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Think about what you're trying to achieve. In the examples given young people helped feed the hungry,
refurbished a homeless shelter and collected clothing.
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It's always important to have a project leader and a clear understanding of who's in charge. Think about
any help you might need from adults in leading the project.
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Think about different groups that you might need help from or want to include: friends, siblings, parents,
teachers or anyone else. Remember that working with other people increases the impact (and fun!) of your project.
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If you're organizing a group to work with a community-based
organization, make sure you know where to go and how to
get there. If your project needs space, such as a place
to collect clothing, think about who might donate
space-maybe your school, a community center or a church.
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Make a list of any money you'll need to spend.
You may need to cover supply costs if you
can't get them donated or pay to help transport
volunteers to the service location. Be creative in finding
money. Have a car wash to raise money, or ask local
businesses to sponsor your project by donating cash in return for you publicizing their support.
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For example, if you are making books for children in the local homeless shelter, you may need paper,
paint, markers, and scissors. If you're painting an elderly person's house, you'll need paint, brushes,
plastic sheeting, and tape. Maybe an art class has leftover materials, or maybe a local store would be
willing to donate supplies.
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Public transportation and carpools are the two most common solutions. You might also talk to bus or
van services, senior citizens' groups, schools, and local civic groups that can help. It may also be
possible for the service to come to you instead of you going to the service. For example, you can make
treat bags for hospitalized children at a central location and then arrange delivery with the hospital. Or
ask a taxi company to deliver the bags as a donation to the project.
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Lastly, make sure to think about the safety issues involved. Do you need your volunteers to sign a
permission slip? Find out about liability concerns the community-based organization you are working with
might have. List names and phone numbers of people to contact in case of an emergency. Have a first-aid
kit on site. And if you're using equipment or supplies that could be dangerous, provide training on
how to use them. You should also have an adult help in case something goes wrong.
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