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 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 (Word, 29 KB).