Landcare Information Notes - new drafts for roadtesting

Landcare Information Note#1 - Forming a Landcare Group (draft)

If you are thinking about forming a landcare group in your area, there are some points to consider before you start. This note includes the first few steps in forming a Landcare group as well as some suggestions for future action designed to help you succeed.

Landcare Information Note#2 - Funding options(draft)

This Landcare Note is designed as a guide to finding finance Support comes from a range of local, regional and national organisations. This information will help establish what you need to think about before you get started, and then how to go forward.

Landcare Information Note#3 - Partnerships and collaboration (draft)

Landcare groups need to collaborate with people and organisations who can provide information, technical, material and financial support. Partnerships can be one-off or developed over a longer term, and can be a great way to help the group achieve its goals. These partnerships and collaboration mean your group can tackle more and bigger projects to improve the environment in your area.

Landcare Information Note#4 - Sponsorship (draft)

Sponsorship plays an increasingly important role in supporting landcare projects, providing additional resources so groups can achieve their goals through more effective projects. This Landcare Note provides ideas and guidelines that may help you to get the sponsorship you need.

Landcare Information Note#7 Meeting types (draft)

Understanding the different types of meetings needed for a group to function effectively will help your group achieve all it wants to do. Different levels of structure and formality are involved, but all meetings need a clear purpose.

Landcare Information Note#6 - Fundraising (draft)

Local fundraising is vital for community groups, not only because it generates important funds but it also allows you to strengthen ties with local people, so all can share ownership of the aims and successes. This Note will give you some tips to help you go about fundraising in your area.

Landcare Information Note#8 Effective meetings (draft)

It’s important your meetings are run with clarity and purpose so the group is able to function effectively, maintains enthusiasm and the key members don’t suffer burn out. This Landcare Note should help you to ensure your meetings are run effectively.

Landcare Information Note#24 Planning (draft)

Good planning can help you be clear on what you want to achieve and how to do it. Have a plan focuses you on the most important issues and the best use of your time, skills and funds. Planning also clarifies your purpose which can help with communications, recruitment, leadership and seeking funding. It helps prepare you for opportunities and obstacles and gives you a sound basis for evaluating your success.

Landcare Information Note#23 Committee Roles (draft)

If your group is going to work effectively and achieve what you want to do, you need a good committee to help make it happen. Members and office bearers need to understand what each committee position entails and this Landcare Note will help define the roles and responsibilities.

Landcare Information Note#10 - Effective leadership (draft)

If your group is to be effective, its best chance is with a leader who enthuses, guides and directs you all. Every member is a volunteer and volunteers are not compelled to do anything. They do because they are inspired. Initially, that inspiration is because they want to make a difference but it needs to be encouraged and directed - and that’s where good leadership is important. This Landcare Note should help improve the leadership skills in your group.

Landcare Information Note#22 Committee Function (draft)

Your Landcare group needs to decide the best way for your committee to work in order to minimise any conflict or misunderstanding and maximise the success of what you do. This Landcare Note sets out the committee’s functions and responsibilities.

Landcare Information Note#25 Strategic Planning (draft)

Strategic planning helps you set out what you are trying to achieve and how to get there. It gives clarity and a sense of direction and purpose that will help you be focused and effective. It can also help you stay motivated, communicate what you are doing and attract new members and resources.

Landcare Information Note#26 Action Planning (draft)

Having an action plan means you can organise your activities efficiently and effectively. This Landcare Note will help you to understand what an action plan usually includes, how to go about setting targets and implementing them.

Landcare Information Note#27A Planning and running events (draft)

Getting the ‘basics’ right when you’re planning and running an event gives you a better chance of having a successful event and achieving your goals. You will need to divide up the tasks that need doing, establish who is going to do them, and check what resources you will need to hold the event.

Landcare Information Note#40 - Financial management (draft)

Good financial management is important for making sure you have the funds for what you want to do, and for reporting on what you have done with the funds. This Landcare Note will help you with the things you need to know about financial management.

Landcare Information Note#11 - Effective communication in your Group (draft)

Effective communication is essential to minimise misunderstandings and conflicts and ensure your group works smoothly. This Landcare Note includes a few key elements that will help with individual relationships and the group as a whole.

Landcare Information Note#12 - Conflict resolution (draft)

Conflict within your group, or between other groups and individuals, can waste a lot of time and energy that could be better utilised. Resolving conflict can make individuals and the group stronger and more effective, through better understanding of problems and an improved ability to resolve issues.

Landcare Information Note#13 - Leadership strategies and succession (draft)

Leadership is important to the success of your Landcare group. Leaders play an important role, inspiring and motivating their teams. This note shows the value of having a leadership strategy for your group and gives tips on what elements should be included.