Share yourself in neighborhood projects
By Patience Still
Community centers have good ideals and many seem to uphold them. The work that is done in the neighborhood, no matter how minimal, reflects established goals and objectives community organizations set.
Organizations based on community needs, located in the community it represents, and maintained by people of the community know what the neighborhood needs most. These leaders in neighborhood well-being speak of outreach, education, artistic expression, and community oneness. The results are reflected in the comments received from residents involved in the programs.
There are instances in which outsiders (those who live outside the community limits) see many areas of success organizations strive to achieve and sometimes question the effect of. People who live outside a community see within as sometimes unbiased passersby. Where residents see no marked or quick change, nonresidents may look and say”oh, what a nice mural, that garden wasn’t there before, people around here are really making change. That person making the comments could be someone who uses to live in the area and remembered how it was and how far it’s come along. Perhaps, it is someone who drives through the area once in a while- there is no difference in which it is as long as their feedback is useful.
A fresh perspective on any activity may result in better community projects and renewed spirit. If a project doesn’t seem to be accomplishing its objectives, someone outside of the project can stir up new ideas, offer different approaches to situations, and give an overall fresh eye and stamina to projects. This someone doesn’t need to be a professional-for kids programs- kids know what kids want, for higher education and adult programs- adults like to talk- get them talking about your programs.
Working with simple community resources can stir up talk about projects. Having a silly seminar, parade the streets with dancing minstrels, walk staff and project directors up and down streets making a personal attempt to reach residents, throw an impromptu bash in front of your center, invite local store owners, school teachers, and residents youth look up to to participate in the impromptu bash by performing.
Local store owners and teachers could post signs and show their support for projects. The more support found for a project the closer you’ll be to getting more resident involvement. Be hip, be moderate, and offer incentives and once you’ve got resident assistance with projects, you’re there.