Getting Started
While no two projects will be the same, successful projects will share a few common practices. We encourage you to incorporate the following elements into your service project:
- Create a team with your friends and neighbors to share the effort;
- Set outcome-based goals and track your progress to those goals;
- Celebrate your successes together.
The Challenge: Many community-based organizations do not have enough capacity to manage a large number of volunteers, so they need you to organize yourself in coordination with them. This tool kit is designed to either help you organize a group and be a positive addition to a community-based organization, or, if such an organization does not exist, to be a well-organized independently-run group that fills a needed gap in the community.
A step by step guide to getting started and executing service activities follows. Please let us know how your project goes and what you learn by telling your story at Serve.gov
Step One: Identify Local ORGANIZATIONS
Whether you wish to work on a specific trail or you simply want to volunteer in your community, check out the organizations already working in your area. There may already be an active volunteer group that you could join. Local organizations will have knowledge of the area trails and their maintenance needs. There are several ways to identify local groups and volunteer opportunities.
- Contact local hiking groups.
- Check Serve.gov and search “Trail/Campground Maintenance”
- The American Hiking Society also maintains a database of trail maintenance programs
- Check Refugeenet for nearby projects fighting invasive species
Step Two: Build a Team
Teams can help share the work, motivate members, and hold each other accountable. Teams build community. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and faith group members to serve with you.
- Host a house meeting or pot luck to choose a project, set goals, recruit volunteers and plan next steps.
- Get a guide for hosting a house meeting.
- Post your service activity on Serve.gov to recruit new volunteers.
Step Three: Set a Goal
Set a service goal for June 22 – September 11 and hold yourself accountable. Find out what your partner organization needs and then work to fill that need. Commit as individuals and as a team to clearing a certain number of miles of trail. Set your goals high to stretch yourself. Then keep track of how you are doing and designate someone to be responsible for updating the group on how you are progressing toward your goals. You’ll be surprised at how much you can do when you commit, focus, and follow through.
Step Four: Serve Your Community
The key to effective service is planning. Organize your materials, make confirmation calls and, if you have time, read supplemental materials before you volunteer.
- Get a tip sheet for your service activity.
- Make sure that all volunteers participating have been properly trained to use any necessary tools and that they check with local authorities before making significant changes to the land.
Step Five: Report and Celebrate Successes
Your team members, the community, and the President want to know about your successes and hear your stories. Share your accomplishments by reporting your results. We will highlight the best stories throughout the summer. Tell us about your successes and what you have learned, or just tell your story of service at Serve.gov
