Setting up your own group can be a great way to meet like–minded people and take some positive action for an issue you believe in. But there are some important things to think about…
What is the aim of your group?
The first step is to decide exactly what you would like to achieve by setting up a group and then, if possible, discuss your ideas with a helpful adult.
Do you want to raise awareness about vegetarianism in your school? Are you hoping to meet other people in your local area with similar interests? Maybe you want to offer help and support to other young people wishing to become vegetarian?
How many people do you want to be members of your group?
Are you thinking of a small group of new friends from your school or town, or more ambitiously, a national group organised online? Think about how you will you attract members to your group? You might want to use posters, flyers, e-mails or just word of mouth?
Will you have any rules about membership?
You don’t have to make rules, but it might help!
For example, will you have an age limit, will the members have to be vegetarian or vegan, or will you be happy to let anyone come to your meetings?
How often will you meet?
It is important to consider how much time you have got to spare for your new group. Be realistic. Once a week might be too much! Once a fortnight? Once a month? Or just whenever the group decides to have a meeting?
Where will you meet?
If the group is school-based, is there a room at your school where you can meet? If you are setting up the group outside of school, will you be able to meet at someone’s house, or would it be better to meet in a community hall or local café?
How long will your meetings last?
Thirty minutes? An hour? Maybe longer? How long will you want to sit in a meeting for? You’ll have to agree when is the best time to start and end meetings with the people who want to attend!
Who will help you with your meetings?
If you are under 18 years old, and depending on where your group meets, you may find it helpful, or even essential, to have an adult helper or advisor with you. A friendly, responsible adult acting as a supervisor can keep an eye on who is joining your group and may also provide advice on the activities your group can attempt. The responsible adult might be a teacher, parent or friend from the community.
Getting started
You’ll need at least one person to organise your meetings and one person to make sure the meeting goes smoothly. These jobs can be shared though. You might also decide that you’ll need someone to write down a brief record of what the meeting decides to do.
Make sure you give everyone plenty of advance notice (at least a week) of meetings. You also might want to send out a reminder about the meeting as the day approaches.
What happens at meetings?
Before every meeting you should decide upon a list of things that you’re going to talk about. Everyone should know about the list and the person in charge of the meeting should make sure you stick to this list during the meeting! It’s usually a good idea to leave a bit of time at the end of your meeting to talk about things that people might suggest that weren’t on your list!
It’s a good idea to set some rules at your first meeting. Rules can be important. For example you might want to make sure that any work is divided equally and that everyone who wants to speak at a meeting should have an opportunity to do so.
Activity ideas for a veggie group
There are many activities that you can attempt with your group but it will depend on the aims of your group, whether your group is school or non-school based or independent, how much time you have, and the individual interests of your group members.
The best way to get ideas for group activities is to ask your members, but here are some ideas to possibly get you started:
- Ask the Vegetarian Society for resources to create an information table for your school or local library.
- Petition your school canteen for better vegetarian provision.
- Host an all-vegetarian meal for family and friends.
- Arrange a poster campaign to raise awareness about vegetarian issues.
- Invite someone from another group or organisation to talk to your group or show a relevant documentary.
- Write letters to local supermarkets and restaurants encouraging them to have more vegetarian options (click here to see some sample letters).
- Ask each member of your group to research a different aspect of vegetarianism (animal welfare, the environment, nutrition, history, celebrity veggies, etc) and report back to the group.
- Get involved with the Vegetarian Society’s annual National Vegetarian Week. Click here for more information on NVW.
Have fun!
Enjoy your group and its meetings. You have created a terrific opportunity to meet other people who share your values and beliefs, and maybe convince some other people to give vegetarianism a try. Be proud of yourself and enjoy the experience!