1st Meeting

Our first meeting was on October 31st over the lunch hour. There were only 5 or 6 of us there but we got to talk and learn more about Project Change and also come up with ideas and a list of relevant contacts. Here are the things we learned and came up with.

BURNS & MCDONNELL PROJECT CHANGE
Team Meeting #1: October 31, 2008

Overview of Project Change

• Founded by local interior designer to engage the engineering, architecture, and design professionals in KC community needs.


• Exciting approach to social/community challenges: design-based, creative thinking, peer mobilization, collaboration, and teamwork.


• Multidisciplinary Solutions to everyday problems. Diverse volunteer opportunities: overall planning, marketing/recruitment, project research/reconnaissance, on-site project management, networking with social agencies, short-term volunteers.


• Need to fill each of those responsibilities to be successful.

Brainstorming Project Ideas (new ideas are always welcome… this list is only a first attempt)

1. February *Warm the Homeless*

• Blanket Collection


• Coat Drive


• HVAC Study for local homeless shelter


• Needs assessment for KC homeless


• Bus Shelter Accommodations for cold winter months


• Personal hygiene kit


• Warm food/beverage distribution

2. March *Feed the Hungry*

• Cost Savings assessment for local soup kitchen or food pantry


• Food Drive


• Food Storage ideas for the homeless


• Can Opening and Food preparation kits for homeless


• Food heating devices for the homeless

3. April *Save the Planet*

• Find optimal KC locations for renewable energy


• Research distributed generation potential in KC


• Combined sewer health risk advocacy/prevention


• KC Environmental needs assessment


• Alternatives to landfill… it’s filling up


• Volunteer with Bridging the Gap


• Set 5 easy steps for employee owners to be more env. Conscious


• Explore potential for urban greenway and green corridors in KC


• Redesign a greener home model for Habitat for Humanity

4. May *Nurture the Children*

• Educational Workshops: environmental/civic responsibility


• Appeal of scientific careers to KC youth


• Study/Facilitate adoption and foster care programs


• Partner with local museum/park for youth event


• Volunteer in Teach for America classrooms in KC Metro area

Relevant Kansas City Networking Contacts (please recommend others)

• Burns & McDonnell Engineerium


• Big Brothers / Big Sisters


• Rehab Institute


• Westside Community Action Network


• Foster Care


• Engineers Without Borders: KC Professional Chapter


• Holy Family House (Homeless Outreach)


• Habitat for Humanity


• Teach for America: KC Corps

What's next??

Meetings:

• 11/12 @ noon, Stateline Bld SCR3563 - We will get a chance to meet with Beverly McAuley, ask her questions and hopefully narrow down some information and ideas.


• 1st week of December, we will be meeting during a lunch our to talk more about the different topics and decide on one event for each month.

Events:

• Team Planning EXPO 11/18 @ 5:00 PM in the Plaza - At this event we will meet different non-profit organizations. They might have have in mind ideas that will help them specifically.


• January 22nd - Kick-Off Event Luncheon @ Noon in Gary Hart and Associates (1824 Walnut, Kansas City, MO). The luncheon will be for teams to receive rules, details and materials for the Challenge.