The volunteers who comprise NES GROWS are your fellow parents, friends and neighbors.  We invite you to join us in contributing your time and talents to bring our vision to reality for our children,those who come after them, and the greater Newbury community.  Whether you help at an event, coordinate logistics, raise funds, or support the campaign in other ways, your support is welcome and deeply appreciated.  We have immediate as well as ongoing opportunities for you to contribute.  To sign up, please email nesgrows@gmail.com or click here to sign up through SignUpGenius.

Immediate Needs:

• We are looking for someone to organize the children’s representatives.  Can you help? This project is a great way for kids to learn about architecture, design, planning, and art.  Help us get this launched!  Our team is there to support you every step or the way!
• Do you like to organize events?  Help us plan an event of your choosing!  We have lots of ideas, just need hands to get it done.

---

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

Public relations committee: This committee builds the community support that is vital to the success of this project. It is also necessary to thank volunteers and supporters before, during and after construction, and generally give correct information about the project. In addition, the public relations committee maintains the website and blog that are continuously updated with current information.

Fundraising coordinator: Fundraising requires a dedicated team approach and a sensible action plan that combines grassroots fundraising, business donations, and possibly some grant seeking. Grassroots fundraising is a proven method of generating awareness, interest, and ultimately “buy in” that is so vital to the community-built process. Business donations are a great way for local businesses to gain recognition by sponsoring individual components of the play area. Play by Design provides a template full of great time-tested ideas for individual events. The fundraising coordinator will need to be fearless at delegating.   Success rates for obtaining grants vary and depend on available funds and the experience of the grant writer.

Fundraising committee: Our fundraising team is using a multi-system approach.  Through selling pickets and pavers, to managing a GoFundMe campaign, our plan combines grassroots fundraising, business donations, and grant seeking. Grassroots fundraising is a proven method of generating awareness, interest, and ultimately “buy in” that is so vital to the community-built process. Business donations are a great way for local businesses to gain recognition by sponsoring individual components of the play area.

Donated materials committee: Looking for individuals who are willing to dig in with a creative approach and willingness to seek material donations regardless of the value of the items (not necessarily a person in the trades or even familiar with materials). The success of this individual’s efforts will have a direct impact on the project budget. And some of the lesser-value items increase the network and base of support throughout the community.

Tools committee:  This committee gathers the necessary tools, typically loaned by individuals, rental shops, and occasionally tool manufacturers. (From our experience, it is not uncommon for tool manufacturer’s reps to loan equipment for the duration of the build. Many companies have programs in place to support community-based volunteer projects.) The coordinator distributes equipment in safe working condition during the build and arranges for owners to pick up their tools in “check-in” condition at the end of the project.   This committee is also responsible for ensuring construction electrical service.

Food committee: Secures donations from local restaurants, organizations, church groups, etc. to feed volunteers during construction. Play by Design provides an outline that includes the suggested number of lunches and dinners to provide per shift each day.

Childcare coordinator: Creates a structured program to provide supervision of children while parents are working on the playground site. Typically, this is a team of individuals, and experienced childcare providers are very helpful. Since the build will likely occur during school session numbers of children will increase after school hours.

Special-needs coordinator: This person, who may be the parent of a special-needs child, gathers input on the community’s accessibility needs and compliance.

Art and special features committee: This committee works with Play by Design to help enhance and embellish playground components. This person works as a crew supervisor during the build. He or she may recruit artists and creative local people to help make the playground come to life.

Site coordinator: Responsible for preparing and staging the site for construction. This job begins around the time of the pre-construction visit, which the site coordinator must attend. He or she must be on site for the entire build.

Construction crew supervisors: Qualified volunteers who work alongside Play by Design’s consultants. They oversee and instruct crews and help maintain the quality of the project. Play by Design will let you know how many you’ll need, typically 5 to 15, again depending on the size of your playground. They must be on site for the entire build.

Children’s representatives: An organized group of elementary school children, representing several grade levels. They assist with design input and other committees (i.e., public relations, fundraising PSAs, and special features). Children are always enthusiastic about the new playground and are the best way to ensure that their parents come out to help build it. They may also work with curriculum (available from Play by Design) that is related to the playground project. High school students can help lead the younger children’s committee members.

Volunteers committee: Primarily responsible for recruiting individuals and group commitments to provide the labor to construct the project over a 3-or 6-day period (usually 5). Based on your final design, Play by Design will specify details for work schedules and number of volunteers required. This is also a position that is better shared by two people.