Yesterday I began to panic, we are only 7 weeks away from our build. The entire world is away for Fourth of July, even the school is closed so I can't get them to send emails out to parents. Yesterday, I was thinking that about 4 of us were going to all of the prep and build the playground and move the huge mulch pile by ourselves. In fact our first volunteer day is in just 2 weeks and I have no one signed up.
So I spent about seven hours yesterday researching corporations in our community that have volunteer programs. I sent emails to everyone I could. I prepared an email to go out to parents next week asking if any of them work at these corporations so that we could work from the inside. Some of them have already said that they would post the opportunity.
I also sent a request for a one-day project to Pittsburgh Cares. They emailed today to say that they will match us with a large corporation as part of this community's Days of Caring. Keep your fingers crossed.
Then one of the other committee members decided that we can't just throw away our old playground equipment--it isn't very green to put it in the dumpster. So he put an ad on Craig's List that we had a playground to give away for free, if they would help us take it down and haul it away. He got 85 responses in just a few hours. He has narrowed it down to the most needy. I then further narrowed the list down by explaining exactly what they would need to do including signing a waiver and agreeing to take it as is. People still want it. So I know I have 10 volunteers coming on the volunteer day to take down the playground--because they are going to take it with them.
Maybe all it takes is a little panic :) We have 4 volunteer days coming up in the next 7 weeks--we need a total number of at least 150 volunteers. I guess that I will just continue to constuctively panic.
Good luck to everyone else out there in our position.
Mara
Mara,
I am a firm believer that when it's something good...it will work. Our build is two weeks away and I only have about 25 confirmed volunteers. Fliers went out two weeks ago, the banner will go up tomorrow, I have a million details to figure out, but all in all, I have faith that it will be fine!
In some cases panic is the answer, in others patience will prevail.
Best of luck
Nancy Serrand
Given the responses you received on craigslist for the "free" playground, why not post the volunteer opportunity on there as well? Also, try posting your playground build on volunteer sites like volunteermatch.com. Lastly, though flyers are great and a wonderful way to get the word out initially, I don't think anything beats personal communication. Try approaching the local fire department, churches, sports clubs, neighbors, friends, etc. I realize it's summer, but if you can access local high schoolers and get them to help out, that's an option as well. Many high schools require community service hours as a requirement for graduation. Brainstorm all the businesses, organizations, clubs, schools, etc. in your area and I'm sure you can come up with a great list of potential volunteers. Good luck!
Hi Mara,
How exciting that things are really underway for you...whether you feel prepared or not. When it comes to volunteers, its great to tap into already formed groups of volunteers as resources. As the response before me mentioned, church groups and public servants are great resources. In addition to the fire and police departments, military branches of any kind often look for community service as well. I think its so ironic when I meet people who organize community service events for their respective organizations and are out there searching so diligently for a great service event and yet there are so many people like yourself who need great volunteers. Now if we could only connect the two.
Since it looks like your in Pittsburgh, you probably want to reach out to the local colleges and universities. Most have an office of community outreach, as well as fraternities that have "service chairs" who are constantly looking for service their groups can do. Even better is if you can find one or more of these groups to take a bit of ownership in your project with you. When you consider the resource of labor you can find on a college campus, it might not be a bad idea. Many fraternities also have sister sororities that could join in too (maybe help with the logistics or landscaping even...if they don't want to help directly with the construction).
As another of many thoughts, calling construction companies in the area and talking directly about your project with the managers may have very positive impacts. Although not typically a place were the managers are looking for a chance to "give back," sometimes they are willing to send a few of their guys or even a whole crew to come one morning for a few hours or even the whole day to help in a community that provides them with business.
I can't wait to hear about your successful build. Good luck!