Hello,
I would like to share some of my thoughts here...
I grew up with a community centre that had a "Boys & Girls Club". Where kids could drop in any time they wanted, after school hours & weekends too. Not only was an adult there to supervise, but there would be multiple activity options on a regular basis. There were also "special nights" to look forward to throughout the months/ year. With this in mind I have made a list.
+
PLEASE NOTE:
These are ideas I've already had in the past for my own projects/ initiatives; and as I know many creatives in our community, some would be involved with many of these ideas. However I can not promise that those I know who would "be applicable", would agree, or would be available. I may be able to talk some into it as a volunteer, and others as a cheap workshop. I am always willing to share and collaborate, so I guess that depends on what can be worked out with whom, for where, when, and what time (as these are always the Qs).
=
PROGRAM POSSIBLES? (my thoughts included):
How Often???:
~ Hair dying nights
Bring your own dye, and any supplies you may have/ wish to use.
As this is an idea I've had for some time, I might have this one written up somewhere. Question is, how often/ year? Thinking at the end of June, as summer starts many may want to feel "new/ fresh.
=
~ Swapping nights (helps with spring & fall cleaning - 1 each)
Swap books, movies, games, gently used clothes. Can be done in Community centres, or at specific venues/ events (ex. there was a clothes swap at the Bloomin' Earth Eco-Fest this year).
=
~ Community/ street garage sales (helps with spring & fall cleaning - 1 each)
Some community centres already have garage sales, so this is helpful. This can also include the "swap" stuff as freebies, if done after the swapping nights.
~+~+~+
MONTHLY???:
~ Donations for the less fortunate
This may require possible storage for homeless needs all year, and certain nights delegated to distributions to the homeless. I do have thoughts of mimicking a couple friends that donate in special ways during Christmas season, however I believe the homeless need help more than just at Christmas. Many times things that people get rid of during spring/ fall cleaning could be donated instead and make a BIG difference.
=
~ Info. Sharing nights - Deluxe/ workshops:
This can vary on a large scale of topics beyond regular resources within our community.
Do you know of resources that maybe your neighbour doesn't? Or are you looking for some info.?
Examples:
1) Home Necessities
Learn how to make your own cleaning solutions, beauty creams (I think?), deodorant, etc...
(I have a friend that may be willing to come do workshops for cheap - say $30/ wkshop? She lives in out of town, and is a multi-talented friend that does projects with me from time to time. I may be able to talk her into a few different things.)
+
2) Wildflowers
What's an "invasive species", How do they "invade"?, etc...
(Crystal & Liam would be great for this, as they have their "Wildlife Gardening" business. You may also know them from their Trash Theatre, or Procession of The Species parade, or at events like the Animate the Trail/ Henry Sturm Green Festival - Liam was the gnome on a mushroom...)
+
3) Safety - both
a. While "out n' about": RE: walking groups, "street smarts"/ when to "hold your tongue/ fist", self defense (when it may or may not be needed), etc...
b. online: Unsafe/ scam sites - how to recognize them, how to avoid them, how to rid yourself of viruses, etc...
+
4) Make-up: Basics - How to.
I have a coupon with a friend that is in this industry. I have already spoken to her in the past about making an instructional video with me (another member of my "group/ collective"). As a portion of the cost is covered by this coupon, we can probably do this like a workshop for a cheap fee.
+
5) Hair styles:
Possible due to knowing someone taking a class right now. (I'd have to talk to him first, so if we can "brainstorm" a bit here for info. for him first, would be greatly appreciated).
+
6) Drama/ Costume Fun - practicing pretending/ role playing.
This can be as is, or as a lesson, or practicing acting, or more time for cosplayers in the community to join each other, etc...There are meetings for cosplayers/ LARPing, but when and where seems to be unknown to many interested. This can also work with a "meet & greet" before/ around the time of Comic-Con or Free Comic Book Day - which turns out there was a "Comics on Comics" event at Yuk Yuks this year after the day's events at the comic shops - I got to attend it. (^&^)
Also I am willing to bring stuff for this if needed, and again Crystal & Liam would be great for this with theiry "Trash Theatre".
+
7) Clothes dying/ tye-dying nights
Those interested can bring what they want dyed, what dye they wish to use (specifications may be needed if the dye is know to stain surroundings), and any other tools they may use. Personally I would rather go eco-friendly with the dyes. I will look into who I may know for this knowledge, and videos I can find.
+
8) My 'Goodies in My Hoody' Networking night
BBQ & Networking with our neighbours. Can be a simple potluck indoors when needed, and BBQ @ the park during spring/ summer months. My friend Linda already does Small Business Community Networking (SBCN) events, and may be interested in this once a year.
~+~+~+
WEEKLY???:
~ Humble Thinking nights
I think that if this was a weekly thing, it may help more than if it was monthly.
Ex. Ever thought of what it would be like to live "in someone else's shoes"??? An in-depth talk about life styles, choices, where they could lead, etc...
Thinking of speaker possibilities: the police, KW Counseling, some community members may also be helpful here. Ex. UrbanEx (Urban Excursion) - They don't live here in K/W anymore though (in T.O. now), other social justice type advocates/ individuals/ organizations.
=
~ Info. Sharing nights
This can vary on a large scale of topics within our community.
Examples:
* The cloth diaper program through the House of Friendship (I learned of this through the community group I was in, that is no longer around.)
* Where to find resources for learning languages (english or otherwise).
Ex. Some are offered through our libraries.
* Where to continue educational interests that may/ may not be known within our community.
Ex. Special events/ programs/ workshops at Conestoga College, KW Counseling, or within small businesses/ members of our community.
=
~ Language Appreciation:
Having fun with word play - puns, poems, stories, song creation/ changing, scrabble, boggle, other wordplay games, and more!
Ex. It is true we already have Spoken Word/ Slam nights, but this can aid those wishing to "amp up" their word skills, can be used to promote literacy in general, and can highlight specific globally recognized days. Ex. Family Literacy day.
& Yes, can also be hosted in fun locations, like the Adventurer's Guild - Board Game Cafe & Tavern (36 Ontario St. N, Kitchener)!
=
~ Arts & Crafts Appreciation nights
This can vary every week, as there are so many that can be done!
1) A special Keepsake #1
IDEA:
Give them something they can do that's fun, that encourages family/ friend fun activities in the future (with or without us), and can become a "family heirloom"/ good memory/ cherished item! (0509141051AMishC.E.S.)
2) Art graffiti shows are always great!
It shows some local talent, treats spectators to a great creative process while it happens, and builds confidence and character within the artists themselves! What a great set up for a "win-win" situation! (^&~)
3) Homeless Backpacks!
A backpack full of necessities for the season, with a special treat & card, and a bit of art therapy also!
Why a backpack? Hands free, that also enables it being taken anywhere they go!
I am thinking that supplies will vary for the necessities, the treat and card can be for only during the winter season, and the art therapy can be different per season/ backpack.
+
More ideas can come from so many other arts/ crafts areas!
Ex. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame (I use to do this with my mom as a kid, and I want to re-learn this), scrap booking/ creating the scrap books, mask making, prop making (Crystal & Liam fit here with their props & workshops for their "Procession of the Species" parade every Earth Day.), my 't-shirt trials' - fabric painting, alterations, cutting (usually done with a friend), decorating with bead work, etc...
=
~ Movie Appreciation/ PJ nights
Enjoy a movie "on the wall" once a week. Can be anything from documentaries, kids/ family, author appreciation nights (ex. Lewis Carroll/ Alice in Wonderland), to independent community members' made movies (ex. Candle Flame Films).
=
~ Music Appreciation nights - Basics - theory, etc...
Learn music history by watching old shows, concerts, etc...
I happen to know some that are knowledgeable in this area also. Even whom have actually given private lessons to others, that have become part of our indie music scene.It would also be nice to be able to encourage others to catch some continual music events in our community.
Ex. Jenn Pigeon does a "concerts at the church" type event, and many of our local concert venues host indie musicians/ jam nights. Maybe we could even host a "road trip" to a local event.
&
Also: If most are held somewhere central (ex. Let's say at the downtown community centre) and close to/ during times of jam night hosting sessions (ex. at the L-Lounge when they were open), the events can complement each other.
=
~ Sports Appreciation nights
These can change/ vary from week to week.
Ex. Wk 1: Basketball, Wk 2: Floor hockey, Wk 3: Indoor Soccer, Wk 4: maybe a sports movie with a good lesson to learn? (this can work with a movie night also.) I can see this one being a sports appreciation program for learning about sports history, athletes, etc...
* Requirement: Use of a gym/ outdoor space big enough for multiple sports activities to be offered for more ages, than what's generally included in programs within our Communities.
Ex. RE: Kitchener's Downtown Community Centre
WHAT HAPPENS THERE ALREADY (to some extent):
Sports drop-ins:
7+ - pickle ball, 8+ - floor hockey, & Youth drop-in once a week: 12-17 years - sports, games, music, crafts, etc. My thoughts: Why not 9-11? & why not offer all what's offered to the youth? As seen here, even what's offered could improve. Much is offered to the young/ youth and maybe some young adults (ex. art classes), however from there to seniors age seems somewhat limited.
=
More will come...(^&^)
+++ ~~~ === +~= +++ ~~~ === +~= +++ ~~~ ===
Until next time...
Sincerely,
Chris S. (*@^@*)
.
I would like to share some of my thoughts here...
I grew up with a community centre that had a "Boys & Girls Club". Where kids could drop in any time they wanted, after school hours & weekends too. Not only was an adult there to supervise, but there would be multiple activity options on a regular basis. There were also "special nights" to look forward to throughout the months/ year. With this in mind I have made a list.
+
PLEASE NOTE:
These are ideas I've already had in the past for my own projects/ initiatives; and as I know many creatives in our community, some would be involved with many of these ideas. However I can not promise that those I know who would "be applicable", would agree, or would be available. I may be able to talk some into it as a volunteer, and others as a cheap workshop. I am always willing to share and collaborate, so I guess that depends on what can be worked out with whom, for where, when, and what time (as these are always the Qs).
=
PROGRAM POSSIBLES? (my thoughts included):
How Often???:
~ Hair dying nights
Bring your own dye, and any supplies you may have/ wish to use.
As this is an idea I've had for some time, I might have this one written up somewhere. Question is, how often/ year? Thinking at the end of June, as summer starts many may want to feel "new/ fresh.
=
~ Swapping nights (helps with spring & fall cleaning - 1 each)
Swap books, movies, games, gently used clothes. Can be done in Community centres, or at specific venues/ events (ex. there was a clothes swap at the Bloomin' Earth Eco-Fest this year).
=
~ Community/ street garage sales (helps with spring & fall cleaning - 1 each)
Some community centres already have garage sales, so this is helpful. This can also include the "swap" stuff as freebies, if done after the swapping nights.
~+~+~+
MONTHLY???:
~ Donations for the less fortunate
This may require possible storage for homeless needs all year, and certain nights delegated to distributions to the homeless. I do have thoughts of mimicking a couple friends that donate in special ways during Christmas season, however I believe the homeless need help more than just at Christmas. Many times things that people get rid of during spring/ fall cleaning could be donated instead and make a BIG difference.
=
~ Info. Sharing nights - Deluxe/ workshops:
This can vary on a large scale of topics beyond regular resources within our community.
Do you know of resources that maybe your neighbour doesn't? Or are you looking for some info.?
Examples:
1) Home Necessities
Learn how to make your own cleaning solutions, beauty creams (I think?), deodorant, etc...
(I have a friend that may be willing to come do workshops for cheap - say $30/ wkshop? She lives in out of town, and is a multi-talented friend that does projects with me from time to time. I may be able to talk her into a few different things.)
+
2) Wildflowers
What's an "invasive species", How do they "invade"?, etc...
(Crystal & Liam would be great for this, as they have their "Wildlife Gardening" business. You may also know them from their Trash Theatre, or Procession of The Species parade, or at events like the Animate the Trail/ Henry Sturm Green Festival - Liam was the gnome on a mushroom...)
+
3) Safety - both
a. While "out n' about": RE: walking groups, "street smarts"/ when to "hold your tongue/ fist", self defense (when it may or may not be needed), etc...
b. online: Unsafe/ scam sites - how to recognize them, how to avoid them, how to rid yourself of viruses, etc...
+
4) Make-up: Basics - How to.
I have a coupon with a friend that is in this industry. I have already spoken to her in the past about making an instructional video with me (another member of my "group/ collective"). As a portion of the cost is covered by this coupon, we can probably do this like a workshop for a cheap fee.
+
5) Hair styles:
Possible due to knowing someone taking a class right now. (I'd have to talk to him first, so if we can "brainstorm" a bit here for info. for him first, would be greatly appreciated).
+
6) Drama/ Costume Fun - practicing pretending/ role playing.
This can be as is, or as a lesson, or practicing acting, or more time for cosplayers in the community to join each other, etc...There are meetings for cosplayers/ LARPing, but when and where seems to be unknown to many interested. This can also work with a "meet & greet" before/ around the time of Comic-Con or Free Comic Book Day - which turns out there was a "Comics on Comics" event at Yuk Yuks this year after the day's events at the comic shops - I got to attend it. (^&^)
Also I am willing to bring stuff for this if needed, and again Crystal & Liam would be great for this with theiry "Trash Theatre".
+
7) Clothes dying/ tye-dying nights
Those interested can bring what they want dyed, what dye they wish to use (specifications may be needed if the dye is know to stain surroundings), and any other tools they may use. Personally I would rather go eco-friendly with the dyes. I will look into who I may know for this knowledge, and videos I can find.
+
8) My 'Goodies in My Hoody' Networking night
BBQ & Networking with our neighbours. Can be a simple potluck indoors when needed, and BBQ @ the park during spring/ summer months. My friend Linda already does Small Business Community Networking (SBCN) events, and may be interested in this once a year.
~+~+~+
WEEKLY???:
~ Humble Thinking nights
I think that if this was a weekly thing, it may help more than if it was monthly.
Ex. Ever thought of what it would be like to live "in someone else's shoes"??? An in-depth talk about life styles, choices, where they could lead, etc...
Thinking of speaker possibilities: the police, KW Counseling, some community members may also be helpful here. Ex. UrbanEx (Urban Excursion) - They don't live here in K/W anymore though (in T.O. now), other social justice type advocates/ individuals/ organizations.
=
~ Info. Sharing nights
This can vary on a large scale of topics within our community.
Examples:
* The cloth diaper program through the House of Friendship (I learned of this through the community group I was in, that is no longer around.)
* Where to find resources for learning languages (english or otherwise).
Ex. Some are offered through our libraries.
* Where to continue educational interests that may/ may not be known within our community.
Ex. Special events/ programs/ workshops at Conestoga College, KW Counseling, or within small businesses/ members of our community.
=
~ Language Appreciation:
Having fun with word play - puns, poems, stories, song creation/ changing, scrabble, boggle, other wordplay games, and more!
Ex. It is true we already have Spoken Word/ Slam nights, but this can aid those wishing to "amp up" their word skills, can be used to promote literacy in general, and can highlight specific globally recognized days. Ex. Family Literacy day.
& Yes, can also be hosted in fun locations, like the Adventurer's Guild - Board Game Cafe & Tavern (36 Ontario St. N, Kitchener)!
=
~ Arts & Crafts Appreciation nights
This can vary every week, as there are so many that can be done!
1) A special Keepsake #1
IDEA:
Give them something they can do that's fun, that encourages family/ friend fun activities in the future (with or without us), and can become a "family heirloom"/ good memory/ cherished item! (0509141051AMishC.E.S.)
Event Activities:
~ Paint your hands/ feet onto a canvas, or t-shirt/ any clothing item chosen to bring!
Note: This one can tie-in to the theory of "leaving less of a carbon footprint" on Mother Earth, and I even have some blank shirts that I can donate.
2) Art graffiti shows are always great!
It shows some local talent, treats spectators to a great creative process while it happens, and builds confidence and character within the artists themselves! What a great set up for a "win-win" situation! (^&~)
3) Homeless Backpacks!
First I want to NOTE:
I LOVE Danielle's ("Backpacks for the Homeless"), and Em's/ Al's (Kinder eggs & X-mas cards) examples they do every year! I have been granted their permissions to "clone" it here in K/W, and would love to extend it into a more than once a year effort. With many doing Spring & Fall cleaning and the city's support in the winter months, it shouldn't be too hard... Right?
I LOVE Danielle's ("Backpacks for the Homeless"), and Em's/ Al's (Kinder eggs & X-mas cards) examples they do every year! I have been granted their permissions to "clone" it here in K/W, and would love to extend it into a more than once a year effort. With many doing Spring & Fall cleaning and the city's support in the winter months, it shouldn't be too hard... Right?
IDEA:
Why a backpack? Hands free, that also enables it being taken anywhere they go!
I am thinking that supplies will vary for the necessities, the treat and card can be for only during the winter season, and the art therapy can be different per season/ backpack.
+
More ideas can come from so many other arts/ crafts areas!
Ex. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame (I use to do this with my mom as a kid, and I want to re-learn this), scrap booking/ creating the scrap books, mask making, prop making (Crystal & Liam fit here with their props & workshops for their "Procession of the Species" parade every Earth Day.), my 't-shirt trials' - fabric painting, alterations, cutting (usually done with a friend), decorating with bead work, etc...
=
~ Movie Appreciation/ PJ nights
Enjoy a movie "on the wall" once a week. Can be anything from documentaries, kids/ family, author appreciation nights (ex. Lewis Carroll/ Alice in Wonderland), to independent community members' made movies (ex. Candle Flame Films).
=
~ Music Appreciation nights - Basics - theory, etc...
Learn music history by watching old shows, concerts, etc...
I happen to know some that are knowledgeable in this area also. Even whom have actually given private lessons to others, that have become part of our indie music scene.It would also be nice to be able to encourage others to catch some continual music events in our community.
Ex. Jenn Pigeon does a "concerts at the church" type event, and many of our local concert venues host indie musicians/ jam nights. Maybe we could even host a "road trip" to a local event.
&
Also: If most are held somewhere central (ex. Let's say at the downtown community centre) and close to/ during times of jam night hosting sessions (ex. at the L-Lounge when they were open), the events can complement each other.
=
~ Sports Appreciation nights
These can change/ vary from week to week.
Ex. Wk 1: Basketball, Wk 2: Floor hockey, Wk 3: Indoor Soccer, Wk 4: maybe a sports movie with a good lesson to learn? (this can work with a movie night also.) I can see this one being a sports appreciation program for learning about sports history, athletes, etc...
* Requirement: Use of a gym/ outdoor space big enough for multiple sports activities to be offered for more ages, than what's generally included in programs within our Communities.
Ex. RE: Kitchener's Downtown Community Centre
WHAT HAPPENS THERE ALREADY (to some extent):
Sports drop-ins:
7+ - pickle ball, 8+ - floor hockey, & Youth drop-in once a week: 12-17 years - sports, games, music, crafts, etc. My thoughts: Why not 9-11? & why not offer all what's offered to the youth? As seen here, even what's offered could improve. Much is offered to the young/ youth and maybe some young adults (ex. art classes), however from there to seniors age seems somewhat limited.
=
More will come...(^&^)
+++ ~~~ === +~= +++ ~~~ === +~= +++ ~~~ ===
Until next time...
Sincerely,
Chris S. (*@^@*)
.
