getting started

harnessing the strength in your community

Community action is most powerful when driven by a genuine, local strength of feeling in support of an initiative. It might be an idea to talk to frie

nds and neighbours to find out whether they feel the same as you before you commit yourself to taking action, as this will help you gauge whether your ideas are realistic.

The ‘letters to the editor’ page of your local newspaper may help to give you an idea of issues that are important to others in your local community. Equally local councillors will know whether any action is already taking place.

It may also be worth finding out whether any groups already exist in your area. It might be easier to join an existing group than set up a new one. Get in touch with your your representatives to test the water.

However, if you do want to start a local community group, you may want to start by organising community meetings to introduce people to your ideas.