In the Green Footprints Community Network meeting, member groups fed back that they find it difficult to attract new members to their groups.
One of the local groups suggested a membership reward card scheme, where each ‘green’ community group would develop a simple pledge or number of pledges that new members would sign up to when they register to join, eg. Friends of Holly Hayes Wood might make this volunteering 10 hours a year in the wood. The basic tenet is that members are rewarded for giving something back to their community.
How the Scheme would work
This is a simple loyalty-type scheme aimed at local businesses and local community groups. Through its Green Footprints Challenge, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) will administrate the scheme and sign up further groups and businesses to take part. NWLDC will be responsible for producing and distributing membership cards; producing and updating a Membership webpage detailing offers and with weblinks to participating businesses; organising a high profile launch event.
Benefits to Businesses
The benefits for local businesses would be:
- promotional opportunities through association with the Green Footprints Challenge (website and initiative promotional material)
- promotion with local groups and at the launch of the scheme through local press.
- Corporate social responsibility - gaining recognition from supporting local organisations, initiatives and people.
- Opportunity to promote green events via the Green Footprints website and newsletters to local groups.
Companies approached
At this stage we have approached only those local companies suggested by the community groups who attended the meeting, but we will be aiming to approach more locally based businesses. One proviso will be that all companies must have a genuinely ‘green’ business ethos to ensure the strong reputation of the Green Footprints brand.
- Ashby Farmers Market
- Best Premier Yew Lodge Hotel (Green Tourism Silver Award & Green Footprints Business Network)
- Conkers
- Halfords
- Hermitage and Hood Park Leisure Centres
- Merisons (LED lighting)
Are you a business and interested in taking part in the loyalty card - email footprints@nwleicestershire.gov.uk
