Struggling LGBT group!

SMcG24

Hi everyone!

I was hoping you lovely people might be able to offer some advice.

My local rural LGBT social/support group is struggling at the moment and I thought it might help to hear what people want from a group like this?
I understand different areas and people need different things, but general improvements can be made that will benefit current members and encourage new ones to join and hopefully see the group grow, I'm just not sure what they are?
I would really hate to see the area lose the group so I appreciate any suggestions or info from people involved in similar situations or ideas from people who would attend groups like this and things they feel would make it better.

Thanks you,
Sam

Annasopra

Ideas off the top of my head


Different events

For example I think Chiarrai amach or sunrise lgbt kildare do bowling with some of the local community gardai. It also gives them a chance to learn who the lgbt liaison officer is.

Maybe do specific nights for certain groups e.g. a womens night or a youth night or older persons night.

Contact existing lgbt groups and ask them what they do.

There are groups in
Wicklow - lgbt arklow
Kildare - Sunrise lgbt
Louth - Dundalk outcommers
kerry - Chiarrai amach
Galway - cant think of name
Tipperary - Cant think of name
Mayo - Tost?
Leitrim or Longford?
midlands walkin

Do a google form and ask your members what they would like to do with the group

Get speakers in on topics - e.g. host a public meeting on the referendum next year or you could have an informal with the local garda lgbt liaison officer

Do some campaigning for the referendum next year!

SMcG24

Thank you so much Joeytheparrot,loads of great info there. Looks like I'll be busy and hopefully I can get the current members and committee to try some new things and get the group back on its feet!

rooroo

Can I ask what exactly are you struggling with? Is it the numbers or something?

I found with my college society people can be a bit hesitant with the whole LGBT name on a group, most colleges uses different names like Galway's is called G.I.G (Gay in Galway I think) and IT Blanchardstown is called Colours. If you try a name like that maybe you'll get more.

Try making posters about the group and put them in your local shops and schools. Also the newspaper too, maybe other youth group organisations in your area might help promote your group by posting on Facebook/Twitter

Meeting up with other groups might be a good idea as well too.

I've started a LGBT youth group as well with Foróige and the way we do it there is that the kids get to run the club, they have a committee that would meet and talk about anything like events/fundraising. The youth leaders are just there to facilitate.

Hope that helps

P.S
We'll be having a Christmas party/Rainbow disco for our group if you's are able to travel. We're based in Hartstown Dublin 15

rooroo

Also I know a few people that do talks with youth groups and others if you need any

SMcG24

Thanks rooroo, I appreciate the feedback.
The group I'm involved with is in a small town with no college, and for some reason, the committee are unwilling to get involved in anything to do with youth groups/schools or to set up a youth version of the group. They are having a problem with getting numbers up and with getting anyone under 30/35 to attend, especially women. I think they may have got too comfy just sitting chatting and drinking tea. I'd love to work with younger people as I believe if they are involved things are fresh and will grow, and I think a variety of events may help bring in a better mix of people..but I'm not sure how willing the group are to push and publicize. They stay pretty low key....:/