Using Village Manager in a Recession

VillageManager.net - a free service to the public - can be used in many ways during the recession to help your community thrive. Here are some ideas:

• Start keeping a list of tools and equipment neighbors can share. In your community there are specialty pieces of equipment - and the know on how to operate them - that can help you start and finish a product inexpensively.
• Keep track of your senior citizens. Create a schedule for visiting them, especially during the coldest and hottest months of the year.
• Organize games at the park for the community's kids. They can get outside, run around in an organized activity.
• Keep track of vacant/foreclosed housing. Keep notes and pictures of the properties. Share them with officials when appropriate.
• Organize events with local businesses. Build a neighborhood loyalty club. Example: anyone in the neighborhood association gets a free haircut on Wednesdays.

In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, we have not to fear but fear itself. We can rely on our neighbors to take care of our child, parks and public spaces.