This volunteer handbook will act as a guide to make your volunteer experience a success. Please use this handbook as a reference, as it provides background on the history of GreenThumb, and the mission, vision,Harlem, and goals of the YLC. Itand alsoThe outlines The Harlem Community Newspapers, Inc. Connecting Queens, Brooklyn Bronx policies and procedures, program guidelines, and volunteer position descriptions. COMMUNITY
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Gardening—especially community gardening—is not just about growing vegetation and plants, it is about connecting with the living things surrounding us. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, receive hands-on educational gardening experience, and make your community a better place to live. GreenThumb
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Youth Leadership Handbook Thank you again the YLC!May As you embark on this newCouncil experience I wish Vol. 22 for No. joining 18 4 - May 10, 2017 FREE Cultivatingyou the Next of Community Gardeners you great success. You are not only a YLC member, areGeneration now a green steward leader of New York City. Sincerely,
West Side Story Reimagined at 60 at City College of New York
William LoSasso Director, GreenThumb
NYC PARKS GREENTHUMB TRAINS NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY GARDENERS
see page 3
YLC volunteers building a compost bin at the Eagle Slope Commuity Garden in the Bronx. Courtesy: GreenThumb YLC
About GreenThumb Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
Harlem Eat Up! Restaurants Give a Taste Of Things To Come see page 13
The YLC is a free program designed for high school youth and college students to volunteer in GreenThumb community gardens located throughout the five boroughs. YLC takes place each year during the spring and summer. High school youth and college students team up with a specific garden site throughout the five boroughs to form a local Youth Leadership Council at each of these gardens. Participants volunteer at the garden at least twice a month, accumulating a minimum of 20 service hours throughout the program. In return, community gardeners teach students about the garden’s history, as well as the local community how to maintain and grow a healthy garden, and how the garden helps to grow community.
see pages 4
Since 2015, YLC has engaged over 30 garden sites in historically underserved communities, with 300 high school students, 40 college students, and 30 community gardeners completing over 6,000 volunteer hours. The YLC’s goal is to continue cultivating the next generation of community gardeners.
4 | GreenThumb Youth Leadership Council Handbook
“The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell” by W. Kamau Bell see page 19
GreenThumb Youth Leadership Council Handbook
The 2016 YLC Graduation Ceremony at Jackie Robinson Park in Manhattan. Courtesy: GreenThumb YLC
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