What Support Looks Like
Does anyone but you care about your dream? Probably the most important support is the moral support of those who will cheer you on and help you. Build those relationships. By creating a dream, you are giving others something to get excited about. You’ll be surprised how much they’ll appreciate that and how important that will be to you.
Others – even good friends – may not think your idea is not so good. Don’t be discouraged. No matter how good your idea is there will be detractors, for many strange and human reasons. Persevere!
If you’re going to lead a project that will last for more than a year, we’d recommend that you study leadership. It’s probably not what you think it is. Also try diving in to our Leadership Profiles to get inspired.
Getting Started with Contacts
Do you need contacts? Do you need neighborhood support, Community Council support, City Parks support, Departments of Transportation Support, county support, state support? Do you need land? Do you need architects, engineers, cooks, writers or artists? Whatever you need, begin networking for it. Ask others who have been successful at what you want to do. Most people will be thrilled to pass on their knowledge. That’s why we created Urban Sparks; it’s a thrill to help you create something good.
Do you need an artist, materials, contractors, dirt or plants? Networking is a great way to find the things you need. Here is a start – our collection of links to all kinds of resources. Resources and Links
Marking Milestones
Groundbreakings, Dedications, and Other Excuses for a Party
Projects for the common good come with a lot of rewards. The recognition that YOU made a positive change in your neighborhood feels great. We know that there are moments during the community project process that are a bit more….challenging. Exhausting, even. That’s why we encourage all our project leaders to take time to celebrate. Celebrate beginnings, middles, and ends with groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, dedications, and any other ceremony that will be meaningful for you and your neighbors.
You envisioned a better world and worked to make it reality. Let’s toast to that!
Urban Sparks 