Start a Service Project
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1. RECRUIT, FIND ALLIES
Remember that you are not alone. There are all kinds of people and groups who are already trying to create change in your community. Connect with them:
Volunteer Centers—are a key resource for volunteer involvement in a community. They promote volunteerism, train and assist nonprofit organizations, recruit and refer volunteers to opportunities, recognize volunteers, and implement numerous programs designed help solve specific community problems. Find a Volunteer Center near you.
Schools—Aside from being a great resource for potential allies like teachers and administrators, schools also promote service either through extra curricular clubs or through service-learning (the connection between service and classroom curriculum). Schools also have available supplies, space, phones, computers, and other resources.
Community-Based Organizations—Community-based organizations can range from a council on aging, to a local hospital, environmental agency, or a homeless shelter. As you look at these organizations, keep in mind their purpose and how the issue you identified connects with that purpose. Research the yellow pages or contact your town/city hall, Volunteer Center or United Way for information about these organizations.
Government Agencies—This may include local elected officials or the departments that provide the services. If, for example, you are interested in coaching little league or soccer, the city or county parks and recreation department often run these programs. Or, if you are interested in starting a recycling program in your school, your city or county government solid waste department may be responsible for recycling in the city.
Businesses—Many businesses are taking an active part in revitalizing communities. Some even have their own employee volunteer and philanthropy programs. You can ask local businesses for help in providing materials, money, people-power, and know-how. Don't ignore large companies who may have offices or factories in your area.
2. GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER
Use team building activities to get to know the people you are working with. Your team will be working closely together for a significant period of time, make sure your team knows each other.
3. IDENTIFY ISSUES
The first thing you need to do is identify what issue you wish to change in your community. To focus your interest:
Examine what you see and talk to other people: Is the water undrinkable? Are there few jobs or activities for people? Are AIDS cases among teens in your community on the rise? Ask what causes these problems. Talk to other people, parents and teachers about the issue and why it exists.
What interests and abilities do you have? Look inside yourself. Think about who you are and what you love to do. Perhaps you’re an outgoing person, or have a passion for music, or like using your hands. If you connect your vision to your personal life it will make your work fulfilling. If you’re athletic, for example, you may use your abilities to organize and train youth with disabilities in a Jr. Special Olympics. To help you get started:
- Write down all of your talents, hobbies, and interests
- Pick a social issue and see if you can invent a way for your personal interest to be used in a campaign or project with this issue
4. ANALYZE WHY
Figure out why this problem is an issue, what’s the cause of the problem you choose to solve? Research who else is working on the issue, they might be able to help you by giving you resources or even by joining your team.
Do some research and ask yourself and your community:
- what would you like to see in your community?
- What are the problems that present a great danger?
- What are some of the root causes of these problems?
- What are some action steps that
can be taken?
5. SELECT A PROJECT
Consider how much time you will need, and how much time you have. How many people will be involved? You must consider where the project takes place and who will supervise?
6. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN
While you may be able to work with others who are already involved in a project, you may have to start something on your own. Below are some things you should think about when planning a project on your own:
What is the goal of the project? Think about what you are trying to achieve.
Who is the project leader? It is always important to have a point person and a clear understanding of who is in charge. Think about any help you might need from adults you know to lead the project.
Who else do you need to help you? Think about adult help you will need or other volunteers you might need. As in the case of the examples given above, the people were able to have a greater impact by working with others.
Where will the service project take place? If, for example, you are organizing a group to work with a community based organization, make sure you provide directions to get there. If you are conducting a project that requires you to get a collection spot, try asking your school, local community center or church for available space.
What supplies do you need? Will the project require any supplies? If so, think of who can donate them. If, for example, you are making books for children in the local homeless shelter, see if the art class can donate left over materials such as paper, paint, markers, scissors or other craft items. If you are painting an elderly person's house you may need paint, paintbrushes, plastic sheeting and tape. Check if the local hobby store would be willing to donate supplies.
What money do you need? Be creative in finding the funds you will need. This may be to cover supply costs or to help transport volunteers to the service project location. Aside from getting donated items, have a car wash to raise money, or ask local businesses to help you out in exchange for sponsor ship.
How will you get there? Public transportation and car pools are the two most common solutions. You can also approach bus or van services, senior citizens' groups, schools, and local civic groups for help.
Liability and Safety Issues. Think about the safety issues involved.
- Have your volunteers sign a permission slip, if needed
- Make sure you have names and phone numbers of who to contact in case of an emergency
- Make sure you have a first aid kit
- If you are using equipment, make sure to provide training on how to use it
- Make sure you also have some adult help in case something goes wrong
7. CONDUCT THE PROJECT
Put into action the plan you have selected and carefully planned. Remember you are working to solve a problem or an issue confronting your community, so keep in mind safety first, fun second!
8. REFLECT AND CELEBRATE
A few more things to think about as you make a difference in your community:
Celebration and Recognition. Make sure to recognize and celebrate the service effort of all your volunteers. You can do this through a simple “than you,” or an event like a pizza party. People like to feel appreciated for their efforts and to know that such efforts were important and of value to the community.
Reflection and Evaluation. It is important to understand what you did through your service, both for yourself and for your community. Think about what you learned about the issue and yourself. For instance, has your attitude about homelessness changed after working in a soup kitchen, or did you know you could teach before tutoring a er child?