Before starting to recruit new members, it is important to be clear about what your group does.

As a group, discuss and answer the following questions:

• What are the overall aims of our group?
• Has our group got a mission statement? If not, should we have one?
• What are the main activities of our group?
• How is our group managed?
• How do we feel about the way our group is managed?
• What do our existing members say about our group?
• How do others see our group? (local authorities, other voluntary groups, individuals, local businesses)
• Do we have any promotional materials for our group? What image do these portray?
• Why would someone want to become a member of our group?
• What can we offer them?
• Are we easy to contact?
• Are we welcoming to new members?
• Are the access needs of new members met?

It is essential that all members of your group, whether paid or unpaid, have a sense of ownership, pride and belonging. This will project itself to the wider community and encourage people to join.