DO have a vision of what you would like to create

DON’T let that vision keep you from being open to suggestions on how best to implement it

DO try to create something that will serve the needs of the community

DON’T become schizophrenic and try to satisfy everyone’s needs

DO concentrate on building a good foundation for your group

DON’T tear down another group in order to build that foundation – remember however flawed you may think that group is, it is someone’s baby and they care about it as much as you care about yours

DO look at other successful groups for organizational ideas

DON’T assume that what works in one city will work in yours – be prepared to make adjustments based on local attitudes/concerns

DO try to include as many people as possible in the organizational process

DON’T make "behind closed door" decisions

DO establish some sort of interim "board" to get the work accomplished

DON’T let that board make decisions which effect the future direction of the group

DO try to keep the group from being associated with just one or two people

DON’T forget that this will happen anyway and your personal life will come under scrutiny as people decide whether or not to follow your lead

DO keep minutes of all meetings and decisions made

DON’T rely on people’s memories – six months down the line those memories will differ

DO be honest with yourself about what your personal agenda contains

DON’T let that agenda interfere with what is best for the group

DO encourage constructive criticism

DON’T take that criticism personally

DO try to have fun and maintain enthusiasm for the project

DON’T let yourself get discouraged by a few "nay-sayers"

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