Visual Advocacy: Scouting and Ivanhoe

So I've teamed up with Raynoldo in persuing Scouting volunteer project opportunities for the Ivanhoe design assistance. While the Girl Scouts don't pursue community volunteer projects to the extent the Boy Scouts of America do, both can contribute to Ivanhoe's recovery. I have emailed the Heartland Area Boy Scout council with an introduction and design intervention project proposal. The BSA can benefit massively from this project, gaining publicity through Ivanhoe's media coverage, and experience unity through inter-troop cooperation and projects. It would be unique for the BSA to focus it's projects in one area, making a huge difference, as opposed to spread out smaller contributions. It is also an Eagle Scouts responsibility to plan and execute a volunteer project of his own for the community, and having opportunities readily available through the Ivanhoe neighborhood council could assist them in quickly finding a project.

On a community  Ivanhoe level, recruitment and involvement could benefit greatly as well. It's been proven that Eagle Scouts are exponentially more likely to be accepted into the work field when compared to other applicants. Here's an article on that subject. But the kids in the Ivanhoe neighborhood are looking for extracurricular activities, and the Boy Scout program and Eagle Scout goal and rank could give them something to do and strive for. It would shape them into leadership material and help them in their job search down the road. When applying to colleges, Eagle Scouts are also eligible for scholarships and more appealing for acceptance.

I've yet to contact the girl scouts, but depending on the BSA's interest and involvement, it might not be necessary. I also will have a better relationship and appeal to the BSA being an Eagle Scout myself.

Boy Scouts (Wiki on overall research.)
Girl Scouts (Wiki on overall research.)

Boy Scouts Volunteering
Eagle Scouts
Girl Scouts Volunteering

Articles on large scale Eagle projects:
1  2  3  4  5

Visual Advocacy: Ivanhoe Interests

So after the meeting with Ivanhoe last week, we were overloaded with an abundance of design opportunity. How great is that?

So my initial interests were peaked with their boy and girl scouting activities/ groups. The fact that these scouting groups are the most stable and popular groups for younger kids in the area makes this a great outlet for kids to meet each other and do good for the Ivanhoe community as they make their way to Eagle rank. As an eagle scout myself I know just how much community time you spend just in helping others with their projects. Other troops around the KC area might also be a great source of help. It's always difficult figuring out your eagle project, but if a call were to go out for help in Ivanhoe, other troops might be willing to help out the community.

My contact for the Boy Scouts of America would be the location on Holmes (816-942-7757) and the contact for the Girl Scouts Headquarters would be on Blue Parkway(816-358-8750).

The food desert issue is by far the worst, and stands at the front of Ivanhoe needs. Without any grocery stores in the Ivanhoe neighborhood area, they have become isolated, commuting to areas miles away for food that is well out of their price range. They need a store within their area, and one that offers a cheaper food alternative to stores like Sunfresh or Costco. The partnership with UMB could also be highly beneficial to the families in the area. In our last class, we had discussed the possibility of a card only shopping experience, helping to discourage any sort of robbery. Without a cash withdrawal option available at the UMB branch, this is a feasible and practical solution. The store itself could also hold a space for a UMB branch on site, eliminating any drive to and from the bank to the grocery store. 

My contact for this issue would be a manager within a food franchise, such as Aldi or Constantino's.

The other issue that grabbed my attention was the community garden and farmers market effort. These community gardens are great answers to the food desert issue, and also bring the community together to swap experiences, food, and tips. It brings a healthier diet to an otherwise unhealthy selection of cheap foods at grocery stores currently available to them. Particularly with eating out becoming cheaper, an easy way out. On a family level, it could also serve to bond parents and children, learning important lessons in responsiblity and a better sense of a neighborhood community. A spade in their hand is time better spent than loitering around the plaza or getting in trouble elsewhere.

My contact for this issue would be the community garden coordinator on the Ivanhoe neighborhood council. I've yet to obtain the number, but I'm sure it's listed in the brochures we picked up at the last meeting.