Find people who share your interest

Pull together a few people who share your interest in forming a new organization. Most likely this will be people you already know, and some of them might bring others into the discussion.

How many people are affected by the issue you want to address?
How many residents are transient, not staying in your community very long?
How much effort can you expect from neighborhood residents?
Are you able to give the time required?
Are there any existing organizations that can address the issue?

How to structure your community group

There are many possible variations of a community organization's structure. Answering the following questions can help you determine what works best for you:

  • Is the goal to work on a specific issue?
  • Will the organization disband after the issue has been addressed?
  • Do you want to create a more permanent organization that begins with a focus on a specific issue, over time but might also take on new issues as they develop and the group grows?
  • Do you want a neighborhood group or a group that covers a larger geographic area?

Spread the word about your community group

There are times when a small number of people can accomplish a lot. But let's assume the work you've identified for your group will take time and will need the active participation of many people. What can you do?

  • Hold a meeting that's open to the public in an accessible location.
  • Post notices about the meeting on public bulletin boards in community centers, religious institutions, laundromats, and other public places.
  • Send notices to community media outlets.
  • Use social media and other online platforms to spread the word. Examples include creating a Facebook event page or a Meetup group. You can use these and other platforms to create updates, alerts, and reminders.
  • Make it as easy as possible for people to get into contact with someone from your core group. Is there a phone number they can call or text, or an email or social media account where they can send a message? Also, ask if it's okay to send them reminders.

How to hold your first public event

First impressions are always important. This also applies to your organization's first public event. It's critical that attendees have a positive experience. Remember, your goal is for people to decide they want to be a part of your organization.

Here's what you can do:

  • Have someone to greet people and offer a printout of the meeting agenda.
  • Ask people to sign-in Leave a column for phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Have an information table with an overview of why the organization is being created, ways for people to get involved, and upcoming activities.
  • Introduce the organization's core group.• Be able to clearly explain why the organization is being created. The problem you will address. How you envision the organization functioning.
  • Open the floor to questions.

How to build and keep your momentum

Make calls or hand out leaflets announcing an activity.
Ask local stores to hang posters.
Enter names into your database.
Prepare mailers for the post office.
Call other volunteers to sign them up for tasks.
Work on logistical details for the next public activity.
Take charge of a specific committee or group.
Coordinate the work of a group of volunteers.

The challenge is finding the right balance between engaging people and not overwhelming them, giving people tasks they can handle, ensuring they are not bored, and asking people to try new things while ensuring they can handle what they take on.

Most people want to be involved in helping to decide what the work is. They want to help shape the decisions of the group, such as what positions the group takes, the organizing priorities, and the specific activities being planned. Some people will come to your group with experience and expertise and will be able to jump right into a decision-making role. Others will need to be taught how to do this type of work.