getting started
you have an idea
Most projects start off as someone's (or a group's) bright idea for dealing with a particular issue in the community. The individual or group sees a need, or finds out that something they want is not available, or discovers that resources are available that could be used by the community.
do some research
The first step to take before you act on your idea is to consult:
- Check out the idea with friends and relations, people in the community, anyone who might be affected by the initiative.
- Who else is doing something about your issues (or something similar)? Can you link with them rather than set up another community group?
- Is your idea/issue identified in other community planning exercises, such as the Ministry of Social Development's Local Services Mapping (LSM) or the local authorities Community Outcomes Processes (COPs) and Long Term Council Community Plans (LTCCPs)?
- Look at the statistics, demographics etc. Do they support the need for a new service?
- Check with local councils, central government agencies, iwi, hapu and other community networks, community leaders etc to get a more independent opinion.
Tip
Listen to, and take into account, differing and opposing views. It is often easy to find support for an idea you are passionate about. Don't be lured into a false sense of support because the people you know say "go for it"!
do some planning
If it appears there's good reason to set up a new group to deal with the issue or concern you had, now's the time to do some planning. You need to be clear about the 5 "Ws" and an "H":
- why you want to do something
- what the vision is you have for the future i.e. what you want to do
- where you plan to operate from and in which area of the community
- when you are going to do it
- who will be affected, who will be involved, who needs to know
- how you intend to make this happen i.e. how your group will operate.
You may need to look at setting some ground rules - these may develop into a constitution. You may start to consider the best legal structure to use. This also requires you to do some planning to see how realistic it is to set up and maintain a new community group (refer to "Strategic Planning" in Section 2 - Planning).
Tip
Running community groups can be hard work often with limited resources. Think very carefully before setting up a new group - it is often better to link with and possibly influence and extend an existing group that has a similar purpose and vision for society. Be realistic about what you can achieve - projects usually take more time, energy and money than you expect.
"walk the talk"
Once you've considered all the above and you want to put your ideas into action, you need to do more planning - see the next section (Section 2 - Planning).