RE: Starting a Community Garden

H* A*

Jackie,

5 working, committed members? You'll have a great, though tired crew when
you start up. Make sure that you lay out the work fairly and make sure that
none of you over-do it. With volunteer groups burn-outs are a big problem.
Set realistic goals. Treasure these volunteers and take a picture of them,
"the founders", "the first five" whatever. Be there or be square.

I'm sure that once people see bodies working in a previously empty space,
you'll get more folks wanting to pitch-in. Check out the ACGA website
http://www.communitygarden.org ; information page
http://www.communitygarden.org/pubs/index.html on setting up you garden,
care and feeding of volunteers and growing as a group.

Good luck!  When you have a larger volunteer base, you should consider
membership in the ACGA the premier organization of  community gardeners in
North America:

http://www.communitygarden.org/about/membership.html

Good luck!

Adam Honigman

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Jackiehav@aol.com [SMTP:Jackiehav@aol.com]
> Sent:	Saturday, April 07, 2001 8:56 PM
> To:	community_garden@mallorn.com
> Subject:	[cg] Starting a Community Garden
> 
> Hello! 
>       I am in the process of beginning a community garden in my area and
> am 
> having a difficult time developing members.  I have had many organizations
> 
> donate items and services to create the garden, but to date have 5
> members.   
> Is this normal?  What types of advertising did you find success with?  I
> have 
> advertised in the local paper, distributed flyers to area businesses, 
> participated in a business expo, newsletters through the local school
> system. 
>  I have had many " Oh, that is such a wonderful idea!" " I've heard about 
> this, what a benefit to the community".  The garden is going to be created
> 
> the end of this month(April).  Will more members join after seeing the
> garden? 
> 
> Please respond to Raquel Clark, 1102 Bowes , Apt 5 
> Lowell,  MI  49331  or to the E-mail address listed and a friend will
> forward 
> the information. 
> 
> Thank you!

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