Our organization is trying to build new playspaces in our neighborhood. The neighborhood is in an "affordable housing complex" where 194 families with over 200 children, call home One of the obstacles we are having is trying to engage the outside town community to join with us. We have been pedaling our ideas to townsfolk however, they do not seem interested in our plans and point out the fact that the town recently spent a lot of money to improve the local town park and want to know why they can't play there? I explain that our neighborhood has over 200 children who need a place to play within walking distance and the town park is too far away. Any ideas on how to engage others who do see that they have a "benefit to gain" from the build?
Hello there! It sounds like you have an incredible project in the works. It certainly makes sense why you would want to have a playspace for over 200 children living in an affordable housing complex. It doesn't seem hard to understand that those children cannot easily access a distant park. So my first thought is the way in which you've been "pedaling" your ideas to the townsfolk. What was the setting? When did you talk to them? How often have you mentioned your ideas?
When you're approaching people for donations or volunteer support or just ideas, you want to make sure you do it at a time and place that is comfortable for everyone. Although not a typical place to make a formal "ask," consider planning a holiday party for both the residents and the outside community. After the townsfolk have had a chance to meet some of the residents and speak with you more informally about your ideas, they might be a little warmer when you make a more official ask. If they don't see why it's hard for children to go to the other park, give them examples of families who don't have cars, kids whose parents work and can't drive them, and the many dangers that children face going there alone.
The next step is making it very clear what the benefit is to them. You mentioned that they just don't see it. I'm not sure if you're speaking to the local businesses, neighbors, or parks department so I can't say what the best angle is. I would think of whomever it is as a potential funder or volunteer. What are the tangible and intangible things that they will gain? For instance, can they have their names on bricks leading up to the structure? Will their be a recognition ceremony? Mentions in the press? If they own the land, you can explain why investing in a community-build playground will increase the life of the playground b/c more residents will be invested in using and maintaining it. Also, tell them that the build day provides a tremendous volunteer experience for them and neighboring townsfolk. Our website has some great stories of community-builds that changed the lives of hundreds of children and community volunteers: http://www.kaboom.org/ReferenceLibrary/SuccessStories/tabid/92/Default.aspx.
Finally, I would show them everything that you and the residents have already done to make this happen. If they see that you and the residents have invested time and money to the project, they will be more likely to invest their time and money. Show them your budget, potential designs, your fundraising plan, and upcoming fundraising events.
I hope that helps! Good luck and let us know what works!
Tiffiney, KaBOOM! Manager Training & Education
What's better than 1 playspace in a community but several playspaces so all can enjoy! Is there a way to make your playspace different than the other one in some aspect... offer a toddler playspace and a 5-12 year old playspace! You could have your playground rep look at the other place and see how you can do something different with yours so it has it's own appeal that people outside your area will want to go to it. If you add a different aspect to it from the other playspace than that could draw them in. We had a similar program where we had play areas in our community but none that kids could walk to. For us a draw was to get outside help was discussing that many people in our community didn't have cars to get to the other playspaces. We try to pull at the heart strings of making play accessible for all to enjoy. Try to engage mother /parent groups. We found many people enjoy the variety that various playgrounds have to offer. I found our rec dept wasn't helpful (they didn't see a need for playground at all for us) but we kept moving along and we achieved our goal.
Good Luck.
"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world. Indeed, it has never been done otherwise." - Margaret Mead
I'm inspired to know that you have a vision and seem committed to it. I truly think you can build this playground by getting the right people involved. In many ways, the struggle to get momentum behind the project is solved in selling the idea well. Two ideas come to mind:
1.) Recruit and build a strong network of parents, teachers, and other local community leaders who share your vision of a close and safe place for your kids to play. Although not always the case, I'm sure when asked if a playground for their child is something they'd like to see, most parents would say yes. If there truly is a need for a playground in the community, there will be parents who also see that need. Before asking them about joining the project, see how many people you can unite on the common thread of sharing the basic need of a playground for their children. You may find that the number of parents expressing the same need grows to be larger than those who just "aren't into it." You may also find that once enough parents, teachers, day care owners, etc. in the community see how many others share the same need, they will be more inclined to take action. Worry about the action steps as the momentum comes; Unite everyone with a common need first.
2.) Once momentum comes, you can greatly benefit from a strong sales pitch to surrounding organizations and businesses. Are there ice cream places and grocery stores that will benefit from a business standpoint of increased traffic to the area? Are there businesses and local organizations that can partner their cause with yours (Americorps, Kiwanis, local day cares, etc.)
Lastly, I encourage you to keep a good source of inspiration around. It's easy to get discouraged when others can't see the same need you see glaring the community in the face. You have a great idea and will be very proud of the work you've put into the lives of the kids in your current community and future generations to come. Good Luck!