By now you may have started thinking there's real potential for improvement in your neighborhood. Perhaps you've got some ideas about what would make it more sustainable, and what would bring the community together in a meaningful way. The question is, what are you going to do to make it happen?

More importantly, what do you do first? It may seem obvious, but before you plan anything, do a little research.

For all you know, someone may already be planning or proceeding with the sort of project you're dreaming of. Perhaps it's still just in the dream stage. Or perhaps you don't know about it simply because the effort is under-publicized (or you're just waking up and starting to pay attention.) Either way, time and energy may have been expended and lessons may already have been learned. Community efforts require, above all else, cooperation, trust, and goodwill, so it's most important to avoid unintentional offense by announcing a project that apparently ignores an existing one.

Can you play a role in the existing effort? Does it match your goals? If not, are the principals willing or able to adapt their project to include your ideas and goals, or can you include theirs? There is neither time nor money for competition.

In truth, competition represents the polar opposite of what you strive for. If it is truly not practical to work with an existing effort, make your both projects are distinct and complementary rather than competitive.

If you're really a "lone voice in the wilderness" and want to start something more than you can handle with just a couple of neighbors, seek out organizations such as the local chamber of commerce, the homeowners association, and the neighborhood council - all of whom should have a strong interest in taking part in projects that support their mission. Other organizations like garden clubs, scout troops, groups affiliated with a church, temple or mosque, local schools and PTAs, service clubs, corporate volunteer programs, and neighborhood-watch groups might want to use a neighborhood improvement project to further benefit the community. It's likely that groups such as these will be able to tap many of the resources you'll need, like volunteers and fundraising capability, not to mention friends in high places.

When you make the commitment to working and getting along with others to improve your community, you're already having a positive effect on the lives of others.

Once you know how to inspire and unite people toward a common goal-in this case greening your community-you'll find many issues about which you and your neighbors feel strongly. A single individual facing city hall has come to symbolize the impossible fight. But a visible, organized group has the potential to influence city decisions. Planting trees in the neighborhood gives a group a reputation for dedication to public service. Tree projects can be just the beginning. Don't worry about what your group should look like or how it should be organized. Just take it a step at a time and look for ways to accept others into the fold.

Goal Setting

Before you invite your neighbors to sit down and talk, set your own goals. Tree projects take many forms. You may want to just fill in the gaps in a street that already has some trees, or perhaps you want to plant the next generation if your street trees are mature and could begin to die of old age in the next decade or two. Maybe you want to tackle a large-scale planting along the whole street, either on private property or on city-regulated sidewalks. Perhaps you have trees in need of maintenance. Though this is usually the responsibility of the city, it's often neglected due to lack of resources. Are there barren parking lots nearby that need shade? Are there businesses that would like trees on their sidewalk? Decide what you think will best benefit your neighborhood and see if others agree. Don't work on details now, but get an idea of what you want to accomplish.

Who do you want to involve? Are your neighbors mostly homeowners? Are you in a community of active apartment dwellers with friendly landlords? Consider your own role -- project leader, planting supervisor, or mere visionary? If you're not clear early on, it might be difficult to get others interested.

Think carefully about follow through. Planting and caring for trees is a powerful way to make a difference in a community, but your enthusiasm will face obstacles along the way, and you need to be prepared. This is another good reason to gather a strong team of individuals who have the same level of commitment as you. Keep in mind that the greater the obstacles, the more rewarding the end result!

Next: Summon your community