I have recently been running the Community Reporter meetings at the Racecourse Hotel, once a month.
This has been an interesting experience and a great learning curve.Heres a few things that I 've found that will hopefully will encourage others to take the role in the future. If you fancy it come along to a meeting .
Firstly ,invite loads of people, all your contacts in the Biz and anyone you meet .By Biz I mean the Community Reporter world or any other network that you come in contact with on your travels .
Book the venue well in advance .You dont want to clash with the local pigieon fanciers disco or line dancing for young men .
Book refreshments .
The venue ,The Racecourse has lots of fluids to consume .We tend to go down the route of tea ,coffee and digestives ,but I have seen the odd fizzy drink from the bar in the meetings .You may want a pint after, in the bar ,Its up to you .
Plan the Equipment needed
Do you need a laptop ,a projector,always think ahead you dont want to be searching for extension leads at the last minute.
How will the meeting take shape
This is important .You dont want it like a school classroom .With the meetup leader at the front and everyone sat in rows .This is Community Reporting ,not Physics Lectures .I prefer a more circular approach where we can all see each others marvellous faces beaming with enthusiasm ,glad to be part of a worldwide developing network.
Introductions .
its nice to have the name of everyone who's present, so we have a little introduction where everyone who attends ,says who they are ,where they come from and what they are interested in .Hopefully this will help everyone realise that w'ere all in the same boat in Community Reporting ,all learners.
Encourage
Encourage people to join in with their own news and tips .Its really helpful for Community Reporters to here what others feel about similar issues, be they community reporting issues or just things that are going on in the community .
I have enjoyed running the meetings it 's been great for confidence and learning and developing new skills ,I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a go .Come along to the next meeting and let me know if you want to try.
Kevin Eccleston
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