Conducting Neighborhood Cleanup Programs

What is a neighborhood cleanup program? Residents band together to clean up all or part of their neighborhood There are actually three kinds of neighborhood cleanups, any or all of which can be included in a single event: Public space cleanup Household cleanup Community-assisted cleanup

Public Space Cleanup A public space cleanup may start with the municipality In some cases, the municipality will designate a day for the cleanup In other cases, the neighborhood can apply for a specific day or weekend Volunteers might take on tasks ranging from sweeping streets and sidewalks to picking up and separating trash This type of cleanup often ends with a party or meal

Household Cleanup A household cleanup may be held as part of a public space cleanup, or may stand on its own. A neighborhood-organized household cleanup usually operates similarly to a neighborhood-initiated public space cleanup.

Community-Assisted Cleanup The community itself makes all or part of the cleanup possible. If such a neighborhood sore spot is privately owned, residents may need permission from the owner or some official action from the municipality in order to clean it up. These cleanups may be one-time or annual events, but may also take place much more often. Large city neighborhoods may have to conduct regular frequent cleanups for maintenance.

Why conduct a neighborhood cleanup program? A neighborhood cleanup program can instill neighborhood pride. It can break a cycle of hopelessness and helplessness. It gives everyone a chance to contribute. A cleanup program enhances neighborhood quality of life. It can improve the self-image of residents and of the neighborhood as a whole. A neighborhood cleanup program can improve neighborhood health.

Why conduct a neighborhood cleanup program? It can help to "green" the neighborhood. It makes the neighborhood more attractive to business. It can serve as a springboard for other neighborhood actions or activities. It can increase the number of relationships and the amount of social capital within the neighborhood. A neighborhood cleanup program can encourage the embrace of diversity.

Who should be involved in a neighborhood cleanup program? Any significant racial or ethnic groups, including the majority group. Youth. Elders. People with disabilities. Faith communities. Property owners, including absentee owners. Renters. Neighborhood business owners and managers. Neighborhood clubs and associations. Health and human service organizations that serve the neighborhood. School personnel. Neighborhood and/or municipal officials.

When should you conduct a neighborhood cleanup program? General guidelines for when to conduct a neighborhood cleanup: Pay attention to the weather Schedule around volunteers’ lives Coordinate with the municipality if you can

Some good times to conduct a neighborhood cleanup When open spaces and streets in the neighborhood are covered with waste. When the municipality provides the opportunity. When waste presents a danger to children or others. When waste presents a danger to health. When the neighborhood is interested in economic development. When you want to bring the neighborhood together. When the neighborhood seems to have lost hope.

How do you conduct a neighborhood cleanup program? Recruit or find a core group to begin the effort Put together a planning group that represents all groups in the neighborhood. Assess the neighborhood. Decide what kind of neighborhood cleanup you want to conduct. Consider your resources. Pick an appropriate place, date, and time. Recruit volunteers. Organize volunteers. Plan the cleanup itself.

Plan the cleanup itself Coordinate the effort. Ask for help from the municipality. Get permissions and permits. Decide what needs to be done. Manage volunteers. Work with the media to gain positive publicity. Take care of the nitty gritty. Make the cleanup fun. Celebrate when you're done.

How do you conduct a neighborhood cleanup program? (cont.) Run the cleanup Monitor and record your efforts Create a structure to keep the effort going Start planning for the next cleanup.

In Summary A neighborhood cleanup can improve the look of your neighborhood, but can do much more as well. A successful cleanup can be the beginning of neighborhood regeneration. Establishing a neighborhood cleanup program can be a boon for any neighborhood, increasing connections among neighbors and creating community. In order to bring about long-term social change, you have to build a structure that will survive the departure of the builders, and benefit the neighborhood indefinitely.