SP0192: Roots Coalition

The Roots Coalition project aims to create a coalition between all agriculture-related groups on the downtown campus. This coalition would be overseen by a coordinator, with the goal of improving cooperation and resource sharing between gardening groups, as well as promoting educational initiatives and increased awareness on campus. The coordinator will facilitate resource/information sharing, increases outreach and awareness on campus, provides a point person for communication between campus stakeholders (grounds, MOOS and the campus gardens) and facilitates the continuation of existing gardens. The coordinator would also establish an organizational framework to improve the efficiency, connectivity, and continuity of these groups. This structure will function mainly through a consistently updated website and online forum, enabling transparency and accessibility. This platform would make it easier for students to learn about and get involved with groups, and provide a space for sharing agricultural knowledge within campus groups and provide links to outside resources. The coordinator’s external outreach duties will also include organizing educational workshops, volunteer trainings, fundraisers, and other initiatives that reinforce a growing network of gardeners on campus.

From a continuity standpoint, having an coalition that is not preferentially tied to any one group creates a system of accountability for the groups to follow through on their commitments and for volunteers to complete their respective duties. Ideally, in the future, the coalition will have funds to establish a shed for storing shared tools, seeds, and soil in a centralized location, so as to enable the most effective use of resources and minimize the disruption of campus grounds. Finally, by increasing student awareness and involvement in these initiatives, the coalition hopes to integrate sustainability into student lifestyles, create an increased sense of investment in and connection to the campus community, and provide a space to de-stress from the rigors of the academic environment and reconnect with the physical spaces students inhabit. Ultimately, in fostering a campus culture that promotes green spaces and urban agriculture, the Roots Coalition team hopes to encourage students to experience connectivity to the physical spaces they inhabit, and, consequently, a sense of shared ownership and belonging within that space.

Resources from the SPF will be used to compensate the project coordinator, as well as purchase garden equipment, a composter, and a storage bin.