Community groups are a great way to connect with other like-minded people, contribute to your local (or broader) community, or pursue passions you’ve put on hold! Once you start investigating your options, you’ll probably find you’re spoilt for choice, particularly if your interests align with a broad cross-section of the population.
How do you find ‘your’ perfect community group, or groups (there’s no law that says you should limit yourself to just one group!)? And when you do find it, or them, how do you join? Given the range and variety of community groups, this might seem daunting at first. However, armed with our list of handy tips and advice, you should find yourself out and about with your perfect community group in no time.
What Are Your Interests?
There’s no point joining a community group focused on something you’re not ‘into’. So – the first step in finding your perfect community group is to identify your interests.
What are your hobbies, passions, interests…?
What do you currently do in your free time? Do you enjoy it?
What gets you fired up and chomping at the bit, eager to get going?
What inspires you more than anything else?
Finding Community Groups
Whether you like reading, hiking/bush walking, the environment or looking after ‘critters’, gardening, cooking, embroidery, sewing, sports, boating, travelling, volunteering, collecting… A community group of like-minded folk will exist but if it doesn’t, perhaps you could start one! Now it’s just a case of finding these groups, and, importantly, finding the right one for you.
Here are some ways to choose the right community group:
Search Online Directories:
Online directories, like this one, are one of the best places to start your search for the right community group. These directories are usually very comprehensive and should provide a very good overview of the types of community groups in your area that cater for your interests.
The online platform Meetup is another good option for finding relevant community groups. Simply type in your location and the type of group you want to find, and you’ll be ‘rewarded’ with a list of community group options in your area.
Visit Social Media and Community Websites:
Most community groups these days have a social media page. Therefore, doing a search on platforms i.e. Facebook will generally return a ton of information about community groups. You can join the various local community group pages to stay updated on events and news, and familiarise yourself with their goals and purposes, without committing to joining the group itself straight away.
Also check community websites; your local council or community centre website will likely have a list of active community groups in the area.
Attend Local Events:
Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face interaction. Make a point to attend local events like festivals or volunteer fairs. These events are good opportunities to meet people, connect with community group members, learn more about their activities, and find other groups you weren’t aware of.
Check Local Bulletin Boards:
Your local shopping centre and community centre usually have a bulletin or notice board where community groups often advertise functions and events.
Look Through Local Newspapers:
Print media hasn’t totally disappeared (yet) so groups may advertise in your local community newspaper. Also check for news stories about locals and groups who are doing things in and around the area. There may be a write up about a local cooking group for example helping with catering at an event, or a post about local wildlife carers looking after injured animals in the wake of a bush fire.
Which Community Group Should You Choose?
Now that you’ve found some promising community groups it’s time to work out which one you should choose.
Align Your Interests:
Which groups align best with your interests? Look for those groups whose mission and activities speak to you on a personal level.
Assess Your Commitment Level:
Be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically commit to a community group. Some groups may require you to attend their events or meetings regularly, whilst others may have a ‘whenever you can’ approach. Choose a group whose schedule best fits into your life.
Evaluate The Group Atmosphere:
Pay attention to the group atmosphere. Do they prioritise socialising and building relationships, or are they more focused on specific activities or goals, perhaps at the expense of making new members feel welcome? Select a group whose atmosphere feels welcoming and inclusive.
Consider Location And Accessibility:
Where and when does the group hold its meetings and activities? Can you get there regularly, do the times suit, and how accessible is it for you? Consider your fuel and associated travel costs too.
Reach Out:
Contact group leaders or members to ask questions and learn more about the groups you’re interested in joining. Most are happy to welcome newcomers and provide information about their activities. If they don’t, it could be a hint that perhaps this particular group isn’t the right one for you…
Tips For Joining A Community Group
Having found your perfect community group, you now want to take a ‘leap of faith’ and join. Some groups make it easy and have the relevant forms available on their website. Others may take some detective work.
Attend A Meeting Or Event:
Take advantage of opportunities to attend a meeting or event run by the group. This will let you experience the group firsthand and determine if it’s a good fit for you before taking that final step and joining. You should also be able to obtain the necessary paperwork to join, or find out where to get it.
Explore Your Options:
Never feel pressured to join the first community group you come across that looks like it might be a good fit. Take your time; explore different options; and try out a few before making a final decision.
Get Involved:
When you’ve found ‘your’ group, get involved! Volunteer for roles or tasks within the group, participate in activities, and contribute your skills and expertise. This will ensure you get the best value from your time with them.
Final Thoughts About Community Groups And How To Choose And Join One:
Joining a community group is not just about finding or following a hobby. It’s also about creating connections, giving back to your community, and enriching your life. Assess your interests, look around for a group that caters to these, take your time and do your research, and when you find one you’re comfortable with, get involved.
