Engaging the Community

Identifying Local British Citizens and Potential Members

Identifying Local British Citizens and Potential Members

The first step in building a thriving BOVF local branch is identifying and connecting with British citizens living in your area. This process begins by leveraging both online and offline networks to find potential members who share an interest in the key issues affecting British expatriates, such as voting rights, pensions, and government services.

You can start by exploring existing British expat communities on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerlyTwitter), where local groups for British nationals often exist. These platforms can provide access to a ready-made audience of British citizens who may not yet be aware of the BOVF but are likely to be interested in your cause.

In addition to online outreach, consider tapping into local British social or business organizations such as The British Club or the British Chamber of Commerce as well as The Royal British Legion. The local Embassy, and Consulate might also want to hear that you exist and might invite you along to social or networking events they are involved with.

These entities frequently hold events or maintain directories that can help you connect with British expatriates.

Attend these events, engage with participants, and share information about your new branch and the mission of the BOVF.

Partnering with British schools, churches, or community centres can also open up opportunities to meet British citizens who are invested in remaining connected to UK affairs.

By building a network of local contacts and engaging potential members in meaningful conversations about the benefits of joining the BOVF, you can quickly grow a strong, engaged membership base that will support your branch’s activities.

Remember: we are only looking for people to register as a Supporter and get involved at any level.

People can join and be a full member if they want to, but they may well decide to do that at a later date. Please do not forget this.

Our policy is to get people to ‘join in’ not to sell the idea of joining.

Conducting Outreach Through Social Media, Local Events, and British Networks

One of the most effective ways to build awareness and grow your local BOVF branch is through strategic outreach across multiple channels, including social media, local events, and existing British networks. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for reaching British citizens abroad.

If you would like a ‘local’ Facebook group created for your branch. Get in touch with the global BOVF organisation and they will help you.

Create engaging content that highlights your branch’s mission, upcoming events, and success stories, and encourage your members to share posts within their networks. Join or collaborate with online groups for British expats, alumni associations, or even UK-focused interest groups to spread the word and generate interest in your branch.

Regularly updating your social media profiles with informative, relevant content will help keep your audience engaged and grow your supporter base organically.

In addition to digital outreach, hosting or participating in local events can have a significant impact. Look for opportunities to hold information sessions at British consulates, embassies, or expat social hubs, such as British pubs, cultural centers, or business associations.

Developing an Outreach Strategy for Your First Six Months

The first six months of your local BOVF branch will be crucial for building momentum, establishing a strong presence, and connecting with British citizens in your area.

To ensure success, it’s important to create a well-planned outreach strategy that engages potential members and spreads awareness of your mission. Start by identifying key goals, such as growing your membership, raising awareness of the BOVF’s core issues, thinking about what is important to potential supporters or future members at a local level and building relationships with local British networks.

Establish clear, measurable objectives—such as hosting three events, reaching a target number of social media followers, or generating a certain amount of media coverage—to track your progress and refine your approach as needed.

A key component of your strategy should be diversifying your outreach channels.

Use a mix of online and offline tactics, including social media, newsletters, and partnerships with local British organizations, such as schools, business groups, and cultural clubs. Hosting both online and in-person events, like informational sessions or social gatherings, will provide opportunities to connect directly with British expatriates and showcase the importance of your branch’s work.

Tailor your messaging to focus on the key issues that resonate with British citizens in your country, such as voting rights, pensions, or access to UK government services.

By aligning your outreach efforts with the concerns of your local community, you’ll quickly build a strong base of supporters and create a buzz that will help your branch flourish in its first six months and beyond.

Partner with other local British organizations to co-host events, offering a space for discussions on key issues like pensions, voting rights, and UK policy changes.

These in-person engagements allow you to connect with potential members face-to-face, build a sense of community, and explain the importance of the BOVF’s work.

Finally, as we have mentioned before, tapping into existing British networks, such as schools, churches, or clubs, can introduce you to individuals already invested in UK affairs, providing fertile ground for your branch to expand its reach and impact.

By utilizing a combination of online and offline outreach strategies, you can maximize your branch’s visibility and attract a strong, engaged community of supporters.

We hope this page has been informative.

If you have any corrective or improvement suggestions, please email webmaster@bovf.org.uk