“I’m not blaming anybody. Effectively… I do blame individuals who litter.”
In September 2021, Sokie Lee (64) and her companion, Ken, started organizing clean-ups of uncared for blocks in central Manhattan. Now, slightly over a yr later, Sokie has grown her group, NYC Clear Volunteers, right into a power that’s a whole lot of volunteers robust and companions with the likes of Uber, Meta and the NY Division of Sanitation to prepare large-scale clean-ups across the metropolis.
We spoke with Sokie (who additionally, by the way in which, works full-time as a graphic designer, volunteers on the Downtown Boathouse, teaches Tai Chi and Qigong, fosters kittens and doesn’t sleep very a lot) to breakdown how she mobilized a motion by inspiring others together with her ardour for volunteering and being inexperienced.
How did you get the thought for NYC Clear Volunteers?
Within the pandemic, I stated to my companion, why don’t we make a dedication to go to Madison Sq. Park each morning and do our tai chi follow?
Sooner or later I met a girl who was dressed rather well, strolling her two dachshunds and choosing up litter with a pair of tongs. She stated she needed to indicate that you would be able to be stunning and clear up on the identical time. We began assembly as much as pick-up collectively and I obtained motivated from there.
What have been the steps you took to construct it into the large-scale volunteer program it’s at this time?
I’ve by no means based a bunch earlier than, however I’ve all the time labored for myself so I understand how to prepare. I made a decision to name us NYC Clear Volunteers as a result of it says all the pieces I need to say – we’re making an attempt to scrub New York Metropolis; we’re volunteers; and we’re straightforward to search out on-line due to that title.
As a result of I’m a graphic designer, I do know the picture is vital, so I spent plenty of time on the brand. I’m not an enormous social media individual however I made myself be.
For provides, we now have easy-to-grip grabbers from a rehab place, and we additionally put on security jackets. Why? As a result of we need to carry consciousness and encourage different individuals to volunteer too. If everybody picked up on their very own, it might be a lot simpler. To be clear – I’m not blaming anybody. Effectively… I do blame individuals who litter.
How did you begin getting publicity in your trigger?
We actually jumped off on January 13 when Roger Clark from NY1 did a bit on us. I’ve to thank Laura Agasian, who may be very supportive of our trigger, however can’t be part of plenty of the clean-ups in Manhattan so as an alternative she courted Roger Clark for months, sending him footage and movies of our work. It caught his consideration and that was the turning level for us.
How do you retain your efforts further eco-friendly?
I’m very inexperienced and we attempt to not add extra to the landfill. That’s why we ask individuals to carry brown paper luggage and have them put the dry trash in there, then we empty it out as we go. I am going on the nasty moist rubbish with my tongs and a bucket. I’m very nimble! I’ll clear out the sewage grates as a result of that’s the place backup occurs.
I’m talking as an American – we actually want to scrub up our act. Consumerism: The extra we now have, the extra we waste. The factor that upsets me essentially the most is the one use plastic.
What do you get out of main this group?
I complained to Ken at one level that I used to be burned out and I wanted to cut back from all of the work. He stated “don’t do the cleanup.” And I stated, “No you don’t perceive – after I go exterior and cleanup, THAT is my reward.” That’s after I socialize within the recent air and actually get pleasure from myself. The cleanup is simple.
What does getting old with angle imply to you?
Do what you’re keen on most, do it with ardour and get different individuals on the identical wagon.
To sign-up to for a clean-up with NYC Clear Volunteers, click on right here! To learn extra about group, you’ll be able to browse their Fb web page right here.
Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Group and Advocacy Supervisor. Based mostly in Brooklyn, she runs Senior Planet’s Supporter program along with being a contributing author for this website. She will be reached at [email protected].