GETTING INVOLVED

We are always looking for new projects and opportunities at UPP. We welcome potential projects being brought to our attention, but before doing so, please consider the following process each project goes through. If you do not currently belong to an organized community group, we encourage you to begin one.

If you are a professional in the Springfield area and think you may know of a potential project, please contact us. The process will be much the same as listed below.

THE PROCESS: HOW TO BEGIN A PROJECT

1. CONTACT - To begin a project, contact the UPP office located in Springfield, or one of the co-directors. To begin a project we require an established community group or organization with a specific contact/lead person or people.

2. MEET - We will meet with you to discuss your project and evaluate how best we can be of assistance. If we feel we have the ability to meet your request, we will make every effort to put you in contact with the right person to undertake your project. Our resources include local government, nonprofit groups, professionals, interns, or university students and professors to develop your project.

Not all projects are appropriate for the UPP. Projects are chosen based on the possibility of a strong partnership between the community, the City of Springfield, and UMass Amherst students and professors. Successful projects must have a committed client. If your project is accepted, a work schedule will be determined before any additional work is completed.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

3. INFORMATION GATHERING - Before beginning to develop a project we must gain a clear idea of what the community is hoping to achieve. This allows us to ask questions about the community's needs and hopes. We will assess past work and study and documentation that might exist for your area. Sometimes information gathering is accomplished through community workshops or meetings.

4. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - The community partner will be involved throughout the design process. Time frames for specific projects are usually one semester, but the entire process can be longer.

5. COMMUNITY PRESENTATION - At the completion of the development phase of a project, we will make a final presentation to the community. This is typically to inform the client and community of the final studio results and to include their comments and ideas in the final report.

6. FINAL REPORT - Many projects will have a final written report and/or plans. Copies will be available to the project leaders/coordinators for the community.

7. FOLLOW UP - Whenever possible we will follow-up on project implementation. Many projects have short and long term phases. We will try to connect you with people to assist in implementation and may sometimes provide student volunteers for short term efforts.