Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Document the workdays
with photos and comments that you share through your communication
channels. Make sure the photos include before and after shots, along with hardworking, smiling
people.
4. Say thank you.
This is the most important part of this entire chapter (maybe the entire topic, and
maybe life in general). Shake peoples' hands or hug them as they leave. Tell them their efforts have
made a difference. Smile. Share the day's triumphs: “Can you believe we picked up all that trash?
We couldn't have done it without you.” Make a point to remember the names of all participants.
Take note of the regular volunteers and send them a thank-you note or a packet of seeds—something
to show that you recognize their dedication. And a little public recognition doesn't hurt, either.
But it can be a bummer when there is a big project scheduled midsummer and the heat, holidays,
or vacations reduce the number of volunteers able or willing to help. Keep this in mind when you're
planning a big undertaking. Strike while the gardeners are at their most eager. And don't be discouraged
if you notice slumps in interest throughout the year. To everything—food harvests, enthusiasm—there
is a season.
GARDEN HELPERS: MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK
I hope I didn't give the impression that the only volunteers needed are those who tend the physical
garden. If you don't want to drive yourself and your leadership team crazy, all sorts of people need to
be willing to step up and do lots of tasks inside and outside the garden. The more you encourage parti-
cipation, the more you spread out the work, and the stronger the community becomes.
You'll need lots of behind-the-scenes team members to make your project run smoothly (or happen
at all). While knowing how to use power tools, owning a truck, or teaching a workshop are vital to the
life of your physical garden, people with business skills are essential to the longevity of your garden
organization.
ORGANIZE A SKILLED VOLUNTEER BASE
PROJECT OR EVENT MANAGERS
These people can help with special activities, managing or planning workdays in the garden, or maintaining
relationships or programs with partners or funders.
DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS
Volunteers who work in fundraising or development will be a great asset to your team. Not only will they be
aware of funding sources you may be able to tap, they also understand how to talk to funders. Also, volun-
teers involved with other nonprofit organizations can help you navigate the legal and governmental paper-
work that may be required to evolve your organization.
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
