Forming your group

OK, so you’ve got your list of like-minded people. If you can, get moving quickly, so that the issue is still fresh in people’s mind – be brave, prepare yourself and start taking the first steps towards transforming your neighbourhood!

A good place to start is to work how you want your Walking Action Group (WAG) to work. Think about how many people will it initially involve and what is the best structure to support the types of action you might carry out.

 

You might want your WAG to be:

• Small and informal
• A subgroup of an existing group
• A new group with a formal structure
• A workplace WAG

 

Remember every WAG will be different!

 

A small and informal WAG

 

This might be the quickest and easiest way to start and your WAG, and it can always grow into something bigger!

 

Start a group with people you already know and get along with, such as:

• A few neighbours concerned about a couple of local issues
• A new mothers group that already meets for coffee

 

By starting small you can keep it simple and minimise the risk of getting bogged down with processes.  See the PilchConnect  website for information on the risks of being an unincorporated associations. Please note Victoria Walks Inc. does not provide liability cover for WAGs.

 

A WAG as a subgroup of an existing group

 

Adding a WAG to an existing group is an option that may suit many. The advantages of doing this means it may be quick to get going, the WAG will already have somewhere to meet and it can get support form the bigger group. Another advantage is that your WAG is likely to covered by their liability insurance cover.  

 

There are many types of existing groups that could form a WAG, including a:

• Neighbourhood House— a WAG could be run as an activity or class
• Climate action group
• Residents action group
• Scouts or guides
• University of the third age (U3A)

 

A WAG as new group with a more formal structure

 

Setting up a WAG as a new group can take a little more work to start but, if you have got a good mix of enthusiastic people, why not aim high!

 

The information provided in this section will support all types of WAG structures, from the most informal right through to setting up a WAG as an incorporated association.  See the PilchConnect  website for information on incorporated and unincorporated associations.

 

A Workplace WAG 

 

A workplace WAG could be a great may to encourage people to walk for transport.

 

Travelling to work:

You might want to try getting people to walk to work. If they live far away, try getting them to walk part of the way by combining their trip with public transport. You might be able to get some people to carpool and then walk the last bit together— they might even save on parking costs!

 

Travelling at work:

What about encouraging people to walk to external meetings, or holding meetings while you walk! Talk to your employer as they might want to support your WAG and encourage walking across your workplace.

 

The streets around the workplace:

Conduct a walking audit on the streets around the workplace and take action to make them better for walking!