Over the next few months, we are looking to revamp the community resources on our website. We are keen to hear from any community groups who are interested in completing a case study about their personal experiences, to help share knowledge and ideas across the network . Here is a list of topics we think will be usefull to others:

• Becoming a charity – the pros and cons of charitable status.
• Avoiding conflict and managing your group – has your group dealt with conflict and if so how did you tackle it?
• Engaging your local community and encouraging participation – how to set up a new community group and engaging with a variety of people particularly the younger and older generations, ethnic minorities, local businesses etc.
• Successful fundraising - techniques/projects
• Organising and promoting a community event – the key points to consider and the common pitfalls.
• Finding Funding for your group – the process from start to finish, dos and don’ts, useful tips for filling in a grant application, examples of unsuccessful bids and lessons learnt.
• Protecting/saving green space – the process that the group went through, effective lobbying (including interacting with the local media), overall outcome, useful tips and advice
• Making the most of community assets – an example from a group who has taken over the ownership of a park/community building, the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing this process.
• Setting up a Community Forum – advantages and disadvantages of being part of a Forum
• Using technology to communicate effectively – examples of using Twitter, Facebook, and other social media to your groups’ advantage.

If you are interested in completing a case study or would like more information then please get in touch with Lucy Fowler. E: lucyf@green-space.org.uk T: 0118 946 5114.