A typical cleanup event engages about 125-175 volunteers and partners from throughout the community. The staging area features resource tables from government agencies, and local non-profits. Volunteers mingle as they arrive, and gather their equipment. At kickoff time, Mayor Carstarphen hypes the volunteers with his signature shout outs to organizations and individuals who’ve come out to participate. Volunteers are reminded of safety protocols, and then are led by the Mayor for a two hour cleanup walk through the neighborhood. After the walk, a final thank you from the Mayor, and lunch is provided at the staging site.
Yes, we designate staging areas for volunteers to gather, distribute supplies, and plan the day’s activities. Breakfast and/or lunch is provided to volunteers. Depending on the event, we may offer amenities like music, water stations, snacks, or even local food vendors to encourage participation and create a community atmosphere.
The clean-up schedule is based on community needs, the level of litter in specific areas, and input from local residents. We prioritize areas that require the most attention or those that have a high community impact.
The Department of Public Works typically prepares the clean-up sites by removing large debris, providing necessary supplies (e.g., trash bins, dumpsters), and ensuring the area is safe for volunteers. They also help coordinate logistics and ensure any heavy lifting or specialized equipment is available. The neighborhood of the cleanup receives a two-week concentrated effort from DPW focusing on vacant lots, grass cutting and debris removal as part of the cleanup campaign.
Volunteers are organized and registered through our online system, where they can sign up for specific dates, locations, and tasks. We also maintain a volunteer database to track participation and follow up on future events.
We engage volunteers through outreach efforts, including community events, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up through our online registration system or at local volunteer centers.
We build partnerships by reaching out to local businesses, schools, and community groups, as well as government organizations like the Department of Public Works. Partnering offers mutual benefits such as increased visibility and the opportunity to give back to the community.
How do we manage all of this? Does it all come from the Clean Communities Program, or other sources?
While the Clean Communities Program is the main source of funding, we may also leverage additional support from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and other community-based organizations to help with clean-up activities and supplies.
The grant is being used to purchase cleaning supplies, equipment, and other materials that support our clean-up efforts. This includes items like litter pickers, trash bags, safety gear, paint for graffiti removal, trash cans for main corridors. Grant funds are also used for large cleanups of illegal dumping on public land, and a volunteer recognition event at the end of the cleanup season.
The grant allows us to leverage resources like cleaning tools (e.g., brooms, rakes, shovels), by permitting residents and community groups seeking to host their own community cleanups to borrow tools via a tool loaner program.
The grant can be used for building enhanced public spaces like parks and corridors by installing trash cans, dog waste stations, cigarette disposal units, and painting murals to discourage graffiti.
The grant can be used for purchasing supplies, tools, and materials needed for litter abatement efforts, graffiti removal and storm water management. This can include items like trash bags, gloves, safety gear, and larger equipment equipment like street sweepers and trucks.
The amount of grant funding we receive annually varies based on the revenue generated by the Clean Communities Act Tax. The funding granted to municipalities is based on population.
