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The keystone of Keep America Beautiful is its success at changing individual behavior and attitudes about litter—from cigarette butts and misplaced trash to abandoned cars.
The best practices outlined in this “Toolbox for Community Change” are based in Keep America Beautiful’s five-step attitude change process. This attitude change process impacts behavior in four areas, or pressure points for change , in the community. For over 50 years, Keep America Beautiful and its over 500 affiliates in cities across America have proven the value of this process for reducing litter and making lasting community improvements.
Use the time-tested ideas and models in this “Toolbox,” gleaned from Keep America Beautiful affiliates and other exemplary cities, to turn your community around. Following are the "Toolbox" contents:
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Sometimes changing attitudes means changing the way things have always been done. Use local ordinances to get a community back on track.
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If the ordinances are all there, maybe there’s just no enforcement initiatives in place. Everyone needs to be involved—from citizens to the courts.
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Start by getting the facts. Measure the impact of litter in the community using Keep America Beautiful’s one-of-a-kind measurement tools .
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Citizens can create long-lasting change. Empower neighborhood groups and other volunteers to take pride and ownership in their neighborhoods, parks, and roadways. It all starts with a cleanup.
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Keep it on the front page. Use public awareness campaigns to educate and get out the message—again and again.
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Solid waste can be litter too. Keep solid waste where it belongs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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It’s not done until it’s green. Beautify and create green spaces to energize the spirit, foster respect for nature, and bring the community together.
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KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL
FIVE-STEP ATTITUDE CHANGE PROCESS
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Get the Facts
Research the littering problem (or other community improvement issue) in your community, and gather information from the Litter Index and the Litter/Solid Waste Survey. Interview field professionals and leadership. Assemble all pertinent data in writing.
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Involve the People
Identify the people who have the most influence over this particular issue. Let them know what you would like to do. Find how it can match their own interests, and capitalize on their interest in developing the program. Let them involve people they know or with whom they work. The volunteer network will spread. Delegation is the key.
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Plan Systematically
Once the leadership and other key individuals are in agreement, develop a plan of action. Utilizing effective management techniques, the group commits to this plan of action with the aid of Keep America Beautiful programs and resource guides.
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Focus on Results
Your goal will be to achieve measurable results in litter reduction. All activities and projects should be planned programs designed to target and change negative attitudes and practices.
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Provide Positive Reinforcement
Give those who worked on the project appropriate recognition. This can take many forms, but a sincere “thank you” is a first step. People must feel positive about their efforts with you if they are to sustain their interest.
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