Mapping Your Community's Assets and Resources
You can probably list quite easily the things that your community needs. But can you name what your community already has? Local resources can be divided into two basic categories: people and materials. People lend their skills, labor, time and social connections to aid your project. Materials include food, raffle prizes, supplies, land and equipment, and they are often ready and waiting to be donated ― just ask! We encourage you to build your playground project and your community from the "inside out" since external resources such as government or foundation grants aren't always readily available. Mapping your community assets will help you uncover hidden treasures, initiate new relationships and generate support for your playspace. Your playground is more likely to get sustained interest, use, and maintenance if local resources and "sweat equity" are invested in it.
Now is the time to brainstorm! Think of talented and enthusiastic individuals for a central planning committee. Ideally, you will have two co-chairs to lead the committee and eight team captains who will chair planning sub-committees or "teams" responsible for a specific aspect of the project. We recommend separate teams for volunteer recruitment, logistics, construction, fundraising, safety, children's activities, public relations, and food a great way to spread the work around! You'll formalize your committees and hold meetings in the next stage; for now, just write down as many candidates as you can! Next, think of businesses that may be willing to lend financial, material, or volunteer support; non-profits you could partner with; and other resources held by local institutions such as churches, parks, schools, and hospitals. Complete the worksheets below to unlock the potential of your community; or for even more great ideas, invest in the KaBOOM! A to Z Assets & Resources Handbook.