Societal Issues Targeted:
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Empowering communities to unite and transform their environment for the better
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Instilling in the community the importance of bright happy spaces and nature as something intrinsically linked to our health and happiness
Activity Description
In the frenetic chaos of daily life, whether you’re navigating the concrete jungle or strolling through a sleepy village, it’s easy to overlook how much our surroundings impact our well-being and that of everyone living in our communities. Fear not, we can improve it! It’s time to don your gardening gloves, grab your brushes, and embark on a mission of Guerrilla Beautification.
Picture this: a dreary, forgotten corner of your neighbourhood, transformed into a vibrant oasis. Whether it’s sprucing up a grimy bridge with a cascade of flowers, crafting a clandestine garden atop a bus stop, or creating a mural out of stones in a cracked pavement, your efforts will sprinkle a little joy and creativity in the daily lives of everyone who passes and inspire a kinder, friendlier community to live in.
Together, we’ll target neglected spaces and turn them into pockets of happiness, reminding everyone that putting some care and love into where we live pays off in life quality, for everyone!
Benefits
Did you know that a cleaner, more vibrant community can revitalize neighbourhoods and boost residents’ sense of belonging? Studies show that improving local environments enhances physical and mental well-being, fosters conservation awareness, and encourages volunteer-ism. By participating, you’ll not only beautify your surroundings but also strengthen community bonds and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Setting Up
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Gather your friends: The more, the merrier!
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Share your plans: Post in our event system with your chosen date and location, here you can send an invite out to other potential Guerrilla Beautification Agents living nearby.
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There’s lots of possibilities here, from planting seeds or hanging plant pots to create a garden bridge. If you’re not sure what to do, check out what others have done, or ask for suggestions in our forum.
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Inspire others to try it out where they live: After the event share your experiences, maybe write an article and post it here. Gather opinions from participants, and offer tips for future beautification projects. Don’t forget to include your best photos and videos of the stunning transformations you create!
Suggested Equipment
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Gardening tools and cleaning supplies: Essential for planting and prepping areas.
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Art supplies: Paints, brushes, and materials for murals or creative installations.
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Seeds, plants, soil, and grass: Bring life to your chosen spot.
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Camera s: Capture the magic and share it with the world.
After the Event
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Celebrate together: Plan a social gathering at a park or local spot to unwind and share stories.
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Showcase your excellent work: Post your photos on social media and share a link to it in our forums.
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Inspire others: Write a post about your event, including your best photos and videos. Encourage others to join or start their own projects.
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Plan your next adventure: Whether it’s another Guerrilla Beautification Project or a different community initiative, keep the momentum going!
Tips
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Map it out: Print a map of your area and mark potential spots for beautification.
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Instant gratification: While seeds are great, consider planting some fully grown plants or creating art for immediate impact.
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Backup plan: If focusing on a large project, have an alternative spot ready in case you need to relocate.
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Engage passers-by: Explain your mission to brighten the community for everyone and your aims for enhancing community connection and happiness.
Legal Stuff (how it worked out for us)
While beautifying your community should be a human right, the stuffy people that think everything needs permission and approval, paid for permits and waiting months for the paperwork to go through… those people can get grumpy, so use your best judgement. Generally letting others know that its simply an act of kindness you wanted to do for the community, that’ll be enough (unless you have grand plans for a Big Ben hanging garden!).
You might be asked to move on so a back up location is a good idea. However, if you can get council approval, guerrilla gardens and art installations can become recognized community spaces, like Leaf Street in Hulme, Manchester.
If you prefer a stealthy approach, consider setting up during the early hours when the city sleeps and surprising morning commuters with your creative creations.