How are we doing. How could we do better How are we doing? How could we do better? Chris Church Community Environment Associates Oxford Friends of the Earth November 2016

Today’s workshop Aims to look at: What ‘doing well’ means for a local voluntary group How you can assess and review the work of your group The exercises that we will do here are all ones that you can use with your group

Reviewing your group work Decide that you want to do this Get the key people to commit Set a suitable time and place (and have some food) Take notes! Agree outcomes and next steps

Many groups are on a ‘plateau’… … and it seems like the way forward is downhill? (or it’s just me and him holding the group together) So how do we move on up? How do we raise ambition within a group?

Believe in the group Groups do come and go But regeneration is often possible: DO STUFF! Commit to act! Ask for help for specific activities. Be clear on exactly what help is needed. It may be tough, but unless you are seen to act why should anyone get involved?

SO… How’s it going? Let’s consider (for now more than 2 minutes!): The good things that have come from the groups’ work this year The problems that we’ve had The confusions and questions that people may have

So what does success look like? A group is….. The people…. The ‘core’ The wider membership And The activities (this can vary hugely) The purpose (the aims, the vision) The planning The reflection and learning The fun

So let’s assess these points now ‘  An ‘Outcomes Star’ is primarily designed for use by groups of people. There are on this star five points (can be less), and each covers a specific issue. For each of these issues please decide which statement best sums up where your group is and put a cross on the star at the relevant point.

Now…. Where do we start? How are the group on People (activists / members)? Purpose / vision? Levels of activities Discuss within the group and choose where to focus. Identify an activity that can help tackle one or two of the areas where you have scored low.

One more way to tackle a problem - Ask why! (five times…) A very simple way to get to the root of a problem: E.G. “We find it hard to get people to take on responsibilities at meetings.” Ask why! and then ask why when you get the answer. And then ask why again (and three more times)....

Valuing volunteers Most people in the UK will not get involved in local activity. The people that do are the most important resource. How do we support and develop that resource?

Sustaining your group Make it enjoyable – this is a leisure activity for many people Communicate – in every way Review and celebrate

Thanks! Chris Church chrischurch@cooptel.net