Garden Coordinators
If you school does not have a garden or an outdoor learning environment, you may want to get one started! Every space will look different because every school is different with a different community of students, families, and neighbors, however there similar strategies for each school to follow for the creation of a successful space.
A successful program will start with a strong team who come together under a shared vision. The committee is essential in establishing the initial vision or mission of the program along with the design and implementation of garden curriculum. While the size of a garden committee can vary greatly, a core group of 4-6 is generally a good size to get started. As a recruiting tool, consider writing up a short description of the project or program along with a list of specific jobs and responsibilities that need to be filled in order to maintain a strong program. Keep in mind that not everyone has to know how to grow plants, garden committees should be made up of a diverse group with various skills.
Team Members could include:
- Leader or Member of PTA
- School Principal
- School teacher or curriculum support staff member
- Parent volunteers with passion for gardening or specific skill sets (gardening, mentoring kids, culinary skills, etc.)
- Community or neighborhood volunteers
- Members of potential partner organizations such as local farmers, Common Ground members, landscape architects, garden clubs, master gardeners etc.
- Neighborhood associations
- Retired teachers or community members with specific skill sets or passion for gardening