C

ities of Service announced our Create the Next Cities of Service Blueprint Contest today to coalition members who joined us for our pre-conference sessions at the National Conference for Volunteering and Service.

Cities of Service blueprints give cities an easy way to develop volunteer initiatives based on successful projects designed and implemented by other communities. We know that the best ideas are being tried and tested in cities around the country and we want to help you share those proven strategies on a grander scale.

We are offering prizes for the best new blueprints based on existing initiatives that have demonstrated impact.

Blueprints should: address a common problem facing cities and describe an initiative that has already been tested, use volunteers as a central strategy, produce measurable impact on the issue being addressed, and involve a significant and meaningful role for mayors and their offices.

We look forward to hearing about the great work that is happening in the field and are excited to learn more about successful, high-impact initiatives that can be replicated by cities worldwide.

Submissions are due by August 15 and contest winners will be announced in October. For more information about the contest and application requirements, and to apply, visit www.citiesofservice.jhu.edu/content/blueprint-contest.