Community Organising

Your questions answered…

What’s on offer? Two activity-based workshops to help you understand how to identify local needs and plan community action.  The first will be delivered in 3 local areas (Braintree, Halsted and Witham) and the second will be for everyone who has attended one of the first sessions.

Who is it for?  Local residents, community activists, people who are thinking of setting up a community organisation or are running a community group – paid or unpaid.

Am I eligible? If you are thinking of starting something up within the Braintree area or are running something that operates in the area – YES!

Do I have to attend both sessions?  You can attend just one session but we think it will be most useful if you come to both.

Will it be too academic? ARU has 20 years’ experience working with community groups and activists like you.  The sessions will be based on activities – learning by doing.

I’m already running a group, is this for me? Possibly – but see if our Masterclass series would be more helpful, or the sessions for social entrepreneurs.

How much does it cost? The good news is that thanks to Braintree District Council all places are fully-funded.

Community organising is when local people get together to solve a problem in their area or to set up a new activity or resource for the community.  Whether you already have an idea for a project or you just want to make a difference, these sessions will help you to explore ideas and ways of getting a project off the ground.

Day 1 – thinking about the community you live in – what resources are there and what else is needed?  We will do some initial community mapping and think about possible solutions and ideas for making the changes you want to happen.  How can you get other people involved and how do you organise yourselves?

Day 2 – planning, decision-making and community research tools.  How to find out if your idea is a good one and sharing ideas with others.  We will do a group planning activity that you can take back to your community. 

Dates:

  • Braintree Local: 16 January

  • Witham Local: 29 January

  • Halstead Local: 5 February

  • District-wide: 25 February