How To Plan a Community Service Project

If you have been tasked with organizing a community service project within your workplace or organization, you probably need some basic advice to get things moving. Today’s article is just that: a rough outline of the things you’ll need to do to help ensure a successful project.

 

Gauge Interest in the Project

Excitement and enthusiasm are vital elements of any service or outreach initiative. If you can’t find enough people who want to work on your project, don’t try to force things forward. Step back and come up with another plan.

 

Offer A Few Options

Once you have a clear gauge of the type of project that appeals to the majority, offer a few options, and let your volunteers decide which one(s) most of them prefer. Make the decision based on overall interest and the most immediate need.

If, for example, your goal is urban renewal, what sort of project do you want to pursue? Will you spend a week cleaning up graffiti from public buildings? Will you adopt space in your local park to maintain? Will you organize a block party to facilitate tighter community bonds? Go with majority rule and start planning immediately.

 

Organize Your Team

Determine which of your team members will best fill the various roles in the planning and execution processes. If necessary, interview your volunteers to determine where they will fit in best. Keep it informal, but don’t be afraid to ask important questions.

 

Secure All Necessary Permits and Permissions

If there is any chance that your project will interfere with local businesses, it is necessary to reach out to those businesses and communicate what will be happening. Take any strong protests seriously and try to work out reasonable solutions. The response is bound to be very positive, and you might even get a few sponsors along the way.

Also, be sure that your activities won’t require special city permits. If it turns out, they will secure them. Above all, do your prep at this stage well ahead. Three months out is a good median, but shorter notice can also be worked out with a bit of finesse.

 

Follow the above advice at the planning stages, and your event will be set up well for success. When the day (or first day) of your event arrives, the confidence in your own good planning will be a huge motivator to the rest of your team.