Starting a new Group

Any member can put forward suggestions for a new group they themselves would like to establish and run, or suggest a group they would like to see established.  Ideas for new groups are always welcome.  
In the first case discuss your idea with the Group Coordinator.  The Group coordinator will guide the process of starting the group with the steps below depending on circumstances:

• Generate and test for interest in the idea, announcing in the First Monday Meeting, in the newsletter, Members' Update email and website and make a list of interested members.
• If the Member suggesting the new group is not willing to run the group, then identify a Group Leader for the prospective group.
• Discuss (Group Leader, Group coordinator and Treasurer) the expected running costs for the group and whether it will all be funded centrally or if group members will need to self-fund.
• Hold an initial meeting, agenda including the following numbered points:

1. Discuss the purpose of the group.
2. Check for skills within the group.  
3. Agree, if relevant, the level that the group will be aimed at – beginners, improvers, advanced.
4. Agree the tasks that need doing to run the group and who is willing to support these – who is willing to help with the programme or support the administration. 
5. Agree how the group will work – discussion, instruction, presentation etc. 
6. Agree when and where the group will run. 
7. Identify any accessibility needs that group members may have. 
8. If the group will need to self-fund, agree the costs for running the group and what members will need to pay.
9. Discuss how group members will communicate with each other

• Discuss meeting room requirements with the Venues Officer and request bookings. 
• Discuss all equipment requirements with the Equipment Officer and identify any particular needs eg adaptors, tools, new equipment.
  
• Update all interested members, and announce at the First Monday Meeting and in the Newsletter.
• Arrange for access to Beacon with the Beacon Administrator.
• Arrange for a group webpage with the Website Coordinator.
• Start Meeting!