Update from Tierralegre Director on the School Garden Program
Posted by Davison Collins on February 15, 2018, 11:36 pm
A post on the school garden program, a collaborative project between Tierralegre, A.C., and the Secondary School of La Manzanilla, is long overdue:
Officially called the "YES (Youth Ecology and Sustainability) Initiative", it was launched by Tierralegre, A.C. in 2012 with the vision of introducing La Manzanilla youth to agro-ecology and to incorporating it into the school curriculum through hands-on learning. Both of these goals have been, and continue to be, accomplished.
Tierralegre obtained a 13-year lease in 2012 from the Ejido in order to build the agro-ecology center on Ejido land that was long fallow and designated for school use only, una parcela escolar. Significant infrastructure was created building with mainly natural materials such as bamboo and earth as well as recycled plastic. Center infrastructure includes a shade greenhouse, multi-use classroom, ecological kitchen area, tool shed, composting toilets and space for program volunteers to stay in addition to impressive beds of organic greens, medicinal plants and fruit trees. The program has been primarily funded by the International Community Foundation which has supported it since its inception and continues to do so.
The vision of the program is to continue to offer youth the experience of hands-on learning in a natural classroom in order to strengthen their connection to, and understanding of natural systems, as well as giving them real-life skills in sustainability, ecology, economics, etc. that will benefit them and the planet for years to come. The fresh organic greens that are made available to the community each Friday are grown by these youth in collaboration with staff, teacher and volunteers. Proceeds from the sales of these greens are reinvested back into the program. We are constantly trying to move the program toward increased self-sufficiency and community autonomy, and we are grateful to all of you in the community who have supported it over the years and continue to support it.
I am especially grateful to all the volunteers and staff who have made the program possible and to the middle school kids and teachers for all their cooperation and enthusiasm. The direct student beneficiaries of the program started at around 40 in 2012, and have been more around 80-100 students each school year since 2014. Peter Early and his wife Lynda have been extremely active volunteers in the program for the past five years and their presence will be sorely missed as they have decided that they can no longer participate. Much of the longevity and prosperity of the program is a testament to Peter´s extremely hard work in the garden and at the Tianguis each winter season. Antonio Jacovo Rosales is a lifelong local resident and is the full time Program Gardener. Miguel Huerta has recently taken up residence at the Center and is serving as the new Community Coordinator of the program. Mabel Sanchez Morales (a La Manzanilla community member for the past several years) has helped Tierralegre with several projects and is now helping in the garden as Education Facilitator.
Again, we greatly appreciate all the community support we have received and continue to receive for this program. Simply by buying those healthy and tasty organic greens at the Tianguis, you are helping to support the program. If anyone wishes to make any extra donations to the program, they can be made at the Friday Tianguis or any other time directly to Miguel or Antonio, or to Lisa Preschel at the Tierralegre office. If you wish to make a US tax-deductible donation, that can be made on the website at www.tierralegre.org. Any other questions, comments, etc., please let me know ¡Muchísimas gracias!
Re: Update from Tierralegre Director on the School Garden Program
I would like to thank Peter and Lynda Earley for their timeless and tireless efforts to ensure that the community garden is the success that it has become under Peter's stewardship. I know that Peter has put hours each and every day into the caring of the garden. Who is going to take over this job? I understand that Miguel has been hired as the Community Coordinator. I wish him well. This is obviously a new position and one that Tierralegre did not feel someone local could handle. What does his job entail? Will he be personally watching over the garden and making sure the plants are watered each day....and that weeding is being done so the fledgling lettuces and other produce have a chance to grow to market size? Antonio is an awesome worker and I am sure will continue to do his best; we had a tour of the gardens this past weekend - and anyone could see that it will take the efforts of more than one person to keep the garden watered and the produce protected. Peter has been a volunteer like no other....and I think it is a shame that Tierralegre could not figure out a way to make this work.
Re: Update from Tierralegre Director on the School Garden Program
Well said,Joanne - our sentiments exactly. Just want to add an accolade to Peter for a job so well done. What a dedicated,knowledgeable volunteer! He'll be sadly missed at the garden - specially be the students.
Re: Update from Tierralegre Director on the School Garden Program
To Joann and all of the members of this message board,
I am happy to answer any and all questions you may have about the recent growth and changes occurring en El Huerto Escolar. I am here to help the community with building this project on the strong foundation it has thanks to so many, most especially Peter. I am here to apply my skills and experience in a collaborative and horizontal fashion to empower the youth to lead this project. I am here to serve the mission of Tierralegre's Huerto Escolar. I am here to connect with a diverse community and grow as a person. I am here to listen and to learn.
In this message I've included
-An explanation of the recent growth and changes in the garden -Our values and commitments guiding our decision making and planning -Upcoming efforts to gather vital feedback for strategic planning for 2018-2019 season -Immediate goals through March 2018 and upcoming events -Role description for Antonio as Garden Manager -Role description for the Community Coordinator role that I am filling on a volunteer pilot basis as well as my qualifications and experience in youth community organizing -How to volunteer and support El Huerto Escolar project
First and foremost, please note we are hosting an Open Community Meeting for our partners, stakeholders, youth, families and any and all supporters of the project on Thursday 1/3 at 4pm. Please join us! We'll be making some ceviche to share with everyone.
At this meeting, Antonio and I will be presenting our progress towards the infrastructure projects he has been spearheading, our goals for the rest of 2018 and exciting ways we are going to continue to elevate the youth engagement in the project in the 2018-2019 season. We will also be having an open dialogue to gather any ideas, feedback, hopes, dreams or concerns from you all.
Recent growth and changes
First and foremost, it is clear that without Peter Earely's passion and dedication over the last 5 years this project would not be what it is today. It has been a humbling experience to work with Peter and see his tireless volunteer efforts and his willingness to take on way more than merely gardening here over the years. I have the utmost respect for Peter and Lynda as people and as contributors to this project. All of the team, myself included, are all sad to see Peter step back from the project. He knows the door is open. Tierralegre and all of us are hoping to welcome him back at whatever capacity he feels comfortable with whenever he likes. To be clear, Peter made the decision to step back from the garden to the dismay of all of us.
Antonio, Mabel, Davison and I are all extremely confident in the strategic priorities that were developed based on a wide range of community feedback, youth input, and a vision of a self-sustaining and thriving Huerto Escolar program. This project is at a pivotal moment and many factors have aligned that we believe will enable us to launch this project in a direction that will allow it to thrive and accomplish its mission as stated above by Davison. To accomplish this we need a strong team with as many skills, minds, hearts and hands at the table as possible!
In January, I worked hard to assess the strengths and opportunities of this organization. I actively listened to any and all community members and stakeholders that I could find to give me the time. Using my previous experience and a systems lens, I created a proposal while working closely with Antonio to present to Davison. Peter, Davison and Antonio all acknowledged the need to clarify roles, standardize our approach to community outreach, youth engagement and leverage our assets strategically to optimize our community impact. Over the last 7 weeks here, I have become truly enamored with this special place and I am completely dedicated to the mission of Tierralegre's Agro-ecology Center and the Huerto Escolar youth program.
I am currently serving on a volunteer basis to pilot the Community Coordinator position (details below). I am receiving no payment for this pilot but plan to work through the summer with Davison to write grants for additional funding for a 6 month salary for a Community Coordinator. If those funds are secured, I imagine Tierralegre will have an open application for this position. I'd love to serve in this role next year but see the importance of always investing locally when possible. This would ultimately be the decision of Davison as Executive Director and Antonio as Garden Manager.
Guiding Values and Commitments
-Transparency. The organization is committing to being more transparent about our finances, team member roles, practices, goals and intentions -Invest Locally by hiring and buying supplies in La Manzanilla whenever possible -Consistently keeping the focus on the youth and engage them and their families in the stewardship of this project and this community
Upcoming efforts to ensure the long term sustainability of this project
To ensure the garden is maintained and produce continues to improve in quality and quantity we will:
-Expand our crop selection to include those most resilient in this climate and foods that are in demand by both communities in La Manzanilla -Expand WOOF program for garden volunteers -Continue to invite volunteers from the community throughout the year
To ensure the long term viability of this project and bolster the ability of it to support the community in meaningful ways we will be focusing on
-Key Infrastructure projects (water, gates, greenhouse efficiency, etc) -Developing holistic and cohesive curriculum for the youth classes to ensure their time in the garden is impactful and imparts them with skills -On-going youth engagement by making this a hub in the community -Youth employment opportunities through the summer to support Antonio as he maintains the project -Diversify our revenue streams while strengthening our relationships with those supporters closest to the project
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
22/2 All Youth Council at El Huerto to gather input and goals for the next year 1/3 Open Community Meeting with stakeholders 4pm 3/3 First Volunteer Day where youth and team will be cleaning litter from the community streets (Please join us!) 9/3 BasuraSHION: Youth Recycled Fashion Show at Magnolia's a fundraiser for El Huerto 5-7pm 10/2 Second Volunteer Day to clean up in preparation for Semana Santa
We will also be initiating a survey to collect youth interests, goals, and developments they'd like to see happen with the project. This will be vital for guiding our strategic plan for 2018-2019.
Immediate Goals:
-Move forward unified and with the goal of serving the youth always -Maintain an open door policy with all community members and volunteers -Complete the Composting project in 2 weeks -Complete the Plantain field by end of February -Ensure a positive and supportive work environment for all youth, volunteers, and staff -Raise funds to support the garden over the summer
Garden Manager Role Description (Draft)
The Garden Manager oversees all activities and short term and long term projects on the garden. This full time position is responsible for all year around maintenance and oversight of garden, utilities, personnel and land management to ensure the sustainability of the project. Oversees day to day operations and supervises Community Coordinator, volunteers and youth.
Key Responsibilities -Maintenance of infrastructure (sanitation, irrigation, plumbing, electricity) -Land management -Maintain utility accounts (gas, water, electricity) -Design and lead construction and expansion projects -Maintain and clean productive garden beds year round -Ensure quality standards for organic farming -Pest management and prevention -Control the weeds -Facilitate collaborative projects with participants of the garden -Assist Community Coordinator with events and community outreach as needed
Community Coordinator Role Description (Draft)
Responsible for overseeing all youth and community components of program to achieve goals and complete projects in collaboration with Garden Manager. Engaging youth, parents and local businesses in mission and activities of the program. Create tools and programs to deepen impact of program. Assess tools and programs to ensure program is working towards stated goals and mission of the project. Daily supervision conducted by Garden Manager. Job performance, annual goals, and contract supervised by Executive Director. The Coordinator will collaborate with existing staff and volunteers to ensure quality of programming. The Coordinator will serve as a liaison with the schools, local community, and visitor/extranjero community to help develop and sustain the project.
Key Responsibilities: -Point of contact for YES project -Administration of day to day YES activities -Facilitate garden class learning and activities -Documentation of YES activities and outcomes -Outreach and fostering of community alliances -Local Fundraising -Assist Executive Director with development strategy and grant writing -Program development -Supervise Youth Employment program -Supervise volunteers
Deliverables -Design and implement inventory and ordering systems -Design and implement PBIS for youth engagement -Pilot Youth Employment program to integrate youth into program and foster ownership -Engage youth in leading branding and goals of organization (labels, signs, social media) -Create tools for tracking youth engagement, attendance, hours worked -Deepen strategic relationships in the community (ejido, school…) -Prioritize organizational development goals and create benchmarks for success -Development and document best practices for class visits (Rituals, community agreements, activities, incentives) -Create processes to recruit, engage, and manage visitors
A little bit about me: I arrived in La Manzanilla as a WOOFer on January 3rd. I am here through the end of March to serve as Community Coordinator for Tierralegre's Huerto Escolar project. I am in Mexico to explore my ancestry, enhance my Spanish, and enhance my community praxis. I am the first in my family to graduate college as well as the first in my family to attain a masters degree. I come from humble beginnings and feel blessed to be able to spend an entire winter in Mexico. I am currently employed with 3 organizations and work remotely to support my time here.
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I am a Chicano social worker, community organizer, and activist. I am focused on projects synthesizing art and social action to empower youth. I am most passionate about youth entrepreneurship and youth leadership. I attained a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on nonprofit management and community organizing. I am licensed Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania.
In 2014, I became a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Move Mountains Project in San Luis, Colorado. As a youth leadership summer program focused on empowerment through an understanding of social and environmental justice, Move Mountains is refocusing attention on the Chicano identity in the San Luis Valley.
Most recently, I served as the Post-Secondary Coordinator at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School where I had the pleasure of working with a passionate team to innovate on career placement, retention and advancement for the resilient alumni of YouthBuild. In the autumn of 2017, I relocated west to continue work more closely with Move Mountains to elevate the role of youth in their community and to be closer to my family. As a poet, I aspire to catalyze self-empowerment and community action through art and an understanding of human heritage.
How to volunteer and support:
-Come talk to us, email me or just stop by. I'm sure we can find a way to work together
-Supporting our produce table at El Tiangis is a great way to support us directly
-Make a donation for some greens when you stop by the garden
-Bring your compost: we're now asking that you put your compost in the marked and assigned blue trash cans while we finish up the compost system
Adelante
In service,
Miguel
Re: Update from Tierralegre Director on the School Garden Program
Qué bien saber estos datos de ti compañero Miguel Huerta , gracias por tomar tu tiempo es bueno ya que es una huerta de la comunidad,hecha de voluntarios, beneficiarios,trabajadores,colaboradores,seres vivos de todos los colores y naturalezas,estoy contenta de trabajar para involucrar e integrarse los chicos la apreciación por la tierra,y la importancia de la sustentabilidad y ecología, compartir con adolescentes buen trato y empoderamiento de sus talentos atravesando de actividades y la interacción en el apoyo de se trabajo en el jardín,estuve lejos de la manzanilla por así 2 años y es un gusto ver el crecimiento de el huerto escolar gracias a las voluntades que están unidas desde su inicio L voluntad de que exista un espacio que nos recuerde el honor y lo saludable de trabajar la tierra., En definitiva la decisión de Peter y linda es respetada libre de juicios y el agradecimiento a su voluntad y el entendimiento del acción ...me quedaré sin batería...regreso