Created: July 23, 2013 at 9:46 AM | Updated: February 15, 2024 | By Community Resource Kit
Community groups grow and change in specific ways, from small volunteer-run groups to large, complex organisations. Knowing these stages can help groups deal with difficulties and make the most of their impact.
1. Starting Out
| Characteristics |
Considerations |
- Led by a visionary or strong individual
- High ideals, but purpose may not be clear
- Passionate about a particular issue
|
- Where does the group fit in the community?
- Clarifying and agreeing on the purpose
|
2. Becoming Structured
| Characteristics |
Considerations |
- Operates as a committee or collective
- Work done by group members on a voluntary basis
- Minimal financial structures
|
- Choosing a suitable structure
- Organising roles and responsibilities
- Establishing operational systems
|
3. Growing
| Characteristics |
Considerations |
- Facing challenges due to growth
- Transitioning to a formal committee or board structure
- Employing a coordinator or administrator
|
- Establishing organisational processes
- Setting up governance and management structures
- Managing increased financial and legal responsibilities
|
4. Maturity
| Characteristics |
Considerations |
- Formalised systems and structures
- Separation of governance and management roles
- Employment of staff
- Ongoing evaluation of effectiveness
|
- Ensuring continued relevance and innovation
- Managing business responsibilities effectively
|
5. Completion
| Characteristics |
Considerations |
- Completion of work or need for refocus
- Adapting to external or internal changes
- Potential reinvention or dissolution
|
- Evaluating group and individual achievements
- Addressing emotional aspects of completion
- Celebrating achievements and moving forward
|
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Contents of the Community Resource Kit