You don't have to be a politician to change your community.
Back before 2020, when we were still living on Maui, my friend Katie and I lobbied for a new playground to be built upcountry at Kula Park…and it happened! There is a small, but mighty playground with bicoastal ocean views and lots of opportunity for vestibular and proprioceptive input (want to know what that is? Find out in Episode 196!)
Most parents assume playgrounds simply appear because a city decides to build one. They don't realize that many parks, trails, splash pads, and playgrounds exist because one persistent citizen cared enough to ask.
Have you ever driven past an empty field and thought, 'This would be the perfect place for a playground'? Or watched your kids struggle on outdated equipment and wondered why nobody does anything about it? What if I told you that 'somebody' could be you? Today I'm sharing how I helped advocate for a playground in our community on Maui and what I learned about working with city leaders, gathering support, and turning an idea into reality.
Action Step 1: Research - Start With Curiosity, Not Complaints
One of the biggest mistakes people make is approaching leaders with frustration.
Instead of:
"Why hasn't anyone done this?"
Try:
"I noticed a need and would love to understand how decisions like this are made."
People are far more willing to help when they feel respected rather than attacked.
Questions to ask:
- Who oversees parks?
- How are projects prioritized?
- What funding sources exist?
- Is this already on a future plan?
- What would need to happen for it to become a reality?
Your goal is to learn before you advocate.
Action Step 2: A Conversation - Find Out Who Actually Makes Decisions & Talk to Them
Many people spend months talking to the wrong person.
Potential decision-makers include:
- Parks and Recreation Department
- City Council
- County Commissioners
- Planning Departments
- School Boards
- Parks Foundations
- Community Development Organizations
Learn the process before trying to influence the outcome.
A great question:
"Who would I need to talk with to better understand how a playground project might move forward?"
Action Step 3: Support - Bring Friends, Not Just Opinions
This may be the most important lesson.
Leaders need to know the need extends beyond one family.
I want you to:
- Gather parents
- Collect stories
- Create surveys
- Bring neighbors
- Attend meetings together
A room filled with supportive, respectful citizens communicates far more than one passionate person.
People often underestimate how powerful it is to simply show up
Action Step 4: Educate - Present Information, Not Demands
Decision-makers are constantly balancing:
- Budgets
- Safety
- Maintenance
- Staffing
- Competing priorities
Help them by doing some homework.
Bring:
- Photos
- Community surveys
- Population statistics
- Examples from nearby communities
- Potential locations
- Grant opportunities
- Playground concepts
Instead of saying:
"We need a playground."
Say:
"Our neighborhood has 600 children within a one-mile radius and no accessible play space. Here are examples of communities that successfully addressed a similar need."
Help them solve a problem.
Action Step 5: Consistency - Your Attitude Matters More Than You Think
Community leaders hear complaints every day.
The person they remember & want to work with is often the one who is:
- Grateful
- Respectful
- Prepared
- Patient
- Collaborative
You aren't trying to win an argument. You're trying to build a partnership. Advocate like a neighbor, not a customer.Communities thrive when citizens and leaders work together.
Action Steps You Can Take This Week:
- Identify one community need.
- Find out who oversees that area.
- Schedule one conversation.
- Invite two friends to join you.
- Ask questions before making requests.
Communities don't change because someone gets angry enough. They change because someone cares enough to stay involved.
Elevating Motherhood Links:
Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com
IG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood
