It's Build Day!
It's Build Day, the culmination of your long journey! After weeks, months or years of planning, what began as just a spark of inspiration is about to become a reality for the children in your community. Hooray! You've reached Mile 7: Celebrate! Even if you're an experienced activist, you'll be amazed to see the explosive power of your community at work. Your Team Captains will oversee most of the details on Build Day; your job is to make sure that everyone involved has time to enjoy the day and share in the adventure. After this, everyone in your community will believe what you believe; the power to change a child's world is within all of us!
Oversee the Build and Enforce Safety Rules
If you've planned well and your committees are informed and organized, you should be on cruise control. You should arrive at the build site very early in the morning to help your Team Captains set up, and check in with them at least twice during the day. Pitch in whenever and wherever you're needed, from the registration table to lunch.
Safety is probably the most critical element of Build Day and you should assume primary responsibility for getting a first-aid provider onsite. As you float around the site, make sure that all volunteers are adhering to strict safety standards, especially when heavy machinery is in use. Strictly enforce the rules governing children on the construction site. This is not a popular rule, but as the head of the Planning Committee you are responsible if anything happens. Below are rules to follow for a safe Build Day:
Trouble Shoot
Your second responsibility on Build Day is to be a quick thinker and crisis manager. What do you do in the event of a problem? First, remain calm! If you are relaxed and professional, everyone else will react accordingly. Establish a plan before Build Day to help you deal with unexpected crises. Your plan may include a specific place to discuss major problems (away from the limelight if possible), one or two key "point people" on whom you'll rely to help with tough decisions, and a way to deal with details as soon as the build is complete. Just so you can be prepared, here are some of the more common Build Day problems KaBOOM! has encountered in the past:
Keep Everyone Motivated and Having Fun
Remember that if you're having fun, everyone else will have fun too! You'll have a lot on your mind on Build Day, but this is what you've been working toward for months, so enjoy it! To keep spirits high, we like to make sure that the three "F's" are always present on Build Day: Food, Facts and Fun. Free food keeps hard-working volunteers happy and energetic, and planning light meals guarantees that everyone will take breaks and socialize. Knowing the facts about the day's schedule and the build progress will help volunteers understand what's going on and stay focused. Be sure to give occasional progress reports and tell them what a great job they're doing. Remind everyone that you're all there because play is important! Below are some favorite KaBOOM! ideas: