Due to the huge importance of local groups, we have set up a new position in each region, the regional coordinator. This is a new asset, a new initiative. It’s not really a campaign, since campaigns often have a beginning and an end. Our new position in each region will be a continuous help for now and also into the future.

Many local groups face challenges, and we cannot “reinvent the wheel” in each local group. We are strengthening our communication infrastructure to enable communication between local groups, between the groups and their coordinator, and between each group and Esperanto-USA.

Go to our website and click on groups to see the list of regions. Click again on the appropriate link to view the page for your region. At the top of each region page you’ll find a link to contact information for its regional coordinator.

What kind of help?

How can the regional coordinator help you? What help do you need? What are the main challenges of your local group? The leaders of Esperanto-USA cannot decide this for you, because each group is unique. Moreover, each group has its own purpose and vision. You with other members of your group decide what your challenges, needs, goals, and activities are.

Your main questions and challenges

Most often, the most important task of improving a local group is to discover your main goal, your reason for being, your core values. Discovering these goals can be more important than getting your answer. But what do you do now? Choose your questions from our list or write your own.

1. In your local Esperanto group what are your common goals, visions, and projects?
2. Is your contact information correct in our groups database?
3. Do you have contacts from Esperanto students in Duolingo, Lernu!, or other courses?
4. Is someone in your group a host for your local Duolingo events? The Duolingo events site can put you in contact with hundreds of Esperanto students in your area.
5. Is your local group active in social media? Discuss what works with your regional coordinator.
6. Have you considered using Meetup?
7. Are you publicly announcing local meetings? (online, printed or broadcast news media)
8. Which reporters of your local newspaper or television stations report on issues related to languages or human rights?
9. Are you sending announcements or articles to them? Do you already have contact with a local journalist?
10. Does your library or community center provide a meeting room for groups that serve the public?
11. Do members of your local group have family members in the public schools or colleges? If so, is it possible to start an Esperanto club at school?
12. Have you contacted language teachers in your local schools or colleges? Why? Why not?
13. Are there some members of your local group who are also members of non-Esperanto organizations? (Kiwanis, Lions Club, Masons, scouts, religious organizations, Mensa, chess clubs, amateur radio, etc.) If yes, do they look for program topics? And do their newsletters accept articles or ads on diversity or intercultural programs?
14. Are there international fairs, exhibitions or intercultural days in the community, schools or colleges?
15. Does your club have any promotional material? Brochures? Post cards? Business cards?
16. Is there any possibility to present Esperanto to the public to your library or community center?
17. Does your club have regular programs?
18. What does your club do for the beginners, the new members?
19. How did your local group members become interested in Esperanto? Note that personal stories are often the most effective persuasion tools.
20. Do members of your group want regular classes? How can the club help the members progress in their language skills?
21. Have you requested Esperanto materials in your local bookstores and libraries? It helps to ask personally even if there is an online catalog.
22. What are your ideas for how to help other local groups? What has worked for your group that you wish to share with others?
23. Do you use the Amikumu app or other tools to find local students who do not know your club?
24. Which online tools do the members of your local group use to interact with one another?

Your local group might want to discuss these issues, discover your goals, and create plans. Of course, communicate with your regional coordinator! They want to help you. We have your coordinators for all ten regions. Please keep your regional coordinator updated with your progress.

Help for local groups including the availability of regional coordinators is a service of Esperanto-USA.

Onward and upward!