Tips for engaging and connecting with others in your community

It’s easiest to start with the people you already know. Get your friends and family involved, invite your neighbours and your colleagues, speak to members of your sports club, community or wildlife group.    
 
Are you part of an RSPB Local Group? Where better to start than with a group of people who are already passionate about nature? RSPB Local Groups are all different and may carry out activities that fall under one or all of the following: Fundraising, Campaigning, Conservation, Engagement and Outreach, and Social.  
 
Now, let’s think bigger. You can reach out to people beyond your existing circles and have a massive impact.

• Ask people you already know if they know anyone who might be interested. 

• Most neighbourhoods have a local Facebook group or residents’ WhatsApp group. You could post in there and invite people to get involved.  

• Social media in general is a great way to reach out to more people – and we’ve got a few tips for you.

• Deliver leaflets to your neighbours. Include contact details so they can get back in touch if they’re interested. 

• Hand out leaflets and chat to people outside a local supermarket, high street or shopping centre.  

• Do you have children who attend a local school, nursery or playgroup? Try to get some of the other parents involved. If the school has an environmental group, you could try speaking to them.  

• You could get permission to put up posters at work or raise it with your colleagues.  

• Research what groups already exist near you. Use social media and the internet to find nature groups like RSPB Local Groups, bird ringing societies, community gardeners, local activist and campaigning groups, park volunteers. The world is your oyster.

• Get in touch with your local RSPB reserve. See if they’ll let you host a stall or speak to their volunteers about joining you.  

• Think about what skills or groups you’re missing. Maybe you don’t have many young people in your group. Think how you could change that. Maybe you want to make leaflets but don’t have the skills. Do you know any graphic designers you could reach out to?  

• Other groups in your area might already campaign on issues facing nature. Try to find them and reach out to them and you can work together.  

If you’re planning to organise a meeting with your MP let us know by emailing campaigns@rspb.org.uk