Attracting new people

This exercise is for groups that need new people to join them as volunteers or management committee members. It celebrates what the group has to offer; and then looks at the things that stop different people joining.

 

Preparation

Have a look at the 17 character cards. Pick the characters you want to use, according to the size of the group, and what kind of people they are trying to attract. You can also change character details to make them more relevant.

Print them off.

Print off the two offer and barrier sheets.

Get a few blocks of post-it notes, and pens.

 

With the group...

Introduce the idea of attracting new people, referring to the group's own situation. Have a look at the supporting information (.PPT, 15.5KB) for more ideas.

Stick the " What do you have to offer them" sheet up on the wall.

Split people into groups of two or three.

Get each small group to pick one of the character cards.

Ask them to think about what things the group could offer new people (for instance, learn skills, chance to socialise) and write these down on the post-its. Observations can be general, not just specifically about that character.

Get everyone to stick their filled in post-its under the sheet.

With the whole group, talk through the post-its, looking at common themes and overlaps. This is a good chance to celebrate what the group does.

 

Stage two

Stick the "What are the possible barriers" sheet up on the wall.

Ask the same small groups to think about the barriers to getting involved (for instance, travel costs, language) for the same character. Again, write these down, without specifically referring to that character.

Get everyone to stick their filled in post-its under the sheet.

With the whole group, talk through the post-its, grouping different barriers and themes together.

Hand the themed post-its back to the smaller groups to come up with possible solutions, as the basis of an action plan.

Don't forget to look at hints and tips (.DOC, 29 KB).