JOIN OR FORM AN ADVOCACY GROUP

Things to consider when forming a new group  

• Leadership – Do you need someone to provide direction, a spokesperson, a chairperson, etc.? Is this you? Or who will this be?
• Membership – Who are the members of the group and what are their needs? How are you going to recruit or connect them? What are some channels for communications? What are the values that members need to share?
• Purpose – What is the group’s core reason for being? What does your group seek to achieve?
• Function – How will the group achieve its purpose? Will you meet in person? How often, where and when? Will any funds be required? How will this be attained and managed – do you need a treasurer? Who will look after the group’s information – do you need a Secretary?
• Co-ordination of action – Who is going to do this? Do you need a small working group/committee?
• Rules – Does your group need to agree to some common understandings? Is membership open or are there some criteria? You may need a charter or a constitution if you wish to apply for funds.
• Promotion – Do you wish to expand your group? How will you recruit new members? What promotional material will you need?
• Communication – Will you need to communicate to others (the public, media or stakeholders)? Will you need to have a public profile? Who are your audiences? What are the key messages for each of these? Will you engage with the media and who will do this?
• Affiliation – Do you want your group to be part of a bigger group? Do they share similar values with your group? You may want to consider joining Alcohol Action New Zealand, or Health Coalition Aotearoa.
• Sponsorship or endorsement – Sponsorship or endorsement can assist your group in gaining funds, increasing your profile, etc. It is important that any funding aligns with the purpose and values of your group, and doesn’t create conflicts of interest (e.g. funding from the alcohol industry).