The document outlines the key topics to be discussed at the TOFGA Conference 2012, including establishing community gardens to foster ecological balance, education, health and nutrition. Community gardens are described as vehicles for community building by engaging and involving diverse groups, as well as empowering communities and developing leadership skills among youth through sustainable gardening practices and celebration of food.

1. TOFGA CONFERENCE 2012

2.  Ecology -“oikos” or
household
 Relationships that
interlink all members
 Connections for
wholeness and
Flourishing

3.  Engage and Involve
 Network
 Catalyst
 Self Reliance
 Diversity on
Common Ground
 Food and
Celebration

4.  Process – long in laying the foundation
 Community Building – Gardens are the Vehicle
 Educating – Environmental/Leadership
 Social – Bonds, Trust, Nourish

5.  Health and Nutrition
 Educational Opportunities
 Economical – Reduce Family Budget / Income
 Healthy Choices

6.  Peoples Garden
 Educational Opportunities
 Recreation/ Therapy
 Exercise

7. Ecological Balance
 Organic Methods Demonstration/Education
 Attracts Beneficials
 Preserves Green Space
 Sustainable

8. Connects with Youth
 Engages and Educates
 Community Service/Service Learning
 Mentoring Youth
 Sustainable

9.  Resources available- Funding, Inkind
 Knowledge and Skills
 Energy
 Reusable/Recycled
 Environment

10.  Develop ownership in the community garden
 Empower others-Principles of Organizers
 Design for change

11.  Site Location
 SIZE and consider
maintenance!!!
 Available Water
 Six Hours of Sunlight
 Soil Contamination and
type
 Electrical
 Parking
 Neighbors
 Gathering spot for food
and celebration

12.  Community gardening should be organic
 Working with nature and ecological principals
 Learning environment for all
 Soil building will increase production
 People of all ages exposed
 Growing food
 Best place to teach composting!

13.  Involve all in organization and gathering materials
 Involve all in building, learning new skills
 Great community building exercise and get results!
 Food and celebration

14.  Empowerment and developing leaders- skill building
 Self organizing and management
 Mission- structure and guidelines
 Social aspect and activity
 Food and celebration

15. Maintaining
 A gardener’s shadow is the best fertilizer.
 Activity and pride
 Guidelines, orientations, chores
 Organic methods
 Youth Action
 Be realistic!

16. www.coppellcommunitygarden.org
info@coppellcommunitygarden.org
Resources