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CCoommmmuunniittyy FFeessttiivvaall Stellar Examples –

The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council (SORO) in conjunction with SORO Inc. (a local non-profit organization) hosted the “SORO Festival” on June 6th of this year. Half a mile of city streets were shut down for this weekend event that had over 6,000 people attend. Each organization contributed $5,000. There were dozens of booths, children activities, and free giveaways.

The Empowerment Congress West Area Neighborhood Development Council

(NCWA) held a Community Pride Day/Area Assembly that turned out almost 200 community members and cost the NC $4,000. The event took place at Audubon Middle School and gave candidates of the upcoming NC election a chance to speak, as well as provided an opportunity for 4 community organizations and 7 city departments, and block clubs (precursors to NCs) to socialize with the community.

The SORO Festival allowed two organizations to work closely together to create a

day in which the community can come together in an atmosphere of fun, excitement, education, and information. All of the proceeds, a total of $72,000 went toward the building of a playground for a local Title I elementary school.

The ECWA’s Community Pride Day/Area Assembly was a great day of meeting

and greeting. Many community members were introduced to local democracy and city workings for the first time.

Special benefit – when the people involved are very dedicated! Carlos of SORO believes that the commitment of the volunteers is one of the key reasons for the

success of the SORO Festival. Great lesson – there are always a lot of kids! Betty for SORO advises that there

should be double the opportunities for the kids! There was a huge appreciation to the fact that the SORO festival was family oriented.

Defeatable challenge – in NC’s there is always a tendency for a few people to do all the work. Daria from NCWA believes that increasing “community support and participation” is a must in planning a community festival and all other events.

Special thanks & acknowledgement to those interviewed: Carlos Collard, President of SORO Daria Hall, Board member of NCWA Betty Billet, Board member of SORO Interpretation of interviews & creation of ‘best practices’ by DONE intern: Helen Leung

Best Practices for a Community Festival:

Make it a joint event With the Council office, non-profit organization, or other local association Allows for shared responsibilities, more resources, and greater funds

Start together Recruiting all potential partners in the beginning and starting off strong is

better than struggling along slowly on your own But start early! “3 months is not enough” (Carlos)

Have free food Request donations from local restaurants

Advertise the event Through flyers, e-mail, phone calls, paid advertisement, the Council office,

schools, supermarkets… “You can never do enough outreach” (Daria) Get students from local high school to volunteer their time at the event by

hosting art workshops, setting up & cleaning up Entertainment for kids

Rent out a huge bouncy inflatable, face painting, art workshops… It’s very importation to “engage stakeholders at all age levels” (Daria)

Good entertainment overall At the very least, get a small stage Continuous music, band or martial arts performances, dance groups…

Planning is instrumental! Develop a timeline & assign responsibilities – but “make sure to engage

stakeholders in the planning process!” (Daria) Don’t forget the details – restroom, parking, informing neighbors, trash bags..

Have plenty of booths Don’t forget to invite the Police & Fire Department, your Council office, and

other City departments Rent booth spaces for $100 (to cover cost of the booth itself) or $130 (with

electricity) to non-profit organizations, local organizations, and small business Give away T-shirts

Especially to volunteers Pay for T-shirts by selling advertisements for $50, SORO ordered 3,000 shirts

and only came up with a small deficit! Information gathering

Use this chance to get into the minds of the community – pass out a survey on major issues with incentives for completion! SORO gave visors and cloth bags!

Have a raffle Proceeds to a local needed cause, such as a new playground for a Title I

elementary school (SORO Festival) Debrief Afterwards

Have once last meeting with all those involved for rounds of appreciation and insights on what was successful and what can be improved next time!

Remember to check in with your DONE Project Coordinator for regulation updates, new info, and other resources!