subject: Planning A Community Improvement Project [print this page] Community improvement projects are a great way to give back and even better when you put in the right amount of planning. There are numerous projects you can plan, but first you will need to determine what it is that your community needs the most. Whether it is a good cleanup, a cosmetic makeover of an old building, or some creative landscaping, there will be certain factors you will have to consider.
Money is definitely an important factor but not the only one. You will have to do some research and planning with certain city officials to prevent any issues with your project as well. But first things first, you will have to get things in order by starting your planning with three steps.
1.Determine laws and guidelines that may affect your project. Before beginning any community improvement project, it is important to determine if there are specific laws and guideline you will have to follow. Zoning laws are only one example of the laws that can affect your project. So it is important to be thorough in your research. To do this you will have to make personal visits to local government offices for information.
The internet can be a great tool to use in locating the offices you will have to visit, but for information you will want face-to-face contact. Any missed detail can put a halt on your project before it even really gets going. You can avoid this by knowing in advance what is and is not allowed in your community.
2.Seek out volunteers and funding for your project. Likely you will not be able to complete a community improvement project without the help and the financing of others. You should enlist volunteers right from the start, so tasks can be delegated to others. Speak to friends, family, and co-workers to get people involved.
Financing should be secured in the beginning as well so you know what you are working with from the start. Your local offices should be able to provide you with grant information. In addition, you can seek donations from community groups, businesses, and individuals who may be interested in your project.
3.Hold a conference call meeting to discuss your project. Conference calling can be used to have a meeting with your volunteers and investors during different stages of the planning. This will allow you and others to stay up to date on any developments affecting your community improvement project. Conference call meetings can include as many individuals as necessary, so it really is a priceless tool.
In fact, conferencing programs are priceless in the literal sense too. The internet makes available a variety of free conference calling programs for you to use. Discuss this tool with your other volunteers and determine what the benefits of using a conferencing program are.
Community improvement projects are often difficult to plan because so many people are involved. But if you enlist help and communicate with conference calling, you will find this important task to be much easier and maybe even a little fun.
