A good haircut is a small thing, but it makes a big difference. It is also a bigger issue than many people think to kids who go to school embarrassed because hair care is not a priority in their family’s budget. This outreach works especially well in low income urban areas. You can also combine it with other projects, such as back to school bashes and mentoring programs.
The first order of business is to recruit the barbers. Many barbers will offer free services for the opportunity to attract new customers. Make sure each of the barbers is licensed. Choose a good day and time. Summer months are great with the kids out of school. It really works well to locate everyone in a large area with all of the barbers and customers under one roof. It captures the energy of the event and it is easier to make general announcements.
Advertise this event throughout the neighborhood. If there are schools or recreation centers or parks in the area, send teams to pass out fliers. Design catchy, colorful fliers that emphasize the word FREE. There should be plenty of material around advertising future youth events.
Sometimes you not only develop friendships in the community, but the barbers become interested in the church and want to visit. In fact, why not recognize all the participating barbers at church the following week?
