Crisp autumn air will make anyone want to be outside and enjoying the seasons changing. Spring and fall are the most opportune times of the year to work on making your yard and community more inviting. Fall allows preparation for winter months ahead while springencourages us to come out of “hibernation.”
Organizing a community cleanup is a great way for community members and neighbors to show pride in their local community while improving the physical appearances.
Hosting a community clean-up campaign also helps improve the health of the community by eliminating habitation for rodents and insects, provides an avenue for residents to become more involved and show visible results and will create a good impression on visitors and potential employers. Organizing your clean-up campaign into seven areas will help make your campaign a successful event.
K-State Community Specialist Nadine Sigle & Former Community PRIDE Program Coordinator Daniel Kahl offer the following advice on how to plan and organize a successful Community Clean-up.
1. Organize for success: A Clean-up effort should start with some planning and organizing from a group willing to take initiative to form a core planning committee.
2. Plan for Clear Goals: Take photos to document and assist in prioritizing projects. Before- and after- photos are helpful if reporting is necessary to donated services or resources for the clean up effort. When ranking projects, consider health, visual impact, safety, resources available to your effort and the likely hood of a successful project completion.
3. Develop a plan: Develop a detailed plan that includes what projects are being completed and by who. Also include if there is a deadline for the completion. If there are potentional costs involved in the clean-up effort, develop a budget and where the financing or fundraising efforts may come from.
4. Advertise: A good advertising campaign will get others in the community excited to participate in the effort of the community beautification. Contact local media, post pictures and information to local social media stories as well as prepare fliers to be placed around town.
5. Volunteers: Be prepared to accommodate individuals that show up to assist after hearing about the project. Think of friendships, family network, co-works, etc., that may provide resources or helpful contacts.
6. Execute your Project: The safety of all volunteers should be the most important part of your execution. Depending on weather situations, have water and drinks available. Encourage workers to come appropriately dressed (Bright colors, appropriate shoes, etc.). Make sure all volunteers know where to take litter that is collected during the clean up effort.
7. Sustain the effort: Make sure to publicly thank all volunteers and cooperating businesses for their efforts in the clean-up. Recognizing a “Yard of the Week” or “Most Improved Property” are great ways to help sustain efforts. Use before and after photos to show the effect of the clean up and to keep the excitement of the beautification going long after the effort.
Find more information on conducting a Community Clean-Up the K-State Research & Extension website.
or contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or any Southwind District Extension office.
