Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
After
Check that all tasks are completed.
Ask volunteers to gather any provided materials and put them in one place. If you have provided materials
like safety goggles or gloves, it is important to have them returned.
Express your appreciation to the group on site, then send a follow up thank-you note or call the project co-
ordinator to again say how grateful you are for their participation.
Make sure to recognize the organization with a thank-you in your communication channels.
VOLUNTEER PERSONALITIES
Once the frenzy of spring wears off and people settle into a routine, you'll start to observe some per-
sonality types of the volunteers in your garden. Just recognize that a variety of commitment levels and
cyclical waves of interest are normal.
Garden Zombies
I mean this in the nicest way! These folks love their garden like a zombie loves fresh
brains! They spend as much time as possible tending their own plot, as well as the plots of others, and
helping with garden chores; often they are the first ones active in the spring and the last in the fall help-
ing to clean up. They are self-motivated and fix problems before they become problems, or have great
suggestions. They're dependable and vital to a healthy garden, and often become garden leaders. (They
may also have the tendency to get irate when others aren't as passionate about the garden as they are.)
Middle-of-the-Roaders
These folks are excited at the beginning and help occasionally throughout the
season. They may have demanding jobs or family situations preventing them from helping more. Time
is often an issue. By listing required garden chores in an easily accessible place, these folks can con-
tribute when they can, as they can. They are sometimes great resources for ongoing, low-skill work that
they can do at their own pace and timing.
The Well-Intentioned
This group thinks the garden is a great idea—in theory. But when the enthusi-
asm of spring is over, they're on to other things. On the bright side, their flame may burn white hot in
the beginning, so you can get a lot of work out of them in the early stages.
The Obligated
At times there will be groups or individuals in your garden (usually young people) who
have gotten wrangled into being there for reasons beyond their control. They might be part of a youth
program with a community service component, or students who have service-learning hours they need
to complete—and may be less-than-enthusiastic volunteers. Perfect for these individuals are easy tasks
such as watering or weeding.
Will Work for Food
It is amazing what you can get out of people when food is involved. Keep this in
mind during the planning of group workdays. Sometimes you can partner with a local restaurant or gro-
cery store to be a sponsor of a workday by providing lunch, snacks, or beverages. They may also
provide additional helpers through advertising your workday at their business.
