Possible group stage

When you are ready to develop your initial thoughts further, you need to:

• talk to our Group Support Team who will assign you a Group Supporter
• document your plans in more detail eg the group’s name, venue, dates and times, budget, numbers
• discuss whether you need a "new group grant" (up to £80 for equipment or initial room hire)
• agree the commitment you and others can make to the group
• as groups are self-supporting, members will need to share all the ongoing costs, so estimate it, and consider whether you will need to ask members to commit for a term and pay up front
• draft text suitable for a web page, and ask your Group Supporter to put you in touch with the IT Team who will create a page for your group, with you as the contact
• draft text to advertise your new group, and send to our Magazine Editor
• ask your Group Supporter to set the group up as "Inactive" and enter the names of any possible members.  They then become your "waiting list".  You can also request access to our membership database (Beacon) if you are ready to manage this yourself.  A short training session will be required.
• continue to use opportunities to publicise your idea (eg in our Magazine/Newsletter), and gather more members' names
• consider arranging an initial meeting of interested members, to discuss day/time to meet, venue, who will help convene, costs etc

New group stage

When you are ready to go ahead and become a New Group, you need to:

• ask your Group Supporter to set the group's status as "Active"
• firm up on your plans and, if you need one, apply to the Committee for a "new group grant"
• become familiar with how to manage your group's membership using Beacon (eg to add members and email them securely)
• become familiar with what is possible for your group’s web page, and make sure that it stays up-to-date, liaising with the IT Support Team as necessary