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START UP A LOCAL TN

DEFINE AREA OF OPERATION

This will normally coincide with the area of circulation of the local paper from which you take your news. This will quite likely overlap with that of your neighbouring TNs. This does not matter. There is no reason why visually handicapped people should not have more than one TN in the same way that sighted people can buy as many newspapers as they wish. However, the area within which you loan cassette players should be carefully defined in collaboration with your neighbouring TNs - your TNF Directory will assist here.

ASSESS LISTENERSHIP

Identify and contact likely 'listeners' by finding out who keeps the local Register for the Blind, and Register of the Partially Sighted, this is usually the local Social Services Department. Although these registers are confidential, the holders may, on your behalf, forward letters to those listed. Also use Social Clubs for the Blind, RNIB contacts, the Talking Book organisation, local doctors, opticians etc. Get articles published in the local paper asking readers to tell blind or visually impaired neighbours or friends of the proposed service. Point out that the service will be free. Cassette players may be available to those in need.

APPOINT TRUSTEES

It is not essential to have Patrons but they may help with fund-raising. The committee members are all trustees of the organisation.

OPEN BANK ACCOUNTS

Pass resolutions approving the opening of a current account and deposit account and agree signatories. It is usual to have two signatories from three officers on all cheques, the Treasurer and Chairman or Secretary. The Bank Manager will need a mandate and the charity registration number.

PLAN FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN

Firstly, try to get some donations from service clubs, such as Lions, Rotary and Round Table etc, and their associated Ladies' sections, and from the local Council, to provide some initial 'capital', even if this only takes the form of promises of money. Mention this amount in your appeal letters to add weight to your request, and show you mean business. Keep stressing the local nature of the appeal - it is to help people in your town.

Some targets for appeals would be:

Local businesses either large or small and their Social Clubs.

Schools - mention the possibility of sponsored events. (A sponsored sunflower growing competition raised several thousand pounds for one TN.)

A Directory for Charitable Trusts can be obtained from your local library.

Plan for a street collection - apply to the local authority for a licence. You do not have to be a registered charity for this.

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