Getting People involved

Some small things I've observed over the years. May help you if you're trying to organise an activity group, or action program to get something done or maybe just an event...

If you're somebody else who has experience with this sort of thing maybe you could add to what I've said and make this blog better?

First of all you'll find people are PURE talk and as they say talk is cheap. Sure everybody will say they want to participate and help out but when it comes down to it you'll struggle. This isn't because they were lying or fronting (though in a few cases that may be true) but because you haven't given enough explanation or direction. See people are sheep and want to be told exactly what to do.

Somebody said to me earlier that people are nuff selfish these days and nobody cares. I disagree. From talking to people lots of folk care but simply feel lost or helpless and don't know how to help or else care but are cynical of big organisations and haven't the imagination to think they could do something. You have to be a director.

Say to people that you want to start a group to do XYZ and you should meet up to discuss ideas is way too vague. They won't come because they don't believe in you. You must have a clear and concise idea of what it is exactly you mean to achieve and several steps to start getting there. You need to have something concrete to present. Nobody wants to go to "chat about ideas" because everybody knows what that means. It ends up a talking shop where people regurgitate politics from books they've read to each other and sound impressive and nothing actually happens. Then you go home feeling good because you got something off your chest... That's pointless (but common).

To avoid this trap, not only have a plan detailed but be ready to allocate basic tasks from the get go. People will know you're not messing around. The tasks should be direct and leave no room for leeway at first. This is about authority partly and establishing that belief but also it will cut down on those who will say they were unsure of what was meant. Giving somebody a simple task at first increases their readyness to do something more difficult next time.

During later meetings depending on progress you can start delegating more and leaving more room for initiative with your members in what they do. They'll be into it by then.

Going back to the beginning part, when you're looking for serious people, maybe sponsors or community links and contacts don't be put off at first by scepticism or reluctance. A lot of the time these folk ARE willing to do their part but they're just seeing if you are genuine. See lots of people have proposals and plans for stuff and present them with great gusto to lawyer for example who enthusiastically gets involved only to find that the people expect HIM to do all the work. That you'll leave them holding the baby. This passing of responsibility makes folks nervous and they want to check you out to make sure you're bout it bout it before commiting to something.

So once you have your group members busy doing tasks and your plan looks like it's happening, NOW you can go looking for sponsors and serious links/contacts. Now you have something to show them.

The people you chose to work with in the first place shouldn't simply be the biggest talkers with all the ideas, sometimes they're the first to show out. Watch people for a while and think of the most dilligent or responsible. Can you trust somebody who can't make a meeting on time and is always late to have that list of numbers and adresses for by the next meeting deadline?

On to organisation, always have a plan B. If John is the driver and the one with the minivan to get you/your stuff about, don't make John you're ONLY option. Always have a back up.

If you make contracts with people read it clearly. For example I work at a building where lots of organisations and people set up events. You would be amazed at how many don't read what they signed. They don't know for example that they're responsible for organising their own cleaning, that they have to provide registered door staff, what time they're supposed to be out, noise levels, licensing requirements as regards to the law and so on... None of that is difficult or hidden yet many a time I've seen people yelling at the building management about why they can't have their deposit back. Read what you sign.

If you left it to Stacey to organise the catering don't leave it till the day or the day before to check she did it. Check the catering companies reciepts with her and be straight with that. Be clear everyone knows they're role, if you're organising that's down to you.

Don't ever view another organisation doing something similar to you as a rival. This is so counter productive and yes it comes down to your personality type so there isn't too much I can say about it only to try and recognise the devil of competitiveness when it rears it head. Try to share resources and advice, see where they've had success and where they've fallen down. Yes this sounds wishy washy but damn so many groups and organisations I know spend nuff time arguing with others.

Take advantage of things out there. Your local library probably runs several programs quite cheaply that can help you or would let you have a quiet room cheaply. Talk to the CAB to find out about benefits you can use or sources of funding. A lot of public resources money goes unused or used by others simply because people don't know it's there in the first place. They ain't coming to you, go find em.

I'll add more as I think of stuff...