Social Action and Public Discourse with The Wilmette Institute

December 19, 2011

I am presently taking an on-line “Social Action and Public Discourse” class through The Wilmette Institute . The course is expected to progress to February 6, 2012 and cover various aspects featured in the latest communications from the Baha’i Universal House of Justice and other referencing Baha’i Institutions. The focus of this course is to allow attendees to deepen on several statements including the Ridvan letters and other documents and discuss their relevance to this time.

Since this course involves weekly readings, discussions, and exploration of topics, I will be reading and commenting as well. I’ve decided to share with the friends of NWOhio Baha’i Communities some of our group’s key understandings and discoveries using this blog. I plan to write a synopsis of course learning and understandings at least on a weekly basis. Each week's blog will appear at the top of this column and dated accordingly for easy review and reference.

If anyone in the NWOhio community have any questions or ideas on the subjects written about, please make your thoughts known by submitting them on to this blog’s COMMENT section. Perhaps, I may reference some of the issues stated in this blog's comment section in my class postings.

A final word about blogs… these are intended to be for the sharing of information and learning and not necessarily to be considered as a pure journalistic exercises. There are bound to be misspellings and grammar issues of which I beg your pardon in advance. My intentions are to somehow pass on the learning that I am experiencing in this group setting.

Please enjoy.

JohnK

LOCAL FOOD - Strategies for Job and Health

Dana Conference Center – Medical University of Ohio

April 15, 2011

Due to my work schedule, I was not able to attend all sessions. One of the breakout sessions that I was able to hear came from Marcia Caton Campbell of the Center for Resilient Cities (http://www.resilientcities.org). Marsha serves as the Director of that organization. She spoke to an attending group of about 50 people representing various NWOhio organizations and groups. Marsha started her presentation at 10:15a.m.

Ms. Campbell started out her presentation with an understanding of the principles of health, sustainability and community center around food and agriculture. In successful urban areas around the United States, organizations have started with plans that led to actual practice and key core development projects in metropolitan areas. These urban-ag programs exist as three divisions; Non-Commercial, Commercial and Hybrid. All of these three divisions could include Rooftop, Pocket-Space and Institutional. Pocket-Space gardens have proven to be successful ways in which small parcels between buildings or other areas could be cultivated for agricultural purposes.

Urban-Ag rebuilds food systems otherwise destroyed by other factors involving neighborhood economics and social conditions. Other benefits include increase in nutrition of area people, increase of general health, social development, increased economic activity and resources and increased ecological capital. Citizens involved in Urban-Ag commonly increase their job skills and entrepreneurial expertise as well. There is evidence that those taking part in Urban-Ag do so expanding the development of the neighborhood and community at very small levels.

Urban-Ag does have its risks as well. Growing food plants on polluted soil (use of “brownfields”), need for site appropriate herbicides and pesticides may affect food quality and have negative human effects. Urban crime on projects could also be a problem for those wishing to expand into these areas. For all of the risks involved, there is technical assistance, expertise and advice available. Individuals or groups wanting to explore these agricultural applications could get guidance on urban land use, pest control, market demand, infrastructure capacity and available resource skill bank. In addition, individuals have an abundance of human labor that could also be brought in to any urban-ag project. All of these resources can be counted on for expanding community aspirations.

Any urban-ag project must start with visioning and detailed planning. It is in the planning that common visions are put into achievable and measureable goals. Once the planning is accomplished, the next phase of project development occurs. Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, ownership of project, project scope, envisioned community development, zoning issues and public land use issues are listed in detail for the development of a plan of execution. Whatever the urban-ag plan is to become, there will be a necessary urban development component and in many urban settings, this may be the start of an economic engine involving self-help.

ResilientCities.org has identified urban-ag projects as having a positive effect among individuals, communities and local governments. In many downtown areas, derelict properties have been re-purposed into productive and community building centers of activity. Case studies in 11 cities including Detroit and Cleveland have demonstrated increases in positive human activity such as self-organization, community pride and active citizenship. As these projects and activities grow, it has become apparent to the need for a non-profit organization to serve as intermediaries among governmental, individual and organizational interests. These non-profit entities could be charged with handling the challenges that normally comes with any new or expanding project; assist with making decisions where everyone’s interests are addressed and handled equitably.

Some of the websites that could assist in any urban-ag project include the United States EPA (http://www.epa.gov/ ) . Any organization considering the remediation of existing Brownfield areas can gain much advice and locate other resources that could affect upon the project. The Fondy Market located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin markets healthy foods to urban dwellers in that city. Popular Fondy activities include a young chef program, cooking schools and tested recipes. Alice’s Garden in Milwaukee is another example of community development 1 acre of community land. Alice’s provide community social and economic development on a very localized scale. Heirloom and container gardening, organic pest control skills, and cooking are just some of the featured programs covered during the growing months.

Many of the successful urban-ag programs actually rose from “food desert” areas of metropolitan areas. Until these programs, food may have been available form neighborhood carryout stores that carried more junk food than nutritious. Building human capacity happens when powerless people become responsible for the successes of these enterprises. Finally, money may not be that much of an important factor when just starting a project. Community support on various levels involving human energy and activity often leads to grants coming from government or business communities.

During the question and answer period, Campbell related that the trend is increasing for consumption of locally-grown foods. Knowing where food comes from is important to literally all members of the community. She personally knows of a vineyard being started in one of the major cities around the Great Lakes area of the United States. She commented that we must start thinking in terms of “food-sheds” that have similar concepts as those related to “water-sheds”. Planning around the food-shed idea will provide options when challenges around food productions appear. Marcia mentioned that 80% of business fail due to poor planning but if good planning were achieved, the success rate would be 80% - hence the need for thorough planning in every step. A major problem involved in some urban areas, developers may have ownership. Usually these developers will invest in land toward which the city is growing to. This adds to the complexity of creating suburban garden areas as well as adding to increased start-up costs.

Eating Local Foods (ELF) Fund Raising Event

Eating Local Foods (ELF) (http://sites.google.com/site/eatinglocalfoods/ ) is an organization started about 2 years ago around people committed to creating an infrastructure where locally grown foods can be grown and marketed to area families. ELF members are helping to build a more sustainable, local food system that improves the quality of life and protects the environment. ELF represents members from the 5 Counties in Ohio immediately to the West of Lucas County (Fulton, Henry, Defiance, Williams and Paulding. Members actively encourage everyone to visit and purchase from their local food producers.

ELF’s fund raiser was held on Friday evening at Zion Lutheran Church in Defiance Ohio. A “free-will” dinner was served featuring locally grown dishes from pulled-pork sandwiches and potato soups to home-made breads and desserts. There were 13 different displays that featured area locally owned businesses that was involved in some way with the area “locally-grown” foods efforts. Phil and Diane Sherry of Nothing But Nature (eMail: nothingbutnature@hotmail.com) is a certified organic gardener that grown vegetables, herbs and flowers. He also raises range lamb, goat and mutton for sale in the Greater Toledo Area. Talking to Phil and Diane revealed their plans this year to open in area villages, organic gardens in their town limits. Also in attendance and offering a display was John Short of Juillard Farm Natural Grass-Fed Beef (eMail: jdshort@live.com). John mentioned that his business also offers quality grass-fed meats to the Northwest Ohio Area. Also displayed was information on the Greater Toledo Urban-Ag efforts of the MultiFaith Council of NWOhio.

The highlight of the evening’s fund-raiser was a live concert offered by John McCutcheon (http://www.folkmusic.com/), folk-singer and humorist. John’s songs typically involve his stories of personal encounters set to music with hammer dulcimer, piano, auto-harp and violin. Barb and I picked up his newest CD, “Passage” which featured many songs played this evening.

ELF Upcoming Event

The “Everybody Eats – Workshops on Sustainable Agriculture” will take place on Saturday, April 2^nd from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Monique Tressler of the ELF Network will present “Buying Power: Your Influence on Local Food Trends starting at 1:30pm. Multi-Grazing Livestock Meat Production will be offered by Ralph and Brian Schlatter of Canal Junction Meats starting at 11:30a.m. Other presentations being planned include Organic Soil Building, High Tunnel Growing Year Round, Transitions into Organic Certification and Safe Food Handling and Growing Practices. For information on other presentations and contact details, visit http://eatinglocalfoods.eventbrite.com/?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=evitefrnd&utm_term=eventimage .

How to Start a Community Garden Lecture

Saturday, January 8, 2011 @ 10:00a.m.

Main Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.

Toledo GROWs is the community garden outreach program of Toledo Botanical Garden. Toledo Botanical Garden is a public/private partnership between the Toledo Botanical Garden Board, Inc., and the Metroparks of the Toledo Area in collaboration with the City of Toledo. Toledo GROWs is a non-profit agricultural organization serving communities in the NWOhio area. Toledo GROWs has a FACEBOOK presents and can be found at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/toledo.grows . Currently, Toledo GROWs is serving as a resource for area gardeners to produce food-gardens, assisting those wanting to establish urban-agriculture and provide either labor or knowledge assistance to area people and organizations.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Toledo Grows

Michael Szuberla

Toledo GROWs Manager

5403 Elmer Drive

Toledo, OH 43615

419.260.4615

EMail: Michael.szuberla@toledogarden.org

www.toledogarden.org

http://www.communitygarden.org

General introductions of the presenter as well as the 30 attendees started the morning’s presentation. Mike Szuberia grew up in the Toledo Metro area and has been involved in gardens most of his life. Mike has been associated with Toledo Botanical Garden since 2001. This is going to be the first part of an on-going series involving the start-up and maintenance of community gardens. Future meetings are now being planned for the 2nd. Saturday of each month in 2011. For further information on schedules, contact ToledoGROWs or please reference the ToledoGROWs Facebook page.

Audience members represented a cross section of people from faith communities, community organizers and government extension workers. Several members were presently involved in the VISTA/Americorps Programs and is actively assisting with ToledoGROWs projects. All visitors expressed an interest in creating food producing and ornamental gardens in their neighborhoods. Some members expressed interest in establishing a “users-group” that would serve as a resource for others. Users-groups could serve as a clearing house for ideas such as; how do we get water to remote gardens, how to control bee quality in hives, what are some of the most efficient ways to store grown food, and how to expand crops for business expansion. Finally, audience members often expressed a desire for a local forum to network in applying their gardens skills/needs with others.

Mike Szuberia’s Presentation:

The goal is to use formats such as Toledo GROWs to facilitate urban agriculture on a project-by-project foundation. The ToledoGROWs service area involves all of the NWOhio area from Bowling Green North to the Michigan Line. Significant opportunity exists in NWOhio in that the amount of vacant land available for agricultural development is not an issue. There is ample existing farm land and open land areas in and around Toledo that can easily be utilized for agricultural purposes. ToledoGROWs can provide support to individuals wanting to establish green-spaces to service the aesthetics of the community as well as provide natural playgrounds to children. ToledoGROWs also can assist with food-related agricultural planning on a varying scale for individuals and groups. It is our wish to make a positive difference for our NWOhio communities.

Community gardens are typically made by people working together to grow vegetables and/or ornamental plants. Community gardens also involve people of literally all backgrounds and skill-levels working together to create gardens and provide garden services. Universally, food is the unifying principle of community development on every scale.

TYPES of COMMUNITY GARDENS

Various types of community gardens including Neighborhood, Agency, Faith-based, Entrepreneurial and Habitat. Neighborhood gardens are those individual effort projects involving one or more families. Agency gardens involve community centers and soup kitchens. Faith-Based garden examples are like the NWOhioMultifaith Council efforts now enjoying its 2^nd year of existence. Entrepreneurial gardens are for those who want to use principles involving small-scale Ag to grow food for area restaurants/canneries. These types of gardens are considered “for-profit” meant for income generation. These types of gardens could result from some individual’s or group’s hobby or interest. Habitat gardens present places for people/animals can hang out and enjoy. Habitat gardening continues the traditions and principles of Sustainability of Ecological areas.

Who Gardens in NWOhio?

As far as the question of who can participate in community gardening, anyone from 97 years down to 7 years of age people. All participants can get out of community gardening whatever they want; organizational development or practical “hands-on” growing experiences are typically sought after. More people are becoming interested in the quality of what they are eating. Community gardening is a great way to get back to eating high quality food that everyone can enjoy. Literally everyone can participate and enjoy the experiences related to the vast experiences in gardening.

Benefits of Community Gardening

Community gardens can improve the quality of life for people in many ways. Community gardens encourage community social interaction. Breaking bread with people has always been a way in which cultures can interact. It can promote local self-reliance that would allow additional sources of income that may be otherwise denied. Beautifying neighborhoods can also be a way to improve community life. Neighborhood improvements can increase neighborhood values as well as aid in positive behavior change. They can and do reduce family food budgets, allow for conserving resources and create opportunities for recreations and health.

Community gardens can also positively impact youth. They can increase life skills, improve attention span, improve nutrition, provide a sense of stewardship and improve the self-esteem of youth of both genders.

Community gardens provide a meaningful role in their community. Toledo GROWs has a good track record involving the integration of urban Toledo youth and urban-Ag in area projects. Gardening also brings out the best in everyone. Generosity is frequently shown by gardeners when harvests are brought in … what to do with the garden surplus is never an insolvable problem.

WHERE TO LOCATE COMMUNITY GARDENS

Vacant Lots, Faith-Based Organizations, Under-utilized business land, Hospitals/HMSs, Schools are just a few of the many examples that can be utilized. Inner-city green spaces are also being established to aid in the urban ecology of neighborhoods. The City of Toledo can be a great source of information to determine where there may be land available for agricultural use.

COMMUNITY GARDENING INITIAL CONCERNS

The first consideration of establishing community gardens is always what kind of garden it shall be: is it going to be for vegetables, flowers, trees or a combination. Who will be served by the garden also needs to be answered: young/old, people with health issues, etc. Decisions need to be made on whom will be working on the various needs of the community garden: establishing a mailing address and recording contact information on the various stakeholders. Another critical concern involves the planning and organization of any meetings of other interested people. Organizations will necessitate the selection of a leader or supervisor.

ORGANIZATING THE COMMUNITY

Get a core of people together who are committed to the long-term success of the project. Talk to as many people who live in the neighborhood as possible. Conduct assessments of local assets and basic community garden needs. Hold a public meeting to recruit gardeners and begin to create the site plan and develop the site.

Community gardens will natural involve all types of people – some will be skilled gardeners, some will be good organizers. Some gardens may need carpenters. Diversity of labor has to be acknowledged for successful community gardens. Rob, From the Monroe Street UM Church presently grows turkeys on church property that involves a good cross section of members with diverse skills not necessarily related to gardening.

Choosing a site

Identify the owner of the land. Contact the City of Toledo (phone: 419.936.2020) general help line. By stating your need, you will then be routed to city departments that can answer your questions. Make sure the site you are considering gets at least 6 full hours of sunlight daily. Consider availability of water: is it close by or does it have to be brought in. If land is presently own by another party, Try to get a long-term lease on the property being considered. Do a soil test in the fall for nutrients and heavy metals. The University of Massachusetts (http://www.umass.edu/soiltest/ ) can perform typical soil testing for $9.00. Spending $9 will be cheap insurance to determine if heavy metals exists which may also impact on the food quality. Is insurance something that needs to be considered in case of accidents/breach of service, etc… Many church organizations will allow the use of their land for garden purposes if you sign a waiver.

ORGANIZING THE GARDEN

Form a committee and have regular meetings; establish and agree to rules and guidelines. Decide on how the garden should be laid out: individual plots or large collective garden? If the group charges dues, how will the money be used?… will the garden be appropriately manned, etc. A good garden involves a good planning and execution of those plans.

DEVELOPING THE SITE:

Developing your design may be in your plans. The Ohio State University (tel; 419.578.6783) Bancroft Ave, Toledo may help or contact ToledoGROWs. ToledoGROWs offers a great variety of services that can assist most anyone interested in all aspects of agriculture. Make sure to have plots marked clearly with gardener’s names to avoid confusion. A properly-planned garden will include provisions for the storage of tools and other equipment, as well as for locating composting area. Have rainproof bulletin board for announcing garden events and messages. Arrange for land preparation – plowing, etc… If the garden will be organic, plan on how it will be established and maintained. Lay out the garden and place flowers or shrub beds around the visible perimeter. This helps to promote good will with non-gardening neighbors, passersby’s and municipal authorities – flowers and shrubs add to the aesthetical value of the garden. ToledoGROWs discourages the use of pesticides and herbicides because of the health hazards involved.

IMPROVING THE SOIL

Usually all new gardens will need to improve the soil before any garden can go in. Vegetable matter can be directly mixed into soil that can compost down into the soil. “Lasagna composting” involves introducing organic matter in sub-layers of existing soil. Organic composting material can be added and mounded over with 2 to 3 inches of regular soil. Pests are easily controlled by keeping the composting materials “smothered” with soil. There is a direct connection among the health of the soil, health of the food and the health of the people. Coffee houses, potluck surpluses, landscaping businesses can all be contacted for compostable materials such as coffee grounds, leftover food and grass clippings. Leaf bags can also be used to contain compost materials while being processed. Make sure to use un-sprayed clippings, organic garbage, etc. as toxins and heavy metals can accumulate and destroy food quality. Covering the soil with grass clippings and straw is a good practice since it controls weeds and maintains soil moisture.

CHICKENS

A new character in Toledo gardens involves the raising of urban chickens. In Toledo, chickens were never outlawed…as long as you get along with your neighbors, you can raise them in your neighborhood. Children do well with these types of Ag-projects. The youth projects involving the raising of chickens are now leading younger people to consider the raising of goats and sheep. Using the chicken-Ag project as an experiential learning lab, participants have increased skills involving math, journaling, biology and genetics – learning by doing. Finally, the eggs produced by the chickens were a great source of protein available to family members.

RABBITS

ToledoGROWs is presently promoting the raising of rabbits for urban-Ag applications. The fertilizer value of the rabbit represents an outstanding value to any garden. Each rabbit can produce 3 Wheel barrels of manure per year that can be applied to a 500 sq. ft. garden. Rabbits can be raised for show as well as used for fur. Rabbits can also provide protein to a family but the problems occur when people become attached to them.

FISH

ToledoGROWs can also assist in the raising of Tilapia fish. This can be done by using swimming pools or 55 bal. drums using controlled systems. Fish farming (or Aqua-culture) can easily be established in any area of NWOhio. Contact TOLEDOGrows for more information and instruction on how this is done.

OTHER THINGS INTEGRATED IN GARDENS

NWOhio gardeners have been involved in the establishment of Bee Hives, Goat and Turkey raising. Gardeners have also organized local harvest festivals, created works of art for public display, and organized poetry sessions. Several persons have begun to plant urban orchards in the NWOhio area.

ToledoGROWs AS A RESOURCE

Toledo GROWS can provide or coordinate:

• Free seeds and plants
• Job training for over 100 youth with the CITE program
• Stipends for youth projects, helping youth building positive work histories and assist them in learning new skills in serving their communities
• Assistance with Planning
• Assistance with problem solving – find a site – getting water
• Assistance with garden installation
• Assistance with soil improvement/preparation
• Assistance with work days (ground breaking strategy and possible manpower)
• Tool Loans (as available)

ToledoGROWs will not do:

• Provide a group to landscape areas
• Any day-to-day maintenance of agricultural projects

The actual growing of food is a small part of a greater organizational effort. You don’t have to be a veterinarian to raise a puppy. There is help available for any garden challenge/problem. What kills a plant is neglect. Call community governments for any resources they may offer. Contact other community resources:

Owens Community College

The Oil State University Extension Office

The City of Toledo (for general referrals; 419.936.2020)

MultiFaith Grows

The United Way (has a volunteer center…can match volunteers to efforts)

Toledo Lucas County Library (collection of gardening books)

Erie Street Market, Sat. Feb. 265 for the SEED SWAP. Workshops are from 3 to 5pm.

The End