So since the brainstorming of ideas, I researched everything and found that I was geared towards the beautification of the neighborhood involving teens. A little keynote presentation I did about my whole idea so you can get a better picture of it.
Now I'm kind of looking into details and notes I've done:
Desired outcomes
· Teen involvement
· Beautification of existing/vacant lots that have been outgrown
· Plant pretty things
· Clean up yards
· Grown up volunteers help
Systematic approach
· Go in and clean someone’s yard
· “Leader” asks the owner first and notify the neighbors so kids are safe
· Leave behind a “You just got guerrilla” (or something similar)
· Make sure owner of the yard is ok with it first before just doing it
· One day activity
· Small groups
· How will plants live if people just cut over them?
· Ask owners what they want from their yard (how much can be changed, how much effort they will put into keeping it clean, etc.)
Basic components
· Cutting tools (lawn mower, gardening shears, etc.)
· Planting tools (shovel, extra dirt, plants, etc.)
· Getting teens participation
Artifacts
· Graphic stickers to spark interest in teens (links back to the council to find more information)
· Graphic posters with one word (also links back)
· Postcard sized information
· How do they keep it underground but still spread information with no texting/phones/emails
I've also tried getting in contact with the Master Gardeners of Greater KC and they refuse to pick up their phones and I've left messages. Gonna keep trying.
I've also emailed the lady who is head of the teen programs and I'm going to go talk to her today about how to get teens involved.
I'm also going to email the beautification people at Ivanhoe to get more of what they do and how many tools they have available for the teens to work with.