Created: August 21, 2013 at 9:31 AM | Updated: February 15, 2024 | By Community Resource Kit
Sometimes, people get ideas to help their community. They see something that needs fixing or notice that something helpful is missing.
Tip: Listen to different opinions and ideas - this is consultation. It's okay to be excited about your idea, but be careful if only people you know agree with you, as it might not be the best choice.
Think about why you want to do this, what you want to do, where you want to do it, when you want to start, who will be involved, and how you will make it happen. Decide on some rules for your project. You will need to make a plan for how your group will work together.
If you do decide to set up a non-profit, you'll need to start by deciding which is the best legal structure to use.
Tip: Starting and keeping community projects going takes a lot of commitment, time, and resources. Think carefully about whether it's better to start a new group or work with groups that already exist. Be ready for projects to need more time, work, and money than you first think. Also, consider how you'll manage volunteering alongside your other commitments, like work or family.
Next page: Stages of development
Previous page: Community and voluntary groups in New Zealand