Do It for You Day Resources

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Self-sufficiency is the focus of Do It for You Day. On this day, centers are given the opportunity to showcase their programs and services that help residents achieve greater self-sufficiency, such as those programs that help residents get a job, advance in their current job, or further their education. In addition to workforce development and academic advancement programs, centers can also promote their programs and services that help residents overcome the obstacles to self-sufficiency, including programs that relate to childcare and transportation. Centers may also opt to host a special training to promote their programs, for instance, "Sell Yourself" résumé-building workshops, "Make a Good First Impression" dressing for success workshops, or "Art of Eloquence" interviewing techniques workshops. The following are examples of additional events that centers could host in support of Do It for You Day.

Employment and Career Advancement Events

Helping residents achieve economic independence is a major goal of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative. What better way to achieve self-sufficiency than by securing employment or moving up the career ladder? Centers might consider hosting an event that focuses on employment and career advancement, such as:

	A career or job fair where local employers and employment specialists would be invited to meet with residents about local job opportunities and training/skills needed for particular positions.
	Arranging transportation for residents to attend a nearby job fair whose schedule coincides with Neighborhood Networks Week.
	Inviting professionals and skilled workers from the community to speak with residents at the center about their careers. During these informational interviews, residents will gain a better understanding of what a typical business day is like and the educational and experience requirements of the career. Informational interview questions are available in the Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide.
	Inviting a local U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) One-Stop Career Center or local business to hold résumé writing or interview preparation sessions. You can locate the nearest U.S. DOL One-Stop Career Center on their site. Resume and cover letter templates are available in the Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide.
	Inviting local representatives from workforce development programs to speak with residents about short- and long-term strategies for employment.
	Connecting residents with professionals or skilled workers who can serve as mentors for a day or a week.

Educational Development Events

Education opens many doors of opportunity. To highlight the importance of advancing one's education, centers might:

	Create a positive learning experience by exploring history, natural resources, wildlife, rocks, fossils, energy conservation, and much more by planning a trip to a local museum or park.
	Invite youth, parents, teachers, and community members to visit the center and talk about the impact of the center's education and afterschool programs on their lives.
	Host an information session about educational resources available within the community. Invite a representative from a local college or vocational school or the U.S. Department of Education to describe the importance of an education.
	Plan a trip to a local university or community college and arrange for a tour.
	Hold a spelling bee or play a trivia game designed to spark educational interest among youth.

"Reading Is Fun" Events

Potential local events that focus on the importance of reading may include:

	A trip to the local library and scheduling a time for a librarian to talk to the children about library etiquette, good reading habits, and how they can apply for their own library card.
	Taking children to a local bookstore for story time or setting up a meeting with an author who can share his or her experiences about reading and writing.
	Inviting a local celebrity or popular teacher to read a book aloud to children at the center.
	Inviting the local literacy council to the center to hold private consultations with adults in the community who desire to learn how to read.
	Creating a book club and letting the club develop and publicize a list of books to read.

The Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide features numerous resources for Do It for You Day, including the links listed under the "Related Information" on this page.