FAQ

  • Who can volunteer with CommUnity Collective Connecticut?

    Anyone! Whether you’re an experienced community leader or just someone who cares about making our neighborhoods shine, there’s a place for you here. We welcome individuals, families, students, community groups, and even businesses looking to make a positive impact. If you’re under 18, we ask that a parent or guardian join you at the event.

  • How do I sign up to volunteer?

    Singing up is easy! Head to our Events page and browse the list of upcoming cleanups. Each event will have a “Sign Up” button to register as a volunteer. Once you have signed up, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details, including what to bring, where to meet, and who to contact if you have questions.

  • How long do cleanup events typically last?

    Most of our events are 2–4 hours long, depending on the size of the area we’re working on. If you can’t stay the whole time, that’s okay—every bit of help makes a difference!

  • Are the events family-friendly?

    Definitely! Our events are open to people of all ages. Kids can join in too (with adult supervision), making this a great way for families to bond while giving back to the community.

  • Can I host a cleanup in my neighborhood with your help?

    Yes! If there’s an area in your neighborhood that needs some TLC, reach out to us using the “Contact” page on our website. We’ll work with you to coordinate a cleanup event and bring in volunteers to help.

  • How do I stay updated on upcoming events?

    We’re working on creating an email subscription so you can get updates straight to your inbox. Sign up for our Newsletter on our website to receive announcements about upcoming events, new projects, and ways to get involved.

  • Are there any safety guidelines for volunteering?

    Your safety is our top priority! Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

    - Always wear gloves to avoid direct contact with trash.

    - Use tools like trash grabbers for sharp or hazardous items.

    - Wear bright clothing or reflective vests for visibility.

    - Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

    - If you encounter something potentially dangerous (e.g., broken glass or needles), let the event coordinator know immediately.

  • How can businesses or organizations get involved?

    We love collaborating with businesses and organizations! Here are some ways to get involved:

    - Become a sponsor by donating equipment or funds.

    - Organize a volunteer event for your staff to give back as a team.

    - Partner with us on larger community projects, like mural painting or landscaping.

    We’re happy to work with you to create a meaningful partnership that benefits both your team and the community!

  • Is CommUnity Collective Connecticut a nonprofit?

    While we’re not currently a registered nonprofit organization — like a 501(c)(3) — we operate with the same values. We’re a completely volunteer-run organization, meaning no one—organizers included—receives a salary or profit from our efforts. Every dollar we receive, whether through donations or sponsorships, goes directly toward hosting cleanup events, purchasing equipment, and expanding our ability to serve the community.

    Our mission is rooted in giving back, and we’re proud to run on the passion and dedication of volunteers who care about making Connecticut a cleaner, more beautiful place for everyone.

  • What types of events or projects does CommUnity Collective Connecticut organize?

    Right now, our main focus is community cleanups, where groups of volunteers help remove trash and debris from public spaces. In the future, we aim to take on larger projects, such as:

    - Repainting public spaces or working with artists to create vibrant murals.

    - Collaborating with local landscapers to beautify abandoned lots or neglected areas.

    - Assisting elderly or disabled homeowners with cleaning up or maintaining their lawns or landscaping.

    - Building and maintaining community gardens across Hartford and eventually all of Connecticut

    We’re always brainstorming new ways to give back, so stay tuned for updates!

  • Are there ways to help the cause without volunteering time?

    Absolutely! You can support CommUnity Collective Connecticut in several ways, even if you can’t volunteer your time:

    - Donate supplies: Items like trash grabbers, work gloves, reflective vests, industrial-strength garbage bags, and tools such as rakes, shovels, brooms, and dustpans are always needed.

    - Contribute funds: Your monetary donations help us purchase equipment, cover event costs, and expand our reach.

    - Buy a t-shirt or hoodie: We’re currently designing custom apparel that will help spread the word about CommUnity Collective Connecticut and directly fund our work. All profits from the apparel sales will go toward supporting our cleanup events and other outreach projects. Keep an eye on our website for updates about when they’ll be available!

    - Spread the word: Sharing our mission on social media or telling friends and family about us helps us reach more people who might want to get involved.

    - Help behind the scenes: If you have skills in planning, outreach, or graphic design, we’d love your assistance in organizing events and growing our impact.

    Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference in helping us achieve our goal of creating cleaner, more beautiful communities!

  • What should I bring to a cleanup event?

    Since we’re still building up our supplies through generous donations, we encourage volunteers to bring their own tools if possible. This might include:

    - Trash grabbers

    - Durable work gloves (for comfort and safety)

    - A reflective vest or bright-colored shirt/jacket for visibility

    - Water to stay hydrated

    - Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty

    We’ll do our best to provide what we can as we expand and are able to secure more donations and sponsors for our events, but your support makes a big difference!