Setting up and keeping going Anarcha-feminist groups Why set up an anarcha-fem group? * Promotes community * Gets you support for what are often considered strange beliefs * Good way to get actions going * A place to talk through ideas you have * An easier way to get things done than on your own Different ways to set up groups * Advertise in Sekhmet * Advertise in your local paper * Distribute leaflets to cafes and places * Talk on community radio * Use student networks - paper and radio How to maintain a group and keep it going The main thing is having stuff to do and getting everyone involved in it. Have a focus, even if it is short term, like organising one stall at one event. Doing one action may show a group where it wants to put its energy for future actions. For instance in the case of one stall, maybe having stalls at another location, or having regular stalls. The action may trigger off an action which is completely different for instance,a stall - to a rally or fundraiser. Whatever circumstances, actions promote a sense of achievement for groups whether they are new or establised. There are many different types of action, 1) activism: rallys, marches, vigils and other forms of direct action- some which could involve handy hints with bricks, 2) street theatre, 3) getting information out eg stalls, leaflets, articles, letters to the editor and posters 4) social evenings, 5) fundraisers, eg sausage sizzles or garage sales, 6) networking with other womens groups Important things about meetings and group process * Firstly it is important to have a regular meeting time and meeting place. Phone trees are a good way of reminding women about meetings especially if they dont happen weekly. Ensure that new members are put on the phone tree. * Ask people what they would like to get out of the group, what they would like to do. * Make sure that everyone has had an oppertunity to speak without forcing anyone to speak. Ensure that everyone has acutally agreed to decisions. * Keep a minute book. They are invaluable because individuals can refer back to them to see what they agreed to do in the meeting. Its important to keep track of intentions and aims from meeting to meeting. * Be prepared for influx of new people. Maybe have a prepared introduction kit. Take time to tell newcomers what you have been doing in the last few weeks. Perhaps orgainse a social evening for newcomers so that they get to know everyone and feel more c onfident in participating in meetings. --------------------------------------------------