2.2 Journal: Rules of Engagement
Developing Rules of Engagement and Shared Agreements at Your Garden
Creating shared community agreements in community gardens is a collaborative process that involves engaging all members in open discussions to establish collective values, expectations, and responsibilities. These community agreements are a useful tool for conflict mediation, facilitating meetings, or discussing pertinent, yet sensitive, garden business in small-group settings. Shared community agreements should emerge from dialogue and consensus-building among participants, but led by a garden leader.
Example: “One Mic” is a common community agreement that asks members to listen actively when someone is speaking and minimize side chatter so everyone can hear the speaker.
Rules of engagement are often predetermined guidelines that dictate behavior and interactions. Establishing rules of engagement in community gardens provides a clear and structured framework for participation, ensuring that all members understand expectations for behavior, responsibilities, and conflict resolution. Unlike shared agreements, which require extensive discussion and consensus-building, rules of engagement offer a straightforward approach that helps maintain order and efficiency.
Example: "All gardeners must contribute at least two hours per month to communal tasks, such as weeding, composting, or maintaining shared spaces, to ensure the garden remains a well-kept and welcoming environment for everyone."
For this assignment, create two items that you would propose to your garden that should be included as core shared agreements. Also, create 2 rules of engagement that you would propose to include in your garden's bylaws or future gardener agreements. Invite other garden members to be part of this process and seek their feedback or contribution as you complete this assignment.
*See Example Bylaws and Gardener Memorandum of Understanding from North Carolina State University Extension.
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