Help with an Idea Please?

[decemberlov]

I feel like I have this really great idea and I just have no idea how to even get started. I was hoping maybe some of you could help me brain storm and give me any advice you may have.

I've been dreaming of opening a rec center in my neighborhood. A place when the kids can show up and have something fun to do. Movie nights, karaoke, arts & crafts, air hockey etc.

During the day when kids are at school it could be a place for women to come and get help from other professional women learning to write a resume and job hunt. We could take clothing donations like goodwill does but just work type clothes, suits, dresses, jewelry and sell them at very low cost to help raise money. Maybe nutrition classes as well. Just a place to help women, especially, better themselves and their families.

There are quite a few buildings right in the town that have been vacant for so long. I'm wondering if maybe they are owned by the city and could be donated for this purpose. The kids and families in the neighborhood could volunteer to paint and help fix it up. We could have spaghetti dinners and different community events to raise money.

I think it could be something really great and something that my small little city is in desperate need of. But where do you start if you have no money? Do you contact the mayor? Do you put a business plan together for a non-profit organization and hope to get funding? Do you pitch the idea to like minded people and get a petition signed and then bring it to the mayor? I just don't know where to go with this but I don't want to let it die :(

What would you do?

[redfox]

Every solid civic idea -- and this is a good one, IMO -- has a group behind it. Engage your friends, neighbors, church, etc. Find out if a similar program exists in your town, and go check it out. Is there room for another program in the area?

The funding for non-profits comes from individuals & foundations for projects that work. Often that means running something all volunteer for some time, while you demonstrate your effectiveness.

[decemberlov]

Thank you for chiming in Redfox. I was thinking that this may be the best way as well. Possibly asking the Public Library if they would let me hold a meeting there on a certain date, printing flyers and just getting the word out to see who may be interested and brain storming with anyone who shows an interest and go from there.

[Gardenarian]

Great idea! I would consider contacting some homeschool groups in your area. They are always looking for space (usually during normal school hours) where they can have club meetings, science classes, play games.

[decemberlov]

Great idea! I would consider contacting some homeschool groups in your area. They are always looking for space (usually during normal school hours) where they can have club meetings, science classes, play games.

I would have never thought of that! Wonderful idea! Thank you :)

[razz]

Ask yourself who is providing this service in any form at present. Health department, library, church, home and school....? How is it working? What are the challenges and limits?
Do the strength, weaknesses, opportunity and threats (SWOT) with those who are in favour and definitely with those who are not to get a really clear idea of the support and obstacles. Look for new ideas and partners.

[redfox]

And, very very importantly, if you & your present life circumstances do not fit into the types of services you hope to offer, please take a look at your inspiration/need to do this. Folks who need services absolutely must be at the table from the very beginning to contribute to the design, in leadership roles, defining the issues & resources needed.

Too often well-meaning middle class folks jump in to provide something we think poor folk and/or people of color want or need, and that is patronizing at best - I know, as I have been there & done this. The Lady Benevolent Society model of "helping" out those "less fortunate" is racist & classist, and need to D.I.E.

Check out writing on the community development model known as Asset Based Community Development. The basic premise is this: poor communities have tremendous resources within themselves already. They do not need to be fixed, as they are not broken. Encouraging natural leaders in the community to step forth and assist their community to recognize the hidden assets contained within means that communities an define their needs, define their strengths, and ask for what they do not have but have self-defined that they need.

[Lainey]

great comments, redfox.

and I know we've talked about this before, but people need a "third place" (not work and not home) to really feel like a community. I've been thinking about my own area and how hard it is sometimes to just find a place for like-minded people to meet at no/low cost. Typically that means go to a coffee shop, or reserve a small room in the public library; otherwise, someone has to offer up their home, or ask to use a space in their church.

so I applaud you decemberlov for pursuing this, and also agree with the ideas that checking with maybe united way or another social services "clearinghouse" to find out what's already out there and where the gaps are.

[citrine]

I love your idea! I would contact the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, some Churches, and get the word out. Definitely hold a meeting, find a group of volunteers, have a fundraiser, and have an open meeting for people in the community to come together and decide how they want to use the space, what programs they are looking for. Also, contact Women Aware located in New Brunswick NJ to see if they can help with this initiative. Where are you in NJ?

[decemberlov]

And, very very importantly, if you & your present life circumstances do not fit into the types of services you hope to offer, please take a look at your inspiration/need to do this. Folks who need services absolutely must be at the table from the very beginning to contribute to the design, in leadership roles, defining the issues & resources needed.

Too often well-meaning middle class folks jump in to provide something we think poor folk and/or people of color want or need, and that is patronizing at best - I know, as I have been there & done this. The Lady Benevolent Society model of "helping" out those "less fortunate" is racist & classist, and need to D.I.E.

Check out writing on the community development model known as Asset Based Community Development. The basic premise is this: poor communities have tremendous resources within themselves already. They do not need to be fixed, as they are not broken. Encouraging natural leaders in the community to step forth and assist their community to recognize the hidden assets contained within means that communities an define their needs, define their strengths, and ask for what they do not have but have self-defined that they need.

These are all very good points. Thank you!
I believe that I'm coming from a place of love and compassion. I had my first daughter at a very young age and think how wonderful it would have been to have a community surround me with support and understanding. To have some guidance from experienced individuals. But now that you mention it I see that this could possibly come off to some condescending and racist - especially coming from a young, white, middle class girl. I will definitely check out the mentioned reading above. Again thank you for your response!!

[decemberlov]

I love your idea! I would contact the Mayor, the Chamber of Commerce, some Churches, and get the word out. Definitely hold a meeting, find a group of volunteers, have a fundraiser, and have an open meeting for people in the community to come together and decide how they want to use the space, what programs they are looking for. Also, contact Women Aware located in New Brunswick NJ to see if they can help with this initiative. Where are you in NJ?

Thanks Citrine :) And you make a very good point - find out what the community is looking for - not just what I'm looking for.
I'm in Woodbury - about 10 mins over the bridge from Philadelphia.

[decemberlov]

so I applaud you decemberlov for pursuing this, and also agree with the ideas that checking with maybe united way or another social services "clearinghouse" to find out what's already out there and where the gaps are.

I definitely do need to see what is already out there. Maybe I need to start volunteering my time in somethings that are already established and get to know like minded people in the area and get my feet wet, so to speak :)

[catherine]

If you would like help constructing a questionnaire or even planning a focus group to find out what the community needs/wants, let me know. I do pro bono market research work from time to time, and this looks like a noble effort.

[decemberlov]

If you would like help constructing a questionnaire or even planning a focus group to find out what the community needs/wants, let me know. I do pro bono market research work from time to time, and this looks like a noble effort.

Very kind of you!! I think I just might take you up on this very soon! Thanks :)

[Gregg]

Sponsorships from business are another possible source of revenue, goods or services. Grocery stores might donate food for fundraiers, Wal-Mart has a substantial donation program, large construction companies might donate labor, lumber yards could work with manufacturers to donate materials, lots of companies provide time off to employees who volunteer, etc. Think of what you need and then, when you have a solid plan, approach the vendors of those items.

Also consider other needs that could be combined in a multi-use space. Would something like a Planned Parenthood office (example only) in the building be beneficial? Anyone who would fit into your plan to the benefit of both and who already has funding is someone you should talk to.

[decemberlov]

Sponsorships from business are another possible source of revenue, goods or services. Grocery stores might donate food for fundraiers, Wal-Mart has a substantial donation program, large construction companies might donate labor, lumber yards could work with manufacturers to donate materials, lots of companies provide time off to employees who volunteer, etc. Think of what you need and then, when you have a solid plan, approach the vendors of those items.

Also consider other needs that could be combined in a multi-use space. Would something like a Planned Parenthood office (example only) in the building be beneficial? Anyone who would fit into your plan to the benefit of both and who already has funding is someone you should talk to.

Great thoughts!! I have thought about contacting local grocery stores for help with food fundraisers - Spaghetti dinners etc! However I never thought of construction companies, lumbar yards, local restaurants etc.

The city is currently working on a project that they are calling "Reviving Main Street" - They are mainly focusing on art - with a new art store opening and an art gallery - I'm thinking that maybe I should be trying to contact someone that is working closely with it in regards to - art classes for kids at the rec center etc. Or maybe just guidance.

Funny you mention Planned Parenthood, as they are one of my customers - I do their print work and know the Director. This scares me a little though, know how much controversy can arise at just the mention of their name lol I know this was just an example though...and actually think an org. like them could be a good fit. I will definitely keep in mind other companies that could be a good fit!

I also though of High School kids being able to volunteer (and possible receive some sort of credits) for tutoring or helping kids at the center with homework. Maybe members of Key Club?

I feel like I'm going in so many directions of thinking with this lol - Rec center after school for kids - women's resource center by day....and here's where I get overwhelmed :|(

[ToomuchStuff]

When I was a kid, we had a Boy's club, that opened about 6 miles from me. I don't think it made it a year, and I was very disappointed. About 15 years ago, now, we had an under 18 type dance club that tried for around a year. It closed due to fights, alcohol, etc. (not supplied by the club)
Just had a discussion of this, on a local radio show, yesterday (typically it comes up once a year) and a gal that was a part of a church driven program called in. They tried for several years, and were shut down due to the cost of insurance (which the discussion went was the big problem for all these type of programs), as no one wants to insure them. The woman that ran the program, made one statement that everyone agreed to, no reasonable adult is going to agree to the activities, the kids are going to want to do.
There is a local park, that is divided by a cliff and a creek. One half had a baseball diamond, which was used quite a bit, the other half has a parking lot and shelter. It had a strange ownership, which I won't go into here, but was finally make a city park, instead of county. The city cleanup up the shelter side (which was known as drug park), and converted the ball field to a skateboard park. Now the shelter gets used quite a bit, but a lot of people avoid the skate side, as tagging, vandalism and drugs went up around it.

[Gregg]

However I never thought of construction companies, lumbar yards, local restaurants etc.

I was in the construction industry for many years and played a part in lots of projects that were in ways similar to what you have in mind. Manufacturers of doors, windows, plywood, roofing... anything that goes into building or rehabbing a building will usually donate product if one of their local merchants asks. That can add up to some pretty significant savings if you do end up needing to rehab a building on a limited budget.



Funny you mention Planned Parenthood, as they are one of my customers - I do their print work and know the Director. This scares me a little though, know how much controversy can arise at just the mention of their name

Yea, that's where the "example only" came in. I like them, but not everyone feels the same way. It would probably make your job easier to avoid controversy when possible.



I also though of High School kids being able to volunteer (and possible receive some sort of credits) for tutoring or helping kids at the center with homework.

There is a lot of liability associated with volunteers, especially if they're minors. You're going to want to talk to an attorney before you get very far along. Legally speaking you will have to make sure you organize properly, limit your liability as much as possible and take care of all those other pesky little details that you need a lawyer for. You should be able to find that kind of help pro bono. ToomuchStuff mentioned insurance and I bet that will be a big consideration in the final determination of whether this will fly or not.

You could also set up a board of directors for your organization and ask people with experience in various fields to volunteer to sit on the board. Get an attorney (legal insight), a teacher (in touch with kids), a banker (financial advise), a restauranteur (operations know-how), local store owners (community relations), etc. In other words, surround yourself with people who like your cause and who already know what you need to learn.

[Spartana]

Great idea! If it hasn't been mentioned yet you may want to look at www.meetup.com in your area and see if something already exists - and if not it may be a great place to start exactly the type of group you want. Maybe you can see if a private or public business will leand you some of their space to house a daily or weekly get together. I just looked at the meet ups in my 'hood and there were numerous groups that seemed to be similair to what you want to put together. Although most seem to meet at someones home.

[frugalone]

I'd say check with the Chamber of Commerce. They seem to me to be like a central hub from which spokes would extend.

Good luck! I think that's an excellent idea.

[redfox]

I definitely do need to see what is already out there. Maybe I need to start volunteering my time in somethings that are already established and get to know like minded people in the area and get my feet wet, so to speak :)

This! Yes, perfect. Not only will you learn about "client" needs and service delivery, you can apprentice in an existing non-profit & learn how this sector operates. Invaluable.