1. Investigation
- Identify a local, national, or global need you would like to address.
- Use a variety of sources to research the need and identify community partners.
- Think about the things you are good at, as well as the skills that other people bring to the project.
2. Preparation and Planning
- Develop a strategy for change and a common vision for success.
- Determine what you will do.
- Create a timeline, assign responsibilities, develop a budget and an outreach plan and find a project location.
- Include community partners in the process.
- Is the project providing hands-on assistance (direct service), raising money (indirect service), or raising awareness (advocacy)?
- How can you involve people who are not usually asked to serve?
3. Action
- Now it's time to do the project you have planned! Does everyone know where to go and what task
to do?
- Make sure someone is ready to answer any questions posed by volunteers, the community, elected officials, special guests, or local media.
4. Reflection
- Include reflection before, during, and after your project. Reflection helps you to understand why you
are providing the service, what difference you are making, and what you are learning along the way. It also gives you a chance to review the outcomes of your project and to assess what worked, what you might do differently next time, and to determine potential next steps.
- If possible, be sure to also seek feedback from the community you have served.
5. Demonstration / Celebration
- Share what you have done, what you have learned from the experience and teach others.
- Draft a report for the community, present your results at a public event, write letters to public officials, or send
out a newsletter to parents and peers.
- Host a volunteer and partner awards ceremony, recognizing the contributions that each person brought to the project.
Need support or encouragement? PTPI Student Chapters and members share what they learned from planning GYSD projects.
“The main reason that many of our projects turn out well is that we simply enjoy working with people. Strangers or not, we always find ways of engaging all of the observers' interests and getting them involved in whatever innovative activity we are sponsoring.”
PTPI’s Varna, Bulgaria (The Dolphins) Student Chapter held an event to promote a local planetarium in its community.
"Involving younger children in our GYSD project was a great way to reach out to the community.”
PTPI’s Houston, Texas Student Chapter sponsored a book drive for Hurricane Ike victims.
"We received donations from several people outside our chapter, including friends, families, schools and local businesses. Our chapter learned to be really organized in the planning of this project.”
PTPI’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PCIP) Student Chapter organized a clothing and supply drive for impoverished individuals in the Appalachia region.
“Teaming up with a bigger organization was key to the success of the project!”
A PTPI Student Member in Wake Forest, North Carolina coordinated a 5K benefit run/walk for local food pantries and other aid agencies.
"I couldn't have planned the Day of Pets GYSD project without the help of all the volunteers and my high school's support. It was very gratifying to see all those pets being nurtured and treated with so much love. It was a new idea that had never being done before in this community, so the concept caused curiosity and was a great success. Everyone asked me to repeat it next year, and I'll oblige their wishes.”
A PTPI Student Member in San German, Puerto Rico planned a Day of Pets event, promoting animal rights and involving the community.
"It was great to be a part of such a large effort with our GYSD project supporting the Invisible Children organization. Invisible Children representatives were helpful in getting us started and keeping us focused by sending emails and updates on projects around the world. I think the best part was feeling like we are making a difference for these families and children.”
PTPI’s Atlanta, Georgia Student Chapter engaged in several projects benefitting Invisible Children, including participating in the worldwide event “The Rescue.”
“Using loudspeaker announcements, and working with the Parent's Association in our school helped us get non-PTPI members to aid our GYSD efforts. By first educating the school about Darfur, people began to realize how much their money would help benefit others.”
PTPI’s Brooklyn, New York (LMGHS) Student Chapter held a bake sale to raise funds to send to the Save Darfur organization.
“The kids enjoyed working on a project for other kids and being able to provide them supplies they know they need to complete their schoolwork. Working on something that benefits something they are familiar with and for kids their own age seemed to be inspiring to them.”
PTPI Student Members in Phoenix, Arizona planned a school supply drive for the PTPI-sponsored initiative Operation Iraqi Children. |
