Whether it's Hands On New York Day or one of our March environment and revitalization calendar projects, here are some tips to know before you go - and when you get there:
Learn as much as possible about the site and your volunteers. Knowing more about the garden, school, or community center, for example, will give you and your team a better understanding of the positive impact of your work. Also talk to your volunteers and ask questions. A volunteer may be asked to take on unfamiliar tasks, and he or she may feel uncomfortable. If so, work with the Project Partner to find a more appropriate job for that person.
Encourage your volunteers to dress for success. This means closed-toe shoes (work boots and thickly soled sneakers are best) and comfortable clothes that they won't mind getting dirty or paint-stained.
Set reasonable goals. For example, when working on a painting a project (fences, benches, etc.) it's important that you and your volunteers understand the details of the project areas, so you can set reasonable goals for completion. And make sure you have all necessary supplies before you begin a project and that they're in place when and where they're needed.
Be careful and alert, whether you're painting, weeding, or removing winter debris.
Clean up after the clean-up. Remind volunteers that clean-up is part of any project.
