Many of the Unity Gardens’ staff,
leaders, volunteers, and Master Gardeners spent the weekend at the KAMII MLK Social
Justice Conference in Chicago. What a
great way to reflect on our mission and count our blessings through the eyes of
others!
From planning a garden for a
homeless shelter to use to help their neighborhood have access to healthy food,
to listening to the many classes on urban farming, the entire conference was
one delight after another. It was both
educational and reinforcing. We learned
so much from others, but also saw how much we had to offer!
Academic discussions on what it
meant to give and to receive, discussions on empowerment, social inequity, and
dignity all helped reinforce the Unity Gardens model. By day 2, when I was scheduled to speak about
our framework and journey, I was eager to share! Seeing Unity Gardens through the eyes of
others helped me appreciate how far our community has come and what wonderful opportunities
for “growth” we still have.
The Unity Gardens enthralled
those who heard the story. I could
visibly see hope grow in the eyes of those listening. In a full room, the questions started flying: How do we make sure there is enough food, what
about funding, and more. Each group of
questions led to more discussion as people there, just like in our community
struggled with the concepts of free food and social inequity. People who did not believe they could have an
urban garden without fences took pause and inquired further. Social justice leaders from across the
country asked if we had grown throughout the United States, and others asked
for our information so they could learn more.
One of the most common threads of
inquiry, second to the overall framework was about funding. How did Unity Gardens survive fiscally? This line of questioning is why I am sharing.
Unity Gardens survives because
this community, our community, believes we are sprouting something
special. We are growing a new way of living
together and caring for one another.
While pursuing a grant, I was asked, “How does Unity Gardens hope to
move beyond grant dependence?” I replied
that I could only wish to write so well as to be mostly grant supported! Unity Gardens major source of revenue and in
kind donations come from hundreds and thousands of people giving what they
can.
Every donation to Unity Gardens;
$25.00, the purchase of a T-shirt, or the donation of a garden tool, weeding, even
attending a fund raiser, EVERY donation, is what keeps us growing. I am so
grateful for those who come and help us garden, the volunteers who help teach
our classes, the interns who take on projects or even the other non-profits who
share their expertise. Every single
person in our community makes the difference!
Through the eyes of Chicago I was able to see what a truly remarkable
project we have grown. Our community may have more community gardens than any
other in the nation. We do this by
growing each other. Please reflect on what you value and take the time to offer
part of yourself to make our world better.
I would be honored if you choose to give back through Unity Gardens.| Thank you! I hope we can count on your support! |
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Growing Together,
Sara Stewart RN MSN
