Introduction:
We need to get everyone together to see if they are interested in forming a group. To identify interested parties, it is advisable to initially engage with local fishermen at their ports on the quayside. The primary objective is to ascertain whether there is a genuine interest in forming a collective group. By speaking directly with fishermen in their working environment, we can better understand their perspectives and gauge their willingness to participate in such an organisation.
Visits to the quayside and port meetings are to get people talking about what this group could be, what it would do, and what it would achieve. The goal is not to get everyone to agree on everything, but to find common interests.
We started with quayside visits to start a conversation. We asked, “What is going well in fishing? What is going badly? What would you do if you had a say? We know that local fishermen often don’t get to share their views with the people who make the rules.These visits and meetings aim to change that.
To get fishermen involved early on, take notes on all conversations, even if they seem unimportant.This will help when organising the workshop.
When talking to fishermen:
This will give you an idea of their short, medium, and long-term goals.
Introduction – Continued:
Identifying potential members & strategies for outreach and engagement
You may know some good potential members through friends and family but recruiting people you don’t know doesn’t need to be costly. Simple phone calls can be really effective, social media can help spread the word. You can also share information through leaflets, and community noticeboards are a great help. Yet bear in mind even if you design a leaflet yourself printing can quickly cost £20.00 to £100.00.
When speaking with Fishermen, ask them if they know anyone who is un-represented, or needs help, or would be interested in this initiative and ask them to put you in touch.
When speaking with Fishermen, ask them if there are local Fishermen’s Associations they could put you in touch with.
What we did:
We blended all of the below methods to connect with fishermen and it created a huge amount of interest to meet and talk together. That said it still took us time to build momentum and form the CIC and we learnt a few key lessons on the way.
Spreading Information:
Phone calls
When speaking with Fishermen, ask them if they know anyone who is un-represented, or needs help, or would be interested in this initiative and ask them to put you in touch.
When speaking with Fishermen, ask them if there are local Fishermen’s Associations they could put you in touch with.
Contact local fisherman’s organisations to get them to put flyers/notices up and spread information.
Ask them when would be best to hold a one-day workshop to get an idea of what would suit the local fleets best.
Spreading Information – Continued:
Community Notice Boards
Contact local newsagents, cafes, chip shops and bakeries. Ask if you would be able to share information via leaflets. If you use this option, average cost online for 25 leaflets (A5) is under £20.
Suggested suppliers:
Vista Print Leaflet & Flyer printing: Print Your Business Flyers Online
Digital Printing Leaflet Printing Services | High-Quality Flyers | Digital Print UK
Solo Press A5 Flyer & Leaflet Printing – Free Next Day Mainland UK Delivery – Solopress UK
Emails:
Reaching out by email to current contacts, local restaurants, fish shops, marine industry suppliers, and other local contacts is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to build and maintain strong relationships within the community, fostering a sense of collaboration and mutual support. Secondly, by collecting email addresses, you can create a comprehensive contact list that allows for efficient and targeted communication. This is particularly important for spreading the word about events, promotions, or important updates, ensuring that your message reaches a wide and relevant audience. Additionally, email communication is cost-effective and provides a direct line to your contacts, making it easier to engage with them regularly and keep them informed.
Emails – Continued:
We understand that not everyone uses email regularly, and even if you already have an account, getting started with sending and managing emails can sometimes feel overwhelming.That’s why we’ve created easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides to help you get started.
To access these helpful guides, please use our website or click the links below:
Here is a typical example of a Facebook post that quickly explains who we are, featuring local scenes. This example can easily be tailored to you own local area, promoting your own fishing vessels and seafood.
Building Relationships with Local Fishermen:
Do not refer to Fishermen as Fishers. Male, Female, or Non-Binary, they are Fishermen.
Straight out of the gate:
Organising and Conducting Effective Meetings:
Organise at least two to three meetings before setting a date for a larger workshop. This approach helps build trust and allows fishermen to hear feedback from their peers who have attended previous meetings, making them more likely to participate.
Quayside Visits and Port Meetings:
Decide how many quayside visits or port meetings you wish to hold, prior to organising the Workshop (Chapter 3). Be sure to hold monthly meetings to maintain consistent engagement and ensure that fishermen feel their voices are being heard and valued.This regular interaction can help rebuild trust and foster a sense of community and shared purpose that is needed for an effective Workshop.
For all supporting documents please use the links below:
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