Community Garden Leadership

 Module Title

 Lesson Topic

 Objectives

Introduction

Introduction to Moodle and Cohort

I1: Use Moodle complete assignments, use features and access resource

I2: Introduce yourself to your instructor and cohort

M1: Community Gardens Overview

History of Community Gardens Role in Society

1.1: Understand the history and significance of community gardens in society

1.2: Align garden mission/vision/values with purpose with common garden typology

1.3: Creating welcoming spaces to honor diversity, equity and Inclusion

M2: Leadership Principles

Leadership Principles

2.1 Understand the top 5 principles of organizational leadership and how they apply to community gardens

2.2 Understand the principles of community engagement

2.3 Develop rules of engagement document for garden meetings, workshops, etc.

2.4 Incorporating inclusive practices in a community garden

M3: Communication Strategy

Internal and External Communication Strategy

3.1 Develop standard internal communications templates to connect garden members to important information

3.2 Recognize storytelling and branding as the foundation of external communication; connect mission, purpose and inspire

M4: Building Partnerships

Community Mapping and Outreach

4.1 Locate and evaluate existing community resources and potential partners

4.2 Identify ways to connect with existing community resources via programs, gatherings, meeting requests

4.3 Identify key elements in a partnership agreement and draft a template

M5: Navigating Policy

Federal, State and Local Garden Related Policy

5.1 Identify relevant AG policy and understand the impact on community gardens

5.2 Understand the communication channels available to contact local officials about concerns

5.3 Share sources for local news and current community gardens policy

M6: Sustainable Growing Practices

Data Collection, Operational Procedure

6.1 Understand small scale production techniques to maximize yield

6.2 Evaluate data collection methods and develop an implementation strategy for your garden to improve record keeping

6.3 Edit or develop operational procedure to communicate data collection and sustainable practices

M7: Local Food Systems

Local Food Systems

7.1 Recognize food systems as an opportunity for community engagement and revenue generation

7.2 Understand markets and local food systems

7.3 Develop plan to start food stand/ market or enter new distribution pathways

M8: Dynamic Teaming and Volunteer Management

Dynamic Teaming,

Volunteer Management

8.1 Understand the principles of volunteer management and dynamic teaming, including the role of psychological safety

8.2 Understand ADA requirements to create welcoming spaces

8.3 Develop a volunteer management system for the garden

M9: Financial Planning

Financial Planning,

Grant Writing,

Budgeting

9.1 Develop a general operating budget for the community garden, separated by program areas or garden activities

9.2 Understand a variety of funding sources

9.3 Identify important success metrics for grant writing and structure a proposal

M10: Forming Leadership Teams and Entities

Forming Leadership Teams

Establishing Community Garden Entities

10.1 Identify important roles in a leadership team and the skills requirements

10.2 Understand different legal entities that could provide protection for land stewardship and community garden activities in New York State

10.3 Draft descriptions for each leadership team role and develop a recruitment strategy for vacancies

M11: Sustainable Succession Planning

Planning for New Leaders

11.1 Develop a succession plan for the community garden

11.2 Identify opportunities to engage youth as future community garden leaders

M12: Understanding Land Access

Land Access in Your Neighborhood

12.1 Learn how to find information about landownership for community garden plots

12.2 Utilize statewide resources on land access, zoning and understanding land stewardship agreements