Identify Your Group’s Scale: What’s the scale of your efforts?

Green Ellsworth had a local, city-wide scope. Their efforts were directed at making Ellsworth a model green community, with work tailored to municipal policies and projects. CEBE, on the other hand, started with a regional scope, focusing on projects and events in their immediate area. Over time, their work expanded beyond their local community, engaging in statewide partnerships and policy efforts.

Defining the scale of your group’s efforts is crucial for focusing your resources and ensuring your goals are achievable. The scale will influence the type of projects you undertake, the partnerships you form, and the level of change you can create. It also helps clarify the level of influence your group can have—whether at the local, regional, or broader level—and ensures that efforts are focused where they can make the most difference. By defining a clear scale, you ensure your group stays within its capacity, avoiding overextension while setting the foundation for future growth. Without this clarity, it’s easy to stretch beyond your resources, leading to burnout or diminished impact. For example, one group might decide to focus narrowly on neighborhood-level projects like community composting or weatherization workshops, recognizing that their strength lies in deep, place-based relationships. Another might take on a citywide initiative from the beginning, such as pushing for a municipal climate action plan, because they have access to policy allies or organizational backing. Both are valid scales, the key is to choose one that fits your current capacity and strategic goals.

The scale of your group’s work will directly influence the resources you need and how you measure success. If you aim too high at the outset, you risk overwhelming your group; if you start too small, you might miss opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Striking the right balance ensures your group can focus on achievable goals, build momentum, and have a lasting effect.

Consider what scale is feasible for your group to start with - you can always expand! Some questions to consider:

  • Are you aiming for a small-scale neighborhood project, or do you want to have a broader, community-wide or regional influence? Remember that you can start small and expand over time as your group builds capacity; partnering with other locally based organization in regional coalitions can also be a pathway to broaden impact and deepen power without expanding your individual group’s scale significantly

  • Consider whether your group will work within an existing municipal plan (such as a comprehensive plan). Aligning with municipal plans can provide your group with credibility, access to resources, and political support. However, consider whether this aligns with your group's priorities or if it limits your flexibility.

By answering these questions, your group can identify a scale that aligns with your current capacity and future goals. Remember, the scale you choose now doesn’t need to be permanent—it can evolve as your group builds resources, relationships, and momentum.

Use the worksheet below to help your group answer these questions and organize your thoughts around your group's scale.

  • Is your group focused on hands-on action, raising awareness, or policy change? The type of work you choose will affect the scale of your efforts and the resources required.