Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Orientation
Orientation can be as simple as handing out and discussing a list of rules at registration, or as formal as
a special meeting. Many organizations require live orientations to make sure that everyone receives the
same information regarding the garden. However it's accomplished, and however difficult it may be to
get everyone together, making sure every gardening member knows and understands your agreed-upon
protocols is one of the most important ways you can help ensure the long-term success of your garden.
Set a Positive Tone
Orientation information should mirror the garden rules you want your members to live by. Think this
through very carefully. You want to present enough meaningful material that people can fully particip-
ate, but not have the orientation so rule-heavy that participants roll their eyes and ignore what you are
saying. Tone is also very important. Make your language positive and friendly. People tend to ignore
presentations with lots of “don'ts”. This is an excellent time to establish an upbeat, involved foundation
for the garden.
SAFETY FIRST!
Before getting into the fun of working with your ambitious community to build the garden, and before
anyone begins gardening on the property, be sure to read and address the business of setting up and run-
ning a community organization discussed in
chapter 4
, where the need for liability insurance and hold
harmless waivers are explained.
The liability insurance covers accidents that may happen on site, and the waiver indemnifies, or pro-
tects, your organization from litigation should an injury occur. While most volunteers are good-natured
and not looking for a lawsuit, it is a best practice to make sure everyone signs a waiver.
Waivers can be signed in advance, when registering for membership or registering as a volunteer. If
you use an online tool, such as EventBrite or BrownPaperTickets, for people to sign up for volunteer
events, the hold harmless waiver can be part of that process. Much like software licensing, users can't
complete the sign-up process without agreeing to the waiver. If you have a manual registration or vo-
lunteer sign-up process, you will have to provide printed waivers and keep track of them in a safe place.
You will also want a list available on site of those who have signed waivers for volunteer activities.
Sometimes people who haven't signed up online or in advance will show up on volunteer days. In these
cases, it is good to have paper copies of the waiver on site for people to sign.
INFORMATION TO CONSIDER SHARING AT
ORIENTATION
ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION
Include your mission, a bit about the garden's history and any partners you are working with.
VISITOR OR GUEST POLICIES
