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What Makes Groups Work

Through the years we have learned a lot about what makes RESULTS groups work. Much of it has to do with setting up groups so that they meet the needs of group members. In what ways does this happen?

• Groups that meet regularly — at least 2 times per month, do better. It is hard to get traction and create momentum meeting less than 2 times per month. Without frequent meetings some of us will forget between meetings why we ever thought we could make change happen in the first place. We tend to revert back to our initial beliefs that our actions don’t matter unless we are regularly reminded that they do. If for some reason your group can’t meet face to face 2 times in a month, schedule a conference with each other. Everyone can find time for a conference call. You can even get your own conference call number at www.freeconferencecalling.com.

• Everyone must be in action — the moment someone is not involved in taking action, he or she will start to fade away. So during your group meetings you should make sure everyone in the group is taking action (writing letters or making calls), and/or planning how everyone will be in action before the next meeting.

• Make sure everyone has a meaningful role in the group. If everyone feels he/she is doing something meaningful — contributing his/her talents — your group will stay vibrant and growing. Rotate roles and responsibilities and create new ones as needed. Check out our list of possible roles and responsibilities.

• Strive to take exciting, breakthrough actions. Do things that are edgy and that make you and your group a little nervous. Do things that you’ve never done before. This creates excitement, meets the need of making change happen, and the need for learning new things.

• Strive to create champions in Congress, the media, the community. As you see your work transforming decision makers and others and getting them to take action, you will feel your personal power. Strive to move members of Congress, the media, the community to become champions for the end of poverty. Inspire and inform them.

• Be patient with yourselves and with your group. Take time to learn. Do what you can do now. Understand that things can be overwhelming at times. That’s okay.

• Persist, don’t give up, persist, don’t give up, persist, don’t give up, persist, persist, persist. It is what will set you apart from others. Decision makers must know that you absolutely are not going away!

• Accountability is key. Hold each other accountable, coach each other, and support each other.