that tries to ensure that it will be sustainable. This will mean that the group will continue to bring benefit to local people and wildlife for many years to come. BTCV has consulted with local groups in developing a Group Review Scheme. This is a supportive framework, which defines standards for groups involved in protecting and improving their local environment. The scheme will ensure that groups are working safely, being inclusive, are independent but working in partnership and are self sustaining in the long term. Groups meeting the Group Review criteria will be able to prove to local authorities and other partner agencies that they are well run. BTCV hopes to be able to offer discounted insurance to groups who successfully undertake a Group Review. The Group Review and the training needed to undertake it is currently being developed by BTCV and is likely to be fully introduced soon. You should ask the Community Unit for more information. A successful group is one where people are enjoying themselves. To achieve this, as a group co-ordinator you need to ensure that you manage the practical work, the meetings and the people equally. Meetings are there to help you communicate and organise work effectively, not for the sake of having meetings. Avoid spending too much time in meetings It is often easy to forget one or other aspect of your group, especially when there's a lot to be done. A busy co-ordinator may get too focused on the next project and, as a result, may neglect to give advice and support to new members. Alternatively, a co-ordinator who is too busy making sure that the meetings are orderly and well run, may find that people are spending too much time in meetings and not enough time working outdoors or enjoying each other's company.
Avoid spending too much time in meetings A successful group is built around people. People decide whether or not to join the group and give up their spare time accordingly. They can come and go as they please, and without them the group will cease to function. A lot of time and effort can go into attracting new volunteers but it is worth remembering that to remain a successful and thriving group, a similar amount of energy must go into keeping them happy. Why do people join a group?It's obvious, isn't it? They join to help protect and improve the environment. Well maybe... But people volunteer for all sorts of other reasons as well. They may want to make new friends, get some exercise, learn skills and crafts, get some fresh air, learn about their local wildlife, fix up a local eyesore, make somewhere their children can play, or just have fun. All of these reasons relate, not just to conservation, but to the people themselves. Ask yourself why you joined. Is there anyone in your group who has met new friends as a result of joining? People will support a group if they enjoy it and if it helps fulfil their needs. If it does, they will work long hours and be happy, but if it doesn't, they'll stop coming. The most valuable part of any group is its members. A good co-ordinator will always devote time to making sure that group members are happy and satisfied with what they are doing. All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009 |
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