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We are building "communities," connecting across the country with our differences, and strengthening local food systems in the Danville Kentucky through strategies that have emerged from the grassroots: community and backyard gardens, public art projects, events, and more. We want to be 100% resident-led, and believe that communities should be allowed to define themselves. We also believe that we all have a responsibility to be involved in the life of the streets where we live. There is nothing more valuable than informal groups and social networks, especially in challenging times. Community gardens are a means for low-income residents to fight hunger and poor nutrition; they also provide the practical means to encourage physical activity. Community gardens have been shown to improve social relations and to advance overall psychological and physical well-being. In addition to the direct benefits of gardening, the indirect benefits of gardens include social connections, informal networks, community organizing, and collective efficacy; all important processes that support individual- and neighborhood-level health and well-being. Community gardens are a vehicle to bring a community together to work out their own problems, use their own assets, become more self-reliant and demonstrate efficient use of land and money.
SERVICES Starting a Community Garden
o Determine if there really is a need and desire for a garden.o What kind of garden--vegetable, flower, trees, a combination?o Who will the garden serve--youth, seniors, special populations, people who just want an alternative to trash?o If the project is meant to benefit a particular group or neighborhood, it is essential that the group be involved in all phases.o Organize a meeting of interested people.o Choose a well-organized garden coordinator.o Form committees to accomplish tasks: Funding & Resource Development; Youth Activities; Construction; Communication.o Approach a sponsor. A sponsor is an individual or organization that supports a community garden. Site sponsorship can be a tremendous asset. Contributions of land, tools, seeds, fencing, soil improvements or money are all vital to a successful community garden. Some community gardens can provide most of their provisions through fees charged to the membership; but for many, a garden sponsor is essential. Churches, schools, citizens groups, private businesses, local parks and recreation departments are all potential supporters. Community Development Block Grants are sometimes available through your municipality.o Make a list of what needs to be done.o Find a garden site.o Obtain lease or agreement from owner.o Decide on a mailing address and central telephone number(s). Try to have at least 3 people who are very familiar with all pertinent information. Form a telephone tree.o If your community garden has a budget, keep administration in the hands of several people.
Define the purpose
o What is your purpose? What are your short and long-term objectives?o How are decisions to be made? Who chooses leaders and how?o How will work be shared? Who does what?o How will you raise money? Membership dues, fund raising, grants, sponsors?o Are you open to change? Flexibility is important when goals and members change. Do you want to be incorporated or act as a club?
Name your garden!
o Full official name of organization and legal address.o Organizing members, names and addresses.o The (brief description of the) purpose, goals and philosophy of the organization.o Membership categories and eligibility requirements.o Membership dues, how much and when paid.o Specify when and how often regular or special meetings of the membership are to be held, as well as regular and annual meetings of the board of directors.o State what officers are necessary, how they are chosen, length of term, their duties and how vacancies are filled.o Organizational dissolution processeso State special committees, their purpose and how they operate.o Establish a system so that bylaws can be rescinded or amended, maybe by a simple majority. State any official policies or practices: e.g.. garden group will avoid the use of hazardous substances; group will agree to keep all adjacent sidewalks in good repair and free of ice and snow in season; group will make all repairs necessary to keep equipment, fences and furniture in good order and repair.o Include a Hold Harmless clause (sample):"We the undersigned members of the (name) garden group hereby agree to hold harmless (name owner) from and against any damage, loss, liability, claim, demand, suit, cost and expense directly or indirectly resulting from, arising out of or in connection with the use of the (name) garden by the garden group, its successors, assigns, employees, agents and invites."For more information about whether to incorporate as a non-profit organization (a state function) or to get tax deductible charitable (501(c)3) status (a federal IRS function),
Organize Group
Many garden groups are organized very informally and operate successfully. Leaders "rise to the occasion" to propose ideas and carry out tasks. However, as the workload expands, many groups choose a more formal structure for their organization.A structured program is a means to an end. It is a conscious, planned effort to create a system so that each person can participate fully and the group can perform effectively. It's vital that the leadership be responsive to the members. Structure will help an organization to last; it will promote trust; it will help your group grow and create new opportunities for leaders to develop.If your group is new, have several planning meetings to discuss your program and organization. Try out suggestions raised at these meetings and after a few months of operation, you'll be in a better position to develop bylaws or organizational guidelines. A community garden project should be kept simple as possible, whether large or small.Bylaws are rules that govern the internal affairs of an organization: they are officially recorded by the State or Province in which your organization resides. They are required when you form a nonprofit corporation, but are useful even if your group is a club or a group of neighbors. Many battles are won simply because one side has more pieces of paper to wave than the other. It's helpful to look over bylaws from other similar organizations if you are incorporating. Guidelines and Rules (see TROUBLESHOOTING for examples) are less formal than Bylaws, and are often adequate enough for a garden group that has no intention of
