The GROUP Kit and the SMART Kit are development tools for local based lone parents groups and others.
The GROUP Kit
The GROUP Kit is primarily for new groups at the initial stages of their development. It covers all of the key areas that need to be explored when starting a group, such as:
- Where to start
- Where will the group meet
- Looking after the children
- Show me the money/funding resources
- Roles and structures
- Political
- Making your group work
- Campaigning – a short guide
- The media
- Resource information
The GROUP Kit, and support with its implementation, is available to all OPEN members free of charge.
The SMART Kit
The SMART Kit aims to assist voluntary boards/committees of local Lone Parent groups and others to develop and implement best practice in relation to organisational policies, procedures, systems and structures.
All too often volunteers become involved in their local group as they are interested in the work of the group. However, they then find they are responsible for employing staff, managing complex budgets and dealing with human resource issues. Many organisations loose great individuals due to the amount of time that is spent dealing with the many challenges that these areas bring. However, much of the time spent on these areas is often with struggling to access information to inform practice, let alone best practice.
The SMART Kit brings together a broad range of information that OPEN hope will make the jobs of voluntary boards a little easier in this ever increasing complex environment in which we operate.
The Kit provides information on key aspects of management responsibility in a user friendly way, that will support voluntary boards in developing clear and effective polices, procedures, systems and structures, so you can get back to focus on:
- The reason you got involved
- Working with your target group
- Your drive, energy, passion, belief and commitment to making a difference for lone parent families.
