1. First Things First - The Mission Statement

   1. What kind of group are you trying to create?

      1. Education

      2. Social

      3. Private Party Circle

      4. Political Activism

      5. Fraternal

      6. For Profit

   2. What are the needs of the group members?

      1. Discretion - conflicts with political activism

      2. Parties and social opportunities - require a lot of coordination and effort which may limit education efforts

      3. Education for newcomers - can be combined with play parties but not at the same time so that the education "space" is comfortable for newcomers

   3. What is the situation?

      1. Small cities - allies in nearby communities can help

      2. Time spent with experienced group leaders is time invested

      3. Pick your profile: high or low

         1. Consider contacting the police or DA early on

         2. If you take the low-profile route, stick to it

2. Start Small But Plan Large  

   1. Estimate the maximum number of people you could possibly have in your group (see handout for a sample plan for estimating numbers)

      1. Lay the foundation for a group which can accommodate the expected numbers

         1. Start with bylaws from another group

         2. Keep the mission statement focused and doable

         3. Set a schedule to complete: bylaws, mission statement, incorporation....

         4. Schedule regular meetings and stick to the schedule - weekends work best in smaller cities since many potential members will be traveling from the surrounding region

      2. Better to start slow with a good foundation then have to tear it apart later to rebuild

   2. Seek out mentors from other groups  

      1. Identify successful models and find out how they work  

         1. Practice the art of picking brains

         2. Seek advice to create allies

      2. Identify groups that did not succeed and try to find ways to avoid the same fate

   3. Play Devil's Advocate when making decisions  

      1. Second-guess yourself early and often

      2. Be prepared to explain why a certain direction is being taken

3. Outreach - How do I attract members?  

   1. Place highest priority on building credibility  

      1. Be organized and "polished"

      2. Be inclusive in the decision-making process (no secret meetings)

         1. Facilitation skills: people should feel good about each decision

         2. Leadership development

      3. Remember that the leaders of the group are going to be scrutinized just as closely as the group itself - hold yourself to the standards you set for the group

      4. Do not tolerate criticism of currently existing groups - you are trying to build community not tear it apart

   2. Maintain leadership accountability  

      1. Personal issues sometimes conflict with group aims - have mechanisms in place to help ensure the group comes first

         1. Only one family member in a leadership position

         2. Have specific guidelines for disciplinary actions which help eliminate the process being used for personal vendettas

         3. Have the leadership be collectively responsible for all decisions

      2. Follow your guidelines, policies and procedures religiously with no special privileges for group leaders

         1. Avoid elitism - it breeds resentment

         2. Especially be careful to follow your "procedure for changing procedures"

      3. Money is always an issue - keep records!

      4. Keep minutes of all business meetings (especially any votes that are taken).

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