How to Hold a Barn Raising

Barn raising was once a celebrated tradition in rural America where neighbors helped neighbors to support the entire community. These days, neighbors still gather to build something, although it's usually not a barn. Working together, helping people in need and celebrating afterwards at an outdoor feast? Hey, it's all in a day's work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what structure you want to build and for whom. Maybe a family in town got flooded out and needs a new garage. Or you know a sick child who would love a tree fort. Or the kids are in need of a place to play (see 387 Build a Community Play Structure).
2. Discuss the scope of the project at your initial meeting (see 373 Plan an Organizational Meeting). Determine who will purchase or supply necessary materials, tools and equipment.
3. Set up teams to cover all aspects of preparation, construction, electrical, plumbing, painting, landscaping, cleanup, and food and drink. Assign a skilled captain to head up each team, direct all work and make sure it's built to code.
4. Get the word out: Put up flyers and let the newspapers know what you're doing. See 372 Publicize an Event.
5. Find volunteers. Historically, all able-bodied community members participated in a barn raising. These days, there's plenty of work for everyone who wants to help.
6. Contact Rebuilding Together (rebuildingtogether.org), formerly called Christmas in April. This national organization combines hordes of enthusiastic volunteers with skilled professionals to fix, rebuild, paint and otherwise spiff up dilapidated homes in communities around the country. See 386 Build Low-Income Housing.
7. Rally the troops on the big day and get to work.
8. Celebrate your accomplishment with a party afterward. Find a band to entertain your tired crew, and fire up the barbecue (see 321 Plan an Outdoor Party).

Tips & Warnings

• Older teens can certainly pitch in on the construction, while younger kids can pass out lemonade and water.
• Choose a date when warm weather is most likely.
• Save jobs like digging, cleaning and painting for volunteers who may lack experience--but not enthusiasm.
• Pass out brightly colored T-shirts or caps to the whole crew as a thank-you. You might give captains a different color for easy identification.
• Find out from your city hall if you need a permit and what codes you need to abide by.