Start an environmental group

While this is certainly true, organising people is a real challenge and if you are to maximise your contribution to nature then understanding some of the basic lessons regarding leading and organising teams is important.

Here are some things for you to think about and some tips for being successful.

1. Think carefully about whether starting a new group is the best idea - there may already be environmental groups in your area that could use your help and may value your contribution. Alternatively, there are a number of national organisations that may be happy for you to set up a local branch in your area.
2. Try to carefully think about what it is you want to achieve. It is usually better to select a few things and to them very well rather than try to do so many things that you get overwhelmed. Writing down your aims and objectives is helpful.
3. Once you have decided what it is you wish to achieve, it is time to consider how you might best achieve it. Your school may already have a student committee system - consider contributing to that as an environmental sub-committee. Remember that a small group is easier to motivate and coordinate - starting small and then growing slowly is a sound strategy.
4. You will need to organise your inaugural meeting. Select a convenient time (perhaps a lunch-time) and a convenient place where you won?t be disturbed. Invite those you think will want to be involved and contribute, remember to be inclusive, there may be some who have a lot to offer who you don't know, so an open invitation on school notices can help attract those people to your group.
5. At this first meeting it is a good idea to discuss the aims and objectives - try and achieve consensus. It is also a good idea to elect a co-ordinator, a secretary and a treasurer - remember that every person has strengths and weaknesses so try and identify these and allocate responsibilities and jobs accordingly. The main philosophy is that everyone involved is part of a team, all team members are valuable and working together is what's needed.
6. For future meetings, set an agenda (topics to cover during the meeting) and try and reach a decision about what to do next. Create "action points" and allocate a person's name to making sure that the "action point" is actioned! Remember to share the workload and support one another.
7. It is often a good idea to involve a teacher or adult supporter, and to let the school principal know what you are planning. They are almost always very supportive.