Western Landcare NSW Inc.

Supporting Member Groups

Maintaining engagement in Landcare Groups through the support of Regional and Local Landcare Coordinators

Community Participation - LP045-20

The issue

Members of groups are voluntary, and with personal lives being fulfilled with other obligations, it is often hard to get members that commit to continued support and active involvement in their local Landcare group.  It has been especially difficult for some groups to have representatives that will sit in a position within their group to support the leadership, governance and progress of on ground works.  The challenge is how do we recognize what support groups need, what are the strengths and weaknesses of individual groups and how do we support the increased engagement of group members.

The solution

Western Landcare’s initial steps were to talk to groups about what their needs were and what they wished to achieve as a Landcare group.  From here we supported empowering them to achieve their desired outcomes.  We did this by sourcing training on how to run an incorporated group, governance training, education in financial affairs, grant training etc. For groups that were struggling with membership or on groundwork, a more physical presence was required to support increased engagement. It has been important for groups to follow their aspirations within their capabilities to ensure members have not been overwhelmed.

The impact

In providing a more physical presence to groups that have been struggling with membership we have been able to attract more local involvement to groups.  Through understanding groups needs we have been able to support effective communications which has opened up more interest, and active engagement in Landcare.  As a regional body we can focus regional and local coordinator involvement more specifically to the requirements of groups.

Author: Sonia Carey

Key facts

  • • Support for groups must be focused on what outcomes they want to achieve
  • • An overload of information and engagement can have a negative effect
  • • Ensure a physical presence is available went required by groups