Let's make a difference today! Here's my idea:
Executive Summary
MISSION STATEMENT: Maui Homegrown Solutions recognizes the need for Maui residents to take responsibility for developing the existing resources and creative talents available on our island to promote a productive, self-sustaining community engaged in problem-solving activities aimed at decreasing economic dependence on imported products and energy resources.
Goal: Create a non-profit 501 (3) c entity (i.e. Maui Homegrown Solutions) to provide storefront community centers for Maui residents to gather and share information, resources and creative endeavors. This non-profit agency will consist of a president, vice president and secretary/treasurer that will meet on a quarterly basis to present progress reports and create new board positions as needed.
Maui Homegrown Solutions will begin with private donations from concerned Maui residents and businesses who support the development of resource centers designed to encourage residents to actively participate in self-sustainable community development projects. The donations will be used to secure rental space and cover start-up costs for the organization's pilot project, Food for Thought.
Step 1. Research and create non-profit entity, either stand-alone or under the umbrella of an existing 501 (c) 3. Secure all legal documentation, select board and submit application with fee.
Step 2 .Once approved, secure lease and permits to open Food for Thought, a book/dvd/software resale outlet and resource exchange facility in a large warehouse type storefront, preferrably upcountry. Ideal locations include spaces such as the former Salvation Army or True Value Hardware store in Haiku or the Elan Vital property on Makawao Avenue.
Step 3. Design and run ads (internet, print, public access radio and television) with the Maui Homegrown Solutions Misson Statement , requesting donations of used books, dvds and software from the public. Provide specific drop off locations and times. Hire contract labor to provide intake of materials, receipts for donations, and contact information. Recruit volunteers to help sort and prepare items for resale. Generate membership drive to interested parties for a nominal fee.
Step 4. Food for Thought will follow quickly by opening a small area of the rental space as a resale store/meeting place. To encourage participation, high-end coffee and tea will be offered with off-site prepared pasteries to be enjoyed in a communal, cozy atmosphere. All proceeds from the sales generated by these activities will be reinvested in expansion and development of future projects.
Step 5. Maui Aloud will be developed in stages from the revenues of the resale shop. The remaining rental space will be prepared for presentations focused on local self-sustainablility and independent lifestyle possibilities. This events will include speakers, video productions, performance art pieces and discussion forums. No admission will be charged for these activites, but donations will be accepted, which will be split between Maui Homegrown Solutions and the presenter(s). Also, like minded community organizations will be invited to share information on their programs to develop mutually beneficial projects.
Step 6. Maui Activated will further utilize the space to activate member's projects created during the Maui Aloud process. Acquisition of resources such as computers, hi-speed internet access, reading libraries and self-publishing equipment will be provided to help these groups achieve their goals. Opening and staffing new facilities around the island will also be addressed.
Step 7. Maui Shifts will introduce our ideas to the community-at-large through various forms of interactive media. Particpation and cooperation with other community agencies will be pursued with the goal of focusing attention on viable alternative solutions to create responsible answers through Maui Homegrown Solutions projects designed to make a significant difference in the utilization of our precious natural and personal resources.
Where we can go from there is limitless.
Executive Summary
MISSION STATEMENT: Maui Homegrown Solutions recognizes the need for Maui residents to take responsibility for developing the existing resources and creative talents available on our island to promote a productive, self-sustaining community engaged in problem-solving activities aimed at decreasing economic dependence on imported products and energy resources.
Goal: Create a non-profit 501 (3) c entity (i.e. Maui Homegrown Solutions) to provide storefront community centers for Maui residents to gather and share information, resources and creative endeavors. This non-profit agency will consist of a president, vice president and secretary/treasurer that will meet on a quarterly basis to present progress reports and create new board positions as needed.
Maui Homegrown Solutions will begin with private donations from concerned Maui residents and businesses who support the development of resource centers designed to encourage residents to actively participate in self-sustainable community development projects. The donations will be used to secure rental space and cover start-up costs for the organization's pilot project, Food for Thought.
Step 1. Research and create non-profit entity, either stand-alone or under the umbrella of an existing 501 (c) 3. Secure all legal documentation, select board and submit application with fee.
Step 2 .Once approved, secure lease and permits to open Food for Thought, a book/dvd/software resale outlet and resource exchange facility in a large warehouse type storefront, preferrably upcountry. Ideal locations include spaces such as the former Salvation Army or True Value Hardware store in Haiku or the Elan Vital property on Makawao Avenue.
Step 3. Design and run ads (internet, print, public access radio and television) with the Maui Homegrown Solutions Misson Statement , requesting donations of used books, dvds and software from the public. Provide specific drop off locations and times. Hire contract labor to provide intake of materials, receipts for donations, and contact information. Recruit volunteers to help sort and prepare items for resale. Generate membership drive to interested parties for a nominal fee.
Step 4. Food for Thought will follow quickly by opening a small area of the rental space as a resale store/meeting place. To encourage participation, high-end coffee and tea will be offered with off-site prepared pasteries to be enjoyed in a communal, cozy atmosphere. All proceeds from the sales generated by these activities will be reinvested in expansion and development of future projects.
Step 5. Maui Aloud will be developed in stages from the revenues of the resale shop. The remaining rental space will be prepared for presentations focused on local self-sustainablility and independent lifestyle possibilities. This events will include speakers, video productions, performance art pieces and discussion forums. No admission will be charged for these activites, but donations will be accepted, which will be split between Maui Homegrown Solutions and the presenter(s). Also, like minded community organizations will be invited to share information on their programs to develop mutually beneficial projects.
Step 6. Maui Activated will further utilize the space to activate member's projects created during the Maui Aloud process. Acquisition of resources such as computers, hi-speed internet access, reading libraries and self-publishing equipment will be provided to help these groups achieve their goals. Opening and staffing new facilities around the island will also be addressed.
Step 7. Maui Shifts will introduce our ideas to the community-at-large through various forms of interactive media. Particpation and cooperation with other community agencies will be pursued with the goal of focusing attention on viable alternative solutions to create responsible answers through Maui Homegrown Solutions projects designed to make a significant difference in the utilization of our precious natural and personal resources.
Where we can go from there is limitless.