L G B T   C a m p u s   O r g a n i z i n g

People are more willing to begin things

Do not apologize or belittle it.  Your

they know they can do. Later, when they

mood will get across to the people you

are really a part of your group, they will

talk to, and they will respond to it.

be more willing to try new things.

5) Do I tell people how their job fits in

with the rest? 

People want to understand things that

they are a part of, and they work best

when they know that others are depend 

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ing on them.

6) Do I let people know that their work is

important? 

If people feel that you are just "looking

for anyone" they will also feel easily

replaceable and less responsible for doing

a job. 

Four Stages of Group Involvement

7) Do I discuss people s goals with them

In order to be truly healthy, an organiza 

and how they fit into the goals of the

tion needs people at all four of the fol 

organization? 

lowing stages of group involvement.

People have their own reasons for volun 

Good leadership will help people grow

teering, and you need to know them in

from one stage to the next:  

order to lead effectively. Also, you must

help people keep their expectations real 

Passive Supporters

istic, otherwise you will not be able to

Passive supporters are people on your

meet them.

campus who are glad your organization

exists.  They may never once come to a

8) Do I ask people what they would like

meeting or an event, stop by your office,

to know?  Do I give them time to ask

or sign a petition.  They may very well

questions? 

not yet be out of the closet.  However,

Many people are reluctant to ask ques 

just the existence and visibility of your

tions, but they will work better if they

group can make a big difference to them.

have done so.

It might help them to feel a bit better

about themselves or be reassuring.  

9) Do I make my contacts in person? 

Do not rely on printed circulars, letters

and phone calls. There is no substitute for

Attendees

talking face to face.  It lets the person

Attendees are those who may come to

know that you consider the discussion

meetings or events, but they don t get

important, and it gives you a chance to

involved in the work of the group.  They

get acquainted 

don t (yet) take on tasks.  Many lgbt stu 

dent leaders can t understand how they

10) Am I enthusiastic about the impor 

can attract a few hundred people to a

tance of our work? 

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B u i l d i n g   A   H e a l t h y   O r g a n i z a t i o n