Community associations and other groups are not aware of the possibilities
Identify and build community partnerships
- Ask chamber of commerce or business councils to ask members if they would like to help with schools. Then have chamber or council publish the list.
- Have local newspaper print a wish list for school.
Identify projects that address real community needs
- Talk to community organizations. What projects/ issues do they need help with?
- Introduce the PBE project idea to the public through a PTO mailing soliciting opinions and views.
- Quietly ask community board members where they need help. Conservation commissions, granges, recreation groups, libraries, historical societies, other schools, rescue services, or retirement homes are just some places to start.
- Survey community residents, perhaps at a town meeting, as to projects that need to be tackled, and offer the services of your students. Accept bids and pick a project.
Work with landowners/farmers whose land is affected by a proposed project (trails, wetlands restorations, erosion control, tree planting, etc.)
- Have students write a letter to farmer introducing their interest in learning more about land, farming, and the needs of farmers.
- Before choosing a project that interests and benefits the landowner and community, have students meet with professional agricultural extension experts and farmers to learn about the conditions and needs of area farmers.
- Contact conservation districts: they work closely with farmers and may know of farmers who would be willing to work with students.
- Work through the local grange.
- Develop a model agreement that allows students to understand how to treat land respectfully and that clearly lays out the land stewardship, economic and social objectives of both the farmers and students.