General - Running successful group activities

Most people come to groups to enjoy a specific activity in the company of friends. The Group shares responsibility for making meetings successful. Successful groups:

  • Welcome new members; perhaps accompanying them or assigning a ‘buddy’ informally or rotating them amongst established members so no one feels an outsider.
  • Cherish existing members, for example sending a message when someone is away ill.
  • Plan ahead so that each meeting is well organised and participants know what’s happening.
  • Notice if membership is falling and act to attract more participants.
  • Notice if any ongoing arrangements need to be improved.
  • Ensure that the group remains financially robust.
  • Share the workload and responsibilities among the group, having people to bounce ideas off makes it more inclusive and fun and meets them within reason.
  • If possible find a group member prepared to be trained as a Content Editor and who would update the group’s website whenever new activities have been planned. Otherwise updating will be carried out by the Web Editing Team using information published in the monthly newsletter.
  • Make sure group members comply with the LALG Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
  • Comply with the LALG Privacy Policy
  • Understand potential Safeguarding issues.
  • Read the LALG Guidance on Accessibility for members with a disability.

Further information on chairing a meeting