Volunteering to pick up trash? (Chicago, Normal: college, living in, move to)

[koctail]

I was walking through downtown early Sunday morning and saw some young kids picking up trash. As a neat-freak , I always thought about doing this. I can't stand to see trash lying around the city. Are there groups I can volunteer with for this?

[emathias]

Originally Posted by koctail

I was walking through downtown early Sunday morning and saw some young kids picking up trash. As a neat-freak , I always thought about doing this. I can't stand to see trash lying around the city. Are there groups I can volunteer with for this?

Why do you need a group? Just start picking it up.

[Chicago60614]

I usually have a few vodkas after work a couple times a month and then stroll up Sheridan between Irving Park and Buena and pick up litter. Normally get a kitchen garbage bag full. I HAAAAATE litter. There are certainly block clubs that do it. Mine in Buena Park does it once a month on Saturdays. My friend across the street and I always go, and then I started getting antsy for that day to come when I'd see a ton of litter on the ground.

Finally realized I was silly and I should just go do it myself. I do admit though, it feels a little weird at first picking up all this garbage by yourself with everyone walking around. It's nice to hear people thank you though. One really rough looking guy was walking towards me last time and I got a little freaked - then he bent down and picked up a bunch of paper, walked over and put it in my bag for me.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

...
One really rough looking guy was walking towards me last time and I got a little freaked - then he bent down and picked up a bunch of paper, walked over and put it in my bag for me.

I find preppy, college-aged jocks to be more likely to cause me trouble than rough looking guys. Probably because they feel invulnerable and entitled.

[CoolSocks]

That's awesome that you want to do that for the community. You could look up various community service groups on meetup.com. I found this volunteering group that does local cleanups, among many other things. http://chicagofunvolunteers.org/

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by emathias

I find preppy, college-aged jocks to be more likely to cause me trouble than rough looking guys. Probably because they feel invulnerable and entitled.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to emathias again

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by emathias

I find preppy, college-aged jocks to be more likely to cause me trouble than rough looking guys. Probably because they feel invulnerable and entitled.

That's certainly true as to traffic stops. You know how often I have heard speeders tell me "The cops should be out catching criminals!" ? They feel that since folks in Chicago are shooting and stabbing and making noise, there's no need for them (nice kids!) to follow traffic rules.

Then they move to the suburbs and tell their friends what a trial it was living in the city.