If I kept it to myself - World YWCA

Young women intervene in a world with AIDS
TOOL BOX
Start an Organisation
This is one of the most powerful ways to effect change and improve
conditions in your community. If you want to start an organisation, chances
are you have already identified an area in which you feel there is a growing
need, but what next?
You can
• Start a club, a youth group or support group as an effective channel to
empower women in your community
• Start an organisation with friends or peers who have the same passion as
you do
• If you cannot find people motivated to start an organisation with you
remember you can start on your own and encourage others in the process.
Founding members
An important first step is to identify and bring together the founding
members of your organisation. Keep it initially small.
Some qualities to look for are people who you:
• Would like to work with
• Can learn from and share experiences
• Know will listen to you and also voice their opinions
• Have a common goals and visions with
• Know will have the relevant technical skills that you will require
• Can trust and make important decisions on an advisory board.
Implement
Now that you are ready to start:
• Select a name and register your organisation according to the laws of your
country, to give you credibility
• Get informed - gather as much information on your field as you can
• Network - interact with people who could support or partner with you
• Decide how often to meet
• Select a facilitator for each meeting
• Remind each other about the next meeting and the objectives or tasks set out
• Set out goals and evaluate your progress consistently.
Build membership
Promoting your organisation to build the right type of membership is important:
• Advertise; in the local paper, radio station, or other media
• Word of mouth: tell your friends and family and ask them to tell their friends
• Hold open meetings to introduce people to your organisation
• Mentor new leadership for succession.
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