Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

PICK THE BEST DATE -- Timing is Everything. Weekend dates will likely offer the best volunteer turnout - it's when most people are off work and kids are out of school.

• Plan a time when traffic is light and parking plentiful.
• Have a back-up date in case bad weather forces a cancellation.
• Make sure you and the other leaders of the event to arrive at least a couple of hours before the starting time to set up and prepare for the rest of the volunteers.

GET PERMITS & PERMISSIONS

FOR A PUBLIC PLACE:

For a public area, you may need to consult state and local government offices, even the federal government (such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about obtaining any necessary permits. In addition to supplying permissions or permits, local and state government should know if the area is to be closed for any reason on the date planned for the cleanup.

Here's a web site you can consult: Just go to the EPA website and plug in your area to find the EPA regional branch near you. http://www.epa.gov/epahome/locate2.htm

FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGE CAMPUSES, LIBRARIES, CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES:

Start at the top - the principal, head librarian, head of religious services or the college president's office. If they do not handle permissions, they will know who does.

Or call your local police station about who to contact for permissions and permits.

BONUS: Obtaining permission may get you a lot more - the people and organizations who grant permission may actually help you spread the word about the event.

ONE LAST NOTE: PREPARE FOR PARKING

Sounds like a small issue - but it can make or break an event. Find out about traffic patterns in the area and how easy it is to get in and out of the site. Have a clear plan for where volunteers are expected to park on event day. And let volunteers know.