If you have looked for a local group but have been unable to find one, you might wish to start your own. Learning from the growth of local groups, we have collated some tips and ideas below.
Getting Started
Set up an email address with an appropriate name.
Contact the Psychology Action email email to explain where you are and that you would like to set up a group; we can then circulate the new email on the National Mailing List, Facebook and Twitter to alert people who may be interested in joining you.
Also consider setting up social media accounts for your local group. These can be a good way to establish a local presence. We can also create a page for you on this website.
Set up an email address with an appropriate name.
Contact the Psychology Action email email to explain where you are and that you would like to set up a group; we can then circulate the new email on the National Mailing List, Facebook and Twitter to alert people who may be interested in joining you.
Also consider setting up social media accounts for your local group. These can be a good way to establish a local presence. We can also create a page for you on this website.
First meeting
Once you have a handful of people interested, you can arrange first meeting.
It seems to work best if you can find somewhere free to meet. We have found members in Universities are often able to book a room. Someone who has responded to your email may have access to a room through their workplace. Alternatively, people have also met in pubs or more social spaces, though this can make it difficult to access for some so try to keep this in mind.
When you have a time and a place, forward this onto the central Psychology Action email and we will be happy to circulate.
At your first meeting it may be helpful to think about the interests and experiences of attendees, what they hoped for from attending and what you would like your focus to be as a group. It's up to your group, though it might be useful to keep in mind our three aims.
Once you have a handful of people interested, you can arrange first meeting.
It seems to work best if you can find somewhere free to meet. We have found members in Universities are often able to book a room. Someone who has responded to your email may have access to a room through their workplace. Alternatively, people have also met in pubs or more social spaces, though this can make it difficult to access for some so try to keep this in mind.
When you have a time and a place, forward this onto the central Psychology Action email and we will be happy to circulate.
At your first meeting it may be helpful to think about the interests and experiences of attendees, what they hoped for from attending and what you would like your focus to be as a group. It's up to your group, though it might be useful to keep in mind our three aims.
Developing the group
The work that different groups have done has varied. Some groups have organised film nights with group discussion to get psychologists talking about social issues, others have set up local campaigns and organised a spot on the high street to collect signatures for a petition, others have linked to local campaigning groups to give support and solidarity with the campaign. Some groups have been asked to speak to University courses, local political party meetings or conferences of other professional groups.
One top tip is to sort out some key roles early on. These can always change as the group develops. Key roles might include:
In general, we have found it is easier to avoid collecting money as a group. This means you don't need to divert attention to organising a bank account and the related governance procedures required. We've found it easier to ask for donations for specific things (materials for banners, room booking costs) by putting money into a hat at the end of a meeting... And trying to do as much as we can for free!
The work that different groups have done has varied. Some groups have organised film nights with group discussion to get psychologists talking about social issues, others have set up local campaigns and organised a spot on the high street to collect signatures for a petition, others have linked to local campaigning groups to give support and solidarity with the campaign. Some groups have been asked to speak to University courses, local political party meetings or conferences of other professional groups.
One top tip is to sort out some key roles early on. These can always change as the group develops. Key roles might include:
- managing group emails
- managing group social media,
- organising the meetings by booking rooms or organising speakers,
- taking a lead in building relationships with community groups,
- being the main contact with other local groups so national meet-ups can be organised.
In general, we have found it is easier to avoid collecting money as a group. This means you don't need to divert attention to organising a bank account and the related governance procedures required. We've found it easier to ask for donations for specific things (materials for banners, room booking costs) by putting money into a hat at the end of a meeting... And trying to do as much as we can for free!
