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Many groups start out with enthusiasm, good attendance, and exciting plans. But, as
time progresses, attendance drops off and a few dedicated people end up
doing most of the work. These conscientious people then feel frustrated,
disappointed and let down.
It doesn't have to be this way. Some groups flourish with
active participation. Others flounder for a while but
then really take off. There is no magic formula for group health, but the
following six steps are important. Serious thought about the questions
listed under each step might help you build a strong and vital group.
1. Recruit and cultivate members.
- Do you reach out for new members all
through the year?
- Do those who might be interested know
what you are doing and how they can get involved?
- Do you cultivate new members, getting to
know them, making sure they know how our group functions, and letting them
know you really want their participation?
- Do your members feel they can be active
without committing their whole life to the group?
- Are meetings held at a time that most
members can attend?
- Do members like the space in which you
meet?
- Are members notified about all meetings?
Are they contacted in person to remind them of the meeting and let them
know about interesting items on the agenda?
- Do you have ways to let the campus
community know about your achievements?
2. Do important work.
- Do members have a clear understanding of
the purpose of the group? Do they agree that the purpose is important?
- Is your group doing significant work that
members care about?
- Is the group doing enough? Do members
feel they are part of an important group that makes a difference?
- Do you take time to brainstorm new
projects or activities that seem exciting and significant to members?
3. Take members seriously.
- Do the members of your group feel needed?
- Have you spoken with members individually
about what they think the group should be doing and how they want to be
involved?
- Are there things for members to do, even
members who don't have much time?
- Does everyone get a chance to speak in
meetings or do one or two people do most of
the talking? Do members feel their ideas are taken seriously?
- Do you make a place on the agenda for
people to report on the progress they have made on the tasks they have
taken on?
- Do members find ways to thank and
appreciate each other?
4. Run meetings people like
to attend.
- Are your meetings enjoyable? Are there
times for group members to socialize? Is there a good balance between
socializing and business? Is there a sense of community within your group?
- Is there a clear agenda for each meeting?
Do members know ahead of time about important agenda items?
- Do you have skilled facilitators for your
meetings? Do members in the group need training in facilitation skills?
- Do decisions get made at each meeting? Do
members feel part of the decisions? Do members leave a meeting feeling
that good things were accomplished?
- Do you make time to evaluate your work
and the process of the group?
5. Do what you say you are going
to do.
- Does the group take meeting minutes to
keep track of decisions?
- Does the group follow through on
decisions it makes? Are clear plans made for how to follow through on
tasks? Are realistic timelines set?
- Do you break big projects down into many
manageable tasks? Do you get assignments pinned down at meetings?
- Is there someone to remind people of
their tasks, encouraging them and helping to
solve problems that are encountered?
- Do members who take on responsibilities
know how to carry out their tasks?
- Do members work in teams or
subcommittees, so responsibility is shared and members feel they have help
with hard tasks?
6. Resolve major problems.
- Are your meetings too long?
- Is the group trying to take on too much,
so that members are worn out, and the group spins its wheels? If you need
to cut some things out, what would they be?
- Are there philosophical or personality
conflicts that need to be addressed? Do you need an experienced
facilitator to help you resolve these conflicts?
Peace Action can arrange for someone to work
with you on a plan to strengthen your group.
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