Kick-Start a Community Group
Posted on | May 6, 2010 | 6 Comments
Most well-intentioned community group efforts fail.
They fail because they try to get all the stakeholders they can into a room to forge bonds that may or may not exist. They fail because they don’t take into account those that have agendas. They fail because those agendas conflict, becoming arguments. They fail because those not interested in arguing, quit.
You can’t start a group effort by starting big.
People need to identify with the purpose of the community group and with one another.
Start small. Model knowledge-sharing and positive networking behaviours yourself … what do you have to give to the community? Identify and invite community influencers and advocates. Watch people interact. Assist folks in really getting to know one another … informal coffee dates or anything involving food is good for this. Ask people what they would like to give and get.
While difficult – there’s no road map for building relationships – this work will steadily build trust, buy-in and support for the community … and trust is the glue that binds communities together.
Build the bandwagon. Once it’s rolling, you may be surprised at how many other people want to jump on.
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Tags: bandwagon > community > Community Building > rural > rurban > trust
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6 Responses to “Kick-Start a Community Group”
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May 7th, 2010 @ 9:01 am
So often small town community groups start because someone has a bone to pick, which gets the group off on the wrong foot from the start. Even if the group is started in response to something negative, having a stated positive purpose will keep most of the naysayers at home, and give organizers a chance to control rancor. I recently wrote a post that might help (there is a “best small town in America” contest that sparked this post) http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2010/03/be-the-best-small-town-in-america-in-10-easy-steps/
May 7th, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Thanks for sharing, Joanne!
August 31st, 2010 @ 5:35 pm
Good advice in this excellent article. I too thank you for sharing.
We have been trying hard to increase membership of a local community group but when I look at the points raised in the article, we may have been going about it the wrong way.
I like the notion of getting to know each other first; and you’re right, food always works. Let’s establish common goals and from there we may develop a cohesive group. Thanks again.
September 2nd, 2010 @ 7:49 am
@ Jan – You’re welcome. Trust takes time to develop – and we all know there’s never enough time … especially if there’s a project plowing forward!
September 2nd, 2010 @ 8:56 am
To further comment and to show the regard I hold for this timely article, I’ve put it on the agenda for a particular meeting next week, and I’ve posted it in its entirety (with proper attribution)on my blog.
Thanks again.
Jan
PS. Rurban Fringe is probably my favourite newsletter/website
September 2nd, 2010 @ 11:58 am
@ Jan – Thanks for your comments and kind words, I’m pleased you found it useful. It’s often tough to find good folks to take on additional duties, and the dynamics are shifting as volunteerism (overall) is in decline. In rural areas, especially, how we can continue to engage quality people to keep programs, events and services going is a challenge only beginning to reveal itself …