Project Title
Cultivating a Network of Campus Gardens
Sustainable Agriculture Education Association
Organization Information
Organization Name
Sustainable Agriculture Education Association
Mission and Vision of Organization
The Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA) promotes and supports the development, application, research, and exchange of best teaching and learning practices in sustainable agriculture education and curricula through communication, training, development, and collaborative activities for teachers and learners. The Association is organized exclusively for education purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The goals of the Association are as follows: Promote and advocate the establishment of sustainable agriculture education programs. Promote the collaborative development and exchange of curricula, best educational and experiential learning practices, and research related to the teaching and learning of sustainable agriculture. Provide public forums for addressing issues in sustainable agriculture education teaching and learning. Serve as a vibrant network for individuals and organizations involved in sustainable agriculture education. Engage in activities to aid the professional development of sustainable agriculture educators and students. Serve as an advocate for sustainable agriculture in other contexts and in collaboration with other organizations relevant to sustainable agriculture education. Obtain public and private funds to collaboratively develop and exchange sustainable agriculture education and curricula at all educational levels and with the general public. Attract talented, bright individuals to teach and work in the field of sustainable agriculture. Contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture in the U.S. and abroad (within grassroots and educational institutions, farms, businesses, etc.)
Contact Information
- Primary Contact Person: Elizabeth Dean
- Email: saea.information[at]gmail.com
- Phone: N/A
- Address:
- Website: [1]Sustainable Agriculture Education Association
Preferred Method of Contact
- Best method(s) to contact: Email
- Best day(s) to contact: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- Best time(s) to contact: Afternoon
Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration
- Zoom
Project Description
Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?
Campus gardens are growing in popularity across universities and college campuses in North America. These are diverse spaces in shape, size, purpose, and outputs. They are often used as educational spaces, cultural hubs, and arts-based platforms. They yield fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, connection, and community. We have many campus gardens at UBC, such as the Orchard Garden, Roots on the Roof, the Agronomy Garden, and the Geo Garden. Emerging from conversations at the recent SAEA conference at Ohio State University, there is interest in SAEA helping cultivate a network of campus gardens to help connect, support, and amplify the incredible outcomes emerging from these spaces.
Main Project Activities and Deliverables
Building on the efforts of LFS 350 students from the fall of 2022, this term's focus will be on the following:
- Identifying a suitable web-based system for hosting a campus garden network
- Building preliminary infrastructure and framework within the system (including the Guiding Principles proposed by last term's group)
- Building an social media package for SAEA to use to launch the network and recruit members to join
Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)
- Curiosity and excitement to learn more about the role, value and impact of campus gardens
- Interest in designing and creating on-line fora and promotional campaigns
- Fluency in Spanish
Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?
No
Will the project take place online, in person, or a combination?
- Online
Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?
- No
How much self-direction is expected from the students?
- Deciding on the project deliverable(s) - Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Developing the activity plan and timeline - Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Scheduling and initiating the communication plan (e.g. weekly Zoom check-in, biweekly email update, etc.) - Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Implementing the activity plan - Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Finalizing the deliverable(s) Led by students
Required Reading
Project/Partner Orientation Materials
Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:
- Review relevant materials created by LFS 350 students in Fall 2022 (please request these from the community partner)
- Review our website to get a better sense of the organization - https://sustainableaged.org/
- 10 Best Forum Software for Online Communities (Free and Paid)