HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR OWN GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP^™

Do you have any community eyesores? How many times have you passed by a litter-strewn park or graffiti-splashed building and wished it would go away? Perhaps it's the local playground plagued with garbage or maybe a recycling effort needs a jump-start. Whatever the concern, a solution is just around the corner. All it takes is someone to say "enough is enough" and work with community members to eliminate the problem. It's a great way to improve your local community and be one of the millions of volunteers involved in the Great American Cleanup!

Here are a few steps to help you get started on your own Great American Cleanup:

All Aboard the Cleanup Cause

Organize a cleanup committee by seeking out a few people who share your passion for the cause. Set a meeting date and let the ideas flow. Decide which project everyone wants to tackle.

We're Talking Trash, Transporting and Recycling

Contact your local Sanitation or Public Works Department. They can advise you on the special trash bags or receptacles you may need, and any other special requirements.

Beauty and the Businesses

Turn to local business owners to support your efforts. Ask them to donate supplies (flowers, bulbs, paint and brushes, t-shirts, refreshments) and provide window space for posters announcing your program. They can even rally their own employees to help in your activities.

Enlist the Tall and the Small

Reach out to local scout troops, church groups and other community organizations; ask them to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Also, contact local radio, newspaper and television stations. Alert them about your Great American Cleanup program.

Clean Your Slate for a Great American Cleanup Date

Set dates for your activities. Saturday mornings (8 a.m.- noon) are best, with an alternate rain date the following weekend. Make sure that an activity you are planning is not the same day as another community event, especially one that relies on volunteers.

Check Your 'To Do' List

Make a checklist of the equipment you will need to remove litter, clean up and beautify an area. Ask volunteers to bring some of their own equipment and encourage them to wear sunscreen, proper clothing, sturdy shoes and heavy work gloves.

Couldn't Have Done It Without You!

Celebrate your achievements and say thank you to your volunteers for an important job well done. Host a picnic after the activities are complete and include local officials, business owners, community and civic groups that helped you create your Great American Cleanup! Remember to recognize all of their contributions through media and personal communications. Still wondering where to begin?

Here are a few program suggestions:

• Host a tree planting party
• Put a new coat of paint on a graffiti-marked wall
• Adopt a road with your friends and plant flowers
• Sponsor a litter collection contest
• Clean up a river or field that has become an illegal dump site
• Collect recyclable and reusable items on your block; deliver to a recycling center

The possibilities are endless — the choice to make a difference is yours. So roll up your sleeves and have fun. Your efforts to improve your community will become a source of pride for everyone.

Please make sure that it includes your contact information (including, contact name, organization name, complete address, phone, fax and email, information on your organization and number of volunteers that you would anticipate involving in your Great American Cleanup activities.)