Youth clean up

The goal of a neighborhood clean-up is to bridge communities and build collective efficacy by bringing together residents to clean designated areas of a neighborhood. Neighborhood clean-ups are important to create the habit of normalcy surrounding picking up trash and to restore value and integrity to those residents and how they view their communities. One very important factor is that neighborhood cleanups can transform from seasonal or biannual events to just a normal neighborhood practice leading to a decrease in litter and an increase in neighborhood beautification and pride. Additionally, the combination of youth and adults demonstrates the collaboration and support within neighborhoods and the overall desire to keep our communities clean. Finally, clean neighborhoods have the ability to lead residents and youth to engage in work that leads to the overall building of safer and empowered communities.