Self Organizing - Kudzu Wreaths

Overview
Most people think that kudzu is just an inconvenience and can be a hazard when not maintained, but it can also be a lovely decoration. If you choose to find your materials in an area such as a school bus stop, this opportunity will allow for the kids to walk safely on the sidewalks and to brighten a nursing home, decorate a school, welcome new neighbors or share with seniors in the community. An attached note can provide a personal message and inform recipients about the purpose of the service activity.

Supporting Organizations

Schools
Local nonprofits
Nursing homes
Faith-based organizations (e.g., church, temple, synagogue)

Materials

Designated land area with kudzu overgrowth
Durable gardening gloves
Green florist wire
Info card
Artificial floral pieces
Decorative ribbon
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Pens/markers

Instructions
Preparation:

Identify a supporting organization that can verify your volunteer activities and accept your donation of wreaths. Each volunteer should complete 6-8 wreaths.
Identify areas that need kudzu removal (i.e., sidewalks or places where the kudzu overgrowth diverts walking paths into the street).
Schedule a day and time for your volunteers to donate the wreaths and to whom (i.e., visitors center, hospitals, nursing homes or service organizations).
Write a blurb on note cards that you can attach to the wreath informing others of the power of service through this project.

Making the Wreath

Follow the kudzu vines until your vine is approximately five feet long. Cut the vine and remove the leaves.
Wrap the vines around something round (i.e., column, ball, chair legs)
Tuck the ends inside the other areas of the vine.
Add floral décor with glue gun.
Include a card with a personal message (optional) and to educate others about your project (e.g., “This wreath was created as a civic service act to provide kudzu-free sidewalks for children to walk.”)

Additional Resources

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
Draw a picture, write a poem or create a jingle about the service activity.
Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter.
Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.
If you’re working with a group of volunteers to do this project, lead a group discussion with questions such as:

Why did you volunteer today?
What did you learn about kudzu, making wreaths, or helping the community?
What is one thing you will remember most about this service activity?
How can you continue to make a difference in our community?