Given the time and effort required to start a new group, you may want to consider joining an existing group first.
However, if you can’t find the type of group you’re looking for, or you have a particular area or topic of interest in mind, following is some information to help you get started.
Step 1: Find people to join you
The first step is to find like-minded people willing to join your group and support your cause. You might find these people through your existing networks, or by putting the word out via social media.
Step 2: Establish your purpose
Once you have enough people interested, hold a meeting and prepare answers to the following questions:
- Why do you want to form a nature volunteers group? What do you hope to accomplish?
- Are there any existing groups that could help you achieve these goals?
- Where do you want to work? It is best if you can define the area on a map.
- Are there other like-minded groups locally that could support your work? Consider local resident groups, schools, social groups, scouts and so on.
- How many people have registered interest in your group? Who have you spoken to? Who else would you like to get involved?
- What types of activities would you like to do?
- When do you want to do work? For how long?
Step 3: Insurance
We strongly recommend that all nature volunteer groups be covered by insurance. There are two types of insurance you're likely to need:
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance covers members of the public if your activities cause injury or property damage. By joining or being under the auspice of an environmental network, your group may be able to access this insurance cover. You must have this insurance to be a registered group operating on City-owned land.
Contact your local environmental network to find out the insurance cover they have for members.
Personal accident insurance
This covers your volunteers if they are injured during a group activity. Groups who are registered with us automatically receive this type of cover.
For groups who are not operating on City-owned land, the Municipal Association of Victoria website has information about insurance for community groups.
Step 4: Register your group
If you're planning on working on City-owned land, you must register your group. By doing so, you'll receive support and information from our environment team.
Step 5: Set yourselves up to succeed
To maximise your chances of succeeding in the long term, your group will need to work through a few more things, like:
- your vision
- how you'll plan your activities
- administration
- whether or not to incorporate
- group leadership
- member health and safety
- your legal responsibilities
- joining an environmental network
- promoting your group and its activities.
Refer to our fact sheet to help guide you through these next-level steps.