There’s a certain area, every time you pass by you look at it with disgust. Why doesn’t someone do something about the litter and mess there? You call the authorities and get handed off from one department to the next. Months go by and you get really sick and tired of seeing it. That mess—there it is again!
Stop grumbling and take charge. What is a democracy if you can’t do something to fix that mess? With the technology we have in our hands now, anyone can become the “organizer” of their community. I use web sites to organize people to clean up their community, to deal with pressing issues, or take over responsibilities where others have failed. Some of the web sites I use are free, some are paid for by fund raising we do. As a citizen, you have a right to take action, and as a human being on this planet, citizen or not, you have an obligation to take care of Mother Earth and your human community.
Here’s what you can do: Recently, after storm damage left a porta-potty and a lot of plastic debris in our local park, I used social media and a web site to organize a shoreline clean up. With budgets low and record-breaking damage from hurricanes, authorities were glad to get some help from the residents. I contacted all the news media that operated in our area. Their publications usually give you an email address or free classified section for public announcements that are displayed online and/or in print. A good small camera is useful for capturing pictures of the scene where the damage and litter are located. Be sure you don’t print anyone’s picture without their knowledge and permission. Family members are great for posing in the location where you plan to take action. Use these pictures with your ads and on your web site or page.
Be prepared. You’ll need supplies. Depending on what it is you want to do, there are often groups out there that can provide free supplies. Do plenty of research on the web. Community clean ups can get free garbage bags. Parks departments are often willing to loan rakes, wheelbarrows, and shovels. Sadly, we found that big corporate stores and restaurants were rarely willing to donate or help in any way. Sometimes local companies will donate supplies, food or tools. You can create flyers on your computer and print out a few to give to small restaurants, stores, doctor’s offices, or hair salons to put in their windows to help get the word out. While you are there, ask if they can make a donation of some kind.
When the big day comes, get to your site early, get set up and be ready to greet the volunteers. Realize that these people are working for free. We all know how unfair that is, especially in an economy where so many need jobs. But like you, they too are tired of the mess.
Unite your community to get the mess cleaned. Be careful to keep competition under control so that it does not ignite into contests of who is best and who needs to be voted off the project. Welcome everyone, even the people who can only do a little. Recognize the many tasks that need to be done that don’t require a lot of hard work, such as: spreading the news by word of mouth and social media, carrying water out to tired thirsty volunteers, keeping track of tools and making sure they get returned to the parks department. You’ll need greeters to get people to sign in and sign the waiver letting them know that you can’t be responsible. They need to act with caution while doing the work. All these tasks are important and can be done by those not able to give that physical push that others can give.
When the media comes, have your explanations ready. Don’t complain and grumble, don’t point fingers at your most-hated politician. Just tell the media how you are improving the community. Kill ’em with kindness.
Once you start organizing your community, you’ll gain experience and respect. You’ll find yourself soon looking for another project. Think about actions that will do the greatest good for your community. There’s a lot to do in a society that needs as much improvement as it can get. Good luck and enjoy the challenge!
