> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.designingforchildrensrights.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.designingforchildrensrights.org/working-groups-local-chapters.md).

# Working Groups and Local Chapters

Working Groups and Local Chapters are the heart and the muscles of D4CR. \
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Working groups and Local Chapters are circles of people making things happen based on the D4CR strategy and mission. 

*You can either :* 

#### **a) Join and contribute to one of the existing Working Groups or Local Chapter**

Anyone can join the working group(s). Browse the pages in this handbook to discover the active groups. 

Read more about the [Lead](/structure/steering-group-members.md) and [Contributor](/structure/working-group-contributors-and-contributing-members.md) roles. 

### **b) start a Working group or Local Chapter, the initiator(s) should:**  

Is there something that is not yet done within our mission & strategy that your hands are itching to get going with? Then you can start a new Group or Chapter. All members can start new groups/ chapters.

Start by sending a message in Slack channel #d4cr-main with subject line **New Working Group** or **New Local Chapter**. \
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The message should contain:

* **name** of the new group.
* **scope** of the group, description of activities.  
* **lead(s)**: a working group can have 1-2 leads.
* **list of contributors**: a list of people (name, profession, city, country) who are in the group already. Extra karma points for profile photos or links to them.
* **Invitation for additional contributors** and a way for people to join, if appropriate. 

If you are not a member yet, join as a member by sending email to <contact@d4cr.org>.

### **Working Group/ Local Chapter playbook:**&#x20;

* Agree on collaboration model and communication channels within the group members.
* Start a [Slack](/technical-tools-1/slack.md) channel for the group if needed.&#x20;
* Start using a dedicated D4CR [Google Drive](/technical-tools-1/drive.md) folder for storing and sharing working files (Our rule is “if it is not in Drive it does not exist”)
* Working rhythm:&#x20;
  * Working group lead or another contributor of the group should participate in the yearly General Assembly to shares updates about their progress.
* Use the Slack to connect and engage others.
* Involve people in decisions using voting.
* Working Groups primarily operate autonomously. Anyone outside of working group can send suggestions to a working group, but it is up to the group whether to take this suggestion on or not.

#### **Read more about Local Chapters here:**

<https://d4cr.org/about-local-chapters>