Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Volunteers Are Sought For Project

Because of the need to get customers signed up for Prescott's Rural Water Project, Mayor Howard Taylor has called a workshop for volunteers.

The workshop will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 at City Hall. It's purpose is to recruit and train volunteers who are interesting in helping get customers signed up for the service.

Several recent efforts have been made to inform the public of the benefits provided by rural water. Those efforts have included three public meetings at the Nevada County Courthouse.

"I'm not convinced we're reaching all of these prospective customers," Taylor said. "Many of these people are busy and simply don't have time to focus attention on the advantages of receiving the service.

"Therefore, our next effort will involve recruiting volunteers to go door-to-door. Many of the folks presently signed up for service are being encouraged to help us since they're already great advocates for plentiful, clean water.

"Word-of-mouth advertising can be very powerful in developing a project like this, especially when it comes from a neighbor we rely on for advice. These neighborhood leaders can be extremely influential if they will share their knowledge and supportive opinions with others.

"That's why, after the workshop, we want them in the field visiting members of their respective neighborhoods. Additional information support will come from experts involved in the project and will act as `back-up' teams for the volunteers. If they call on us for help, we'll be there to visit people at area businesses, churches or even their individual homes. Obviously, this is an `all out, grass roots effort' to contact everyone we've identified who can be serviced by the system."

Taylor said several volunteers have already been knocking on doors, but more volunteers are needed to reach the goal of 650 customers.

This, he said, is the reason a volunteer forum is needed. The forum will help explain the advantages of having city-supplied water in rural areas, and advice for the applicants.

"Individuals who can spend a couple of hours canvassing their neighborhood are encouraged to join this cause," Taylor said. "This opportunity for funding may never be available again, and we must make certain everyone understands the advantages of having a system versus no system. We'll even provide plenty of food for those attending the workshop so no one misses dinner. It's the least we can do to show our appreciation for their assistance."

Anyone interested in attending the workshop, or who would like to volunteer or simply visit, should contact Mayor Taylor at 887-2210, or the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office at 887-6208.