Organize a Playspace Cleanup or Refurbishment!
A cleanup is an interactive and tangible way to get folks involved in advocating for play — by taking action today! This is an excellent opportunity for adults and children alike to rally around a shared goal. An event such as this also allows individuals who can’t always commit to attend meetings to volunteer in a “one-stop shopping” way. When planning for your playspace cleanup or refurbishment, consider the following ideas:
- Plan it for a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon—a convenient option for maximum participation.
- Advertise it! Pass out flyers (see sample flyer) and post announcements in the playspace area so as many folks as possible can join in the fun and community-building.
- Get kids involved in the outreach and make sure the activity is a family affair. Have a person assigned to children’s activities so that the adults have time to connect. Have kids do a mural with chalk on the sidewalk or decorate small white tiles with paints.
- Consider making the event a potluck of sorts to disperse some of the responsibilities to members of your community. Each family can bring light snacks.
- Make sure you gather the contact information of everyone who participates — quickly build your local playmaker network!
- Finally, hand out flyers or make a pitch for your advocacy initiative and announce the next opportunity to be involved. It’s critical at every event for participants to leave knowing there are more opportunities to take action.