Archive for 10 January 2008

Tips on getting started

With applications now open, I wanted to share some pointers on how to get started and organise your community:

1. Recruit a core team – while it will help to work with a whole community, you are also going to need a few key people to drive the project forward and encourage others.

2. Elect a spokesperson – people are going want to know about what you are doing, so choose someone who is an able speaker and understands the project well. They should be able to inspire your community and engage with other people.

3. Identify skills – try and find people with the kind of skills you think you’ll need. In particular, take advantage of the wide range of skills people in your community will have to manage the project. From bookkeepers to electricians, all will have a role to play.

4. Identify like-minded people or not-for-profit organisations or others who may have a vested interest in your entry – from local voluntary groups to schools and community centres - tell them about your ideas and try to enlist their support. Remember, their help could make your project an ever bigger success.

5. Agree your ideas and what you want to say about them as a group – one person will need to complete the form on behalf of your group / organisation, but the Big Green Challenge is all about team effort and everyone should be involved in the process. Start filling in the form as soon as possible, don’t wait until the deadline on 29 February. Apply here now!

Good luck – I look forward to seeing your entries!