Growing Groups

Following the November Development Conference, that explored the theme ‘Growing Groups’, all groups will be asked to rise to the challenge of growth.

If every group were to recruit just one new family (an adult member and a child), we would meet our growth targets!

Growth is important to Woodcraft Folk for a wide range of reasons, including reaching out to new communities and sustainability. We will not fashion a bright new world on our own!

Development Conference explored a number of ways in which Districts and local groups can grow, and how Folk Office and General Council can provide support growth. For full details of the discussion please see below the attached Development Conference report. As the name suggests ‘development conference’ isn’t just a talking shop, but a place to explore and develop new ideas and existing approaches. Following the conference the following action has been taken:

• A group night pack has been produced that explores growth from recruiting new children to advertising for more adult support (please see attached)
• Additional copies of the Volunteering Guide have been printed and are available for distribution (please email chloe.darlington@woodcraft.org.uk)
• Elvis has joined the team from Cameroon, with a focus of growing groups in London
• Supporting growth webpage has been further developed at www.woodcraft.org.uk/groupsupport
• Every local Volunteer Centre has been contacted giving details of their local Woodcraft Folk group and possible volunteering roles
• Age specific material is under production e.g. Venturer & Pioneer posters – with additional budget set aside for further resource development in 2012/13
• Youth Leader Training has been scheduled for 2-4th March at Lockerbrook and 18th – 20th May at Lee Valley YHA
• A new partnership has been developed with Change Agents UK and NUS Service – with the aim of recruiting more volunteer leaders
• A mailing prepared to target Student Volunteering groups as a source of additional group leaders and supporters

In addition new materials have also been produced for new groups:

• An updated standard Awards for All application
• Venue checklist
• Essential Elfin kit list
• Frequently Asked Questions section of the website

Workshops on growing groups will be available at regional gatherings in the spring, if your group want support or advice in growing or recruiting new helpers please do not hesitate to contact Deborah.mccahon@woodcraft.org.uk