Help Norfolk, Help You

I often get readers who ask how they can get more involved in helping downtown Norfolk realize its potential.  These folks have fresh and creative ideas and are genuinely interested in improving the city and I think that's pretty admirable.
 

CC Image courtesy of JoeInSouthernCA on Flickr

Anyone can be a critic and complain how the city needs this or is not doing that, but nothing's going to change unless people start getting their hands dirty and show up to actually make things happen (see Arts District, food trucks, a bike-friendly downtown, etc.). 

So for anyone who is really interested in getting involved, here are a few places to start:

• Downtown 100 - This is a group of emerging leaders downtown and is ideal for networking through social outings and volunteer opportunities focused on improving downtown Norfolk.
• Local Civic League - Joining you neighborhood's civic league is a great place to get engaged on many of the issues that hit closest to your home.
• Keep Norfolk Beautiful - A program of the Norfolk Environmental Commission and the city's Department of Public Works, the organization offers a number of opportunities through programs such as the Great American Cleanup, Adopt-A-Spot, and Clean the Bay Day.
• Local Cemeteries - There are a number of historic cemeteries in Norfolk and volunteers are always needed for cleaning, landscaping and monument repairs.  Most volunteer opportunities are in the “Historic Triangle” which is West Point, Cedar Grove, and Elmwood Cemeteries at 238 E. Princess Anne Road.
• Department of Recreation, Parks, and Open Space - The department's brochure lists a number of recreational volunteer positions.

In addition to these, there are a number of pages and groups of Facebook to join such as The Plot and the Norfolk Arts District that are looking for people to get involved.  If anyone has any other volunteer opportunities, be sure to add a comment below and I'll post it on the Get Involved page.