Start a Community Food Garden by LaManda Joy

Author:LaManda Joy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Timber Press
Published: 2014-11-15T05:00:00+00:00

Registration

Depending on the size of your garden and your payment structure, registration can be simple or complex. Some organizations simply have a paper form that people fill out and return with a check. Some organizations use an online event registration system such as Event-Brite or BrownPaperTickets to manage registration and capture all the information easily in a digital format. A benefit of online systems is that they are able to accept credit card payments without your organization having to go through the hassle of setting up special merchant accounts to do so yourself. However, online systems take a percentage of each transaction and sometimes a per transaction fee, too. Fees vary by service.

Information to Capture During Registration

First name

Last name

Address

E-mail address

Phone number(s)

Names and ages of participating gardeners

Best way to contact gardeners

Level of garden knowledge

Special skills gardeners can contribute

Affiliations gardeners may have with local partners or your organization

Any other information you find valuable for the administration of the garden and your garden organization

Registration is also a great time to have gardeners sign hold harmless and media permissions agreements. With online systems, the hold harmless and media permissions can be built into the process, so registrants must agree to them before the registration process can be completed. It works much like online terms and conditions, in which you have to agree before you can proceed with an online purchase or, for example, Wi-Fi use).

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 participate, 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.

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