Online Volunteer Handbook
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Nourishing communities one garden at a time ... WELCOME to the Damayan Garden Project
Transcript of Online Volunteer Handbook
Nourishing communities one garden at a time ...
WELCOMEto the
Damayan Garden Project
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: Page 2Mission Statement Our Vision
HISTORY: Page 3Introduction What Damayan DoesWhy Our Work Matters
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:Board of Directors Page 4Damayan Staff Page 5 Student Volunteers Page 6Contact Info Page 7
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION:Job Descriptions Page 8-10Damayan Policies Page 11Volunteer Policies & Expectations Page 12Workplace Hazards Page 13-15Emergency Procedures Page 16How to Get Involved Page 17FSU Programs Page 18Volunteer Training Checklist Page 19Additional Resources & Information Page 20
DAMAYAN GARDENS: Current Garden Projects Page 21-23Garden Programs Page 24Past Garden Installations Page 25
FORMS AND TEMPLATES Page 26…Volunteer Hour Log SheetsEmail Sign-up SheetsSample Flyers and Pamphlet
MISSION STATEMENT:
To sow the seeds of ecological awareness and healthy living in
our community through hands-on gardening activities.
OUR VISION:
We believe that everyone should have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food, and the health and well-being that comes with eating locally grown, seasonal food.
Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life in our community by teaching sustainability through local,
organic food production.
Volunteer Manual:The purpose of this manual is to provide volunteers with an
overview of their role within Damayan.
HISTORY
What Damayan Does:
We provide schoolyards, community centers, and low-income housing communities with everything needed to establish a raised-bed vegetable garden. We partner with the faculty, staff, and parents from the school or community organization to install a new garden. In addition to supplying soil, compost, plants and seeds, Damayan offers hands-on instruction while the new gardeners master the skills necessary to maintain their garden and begin implementing their garden programs.
Why Our Work Matters:
By creating organic gardens in food deserts these communities gain access to fresh local produce. These
gardens bring people from all ages together to establish a relationship with their food and one another.
Introduction:
Damayan, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1992 to increase food security for low-income
families. For the first seven years Damayan was a grassroots, volunteer-run organization planting only small
family gardens. We now help to install and maintain community and school gardens across Tallahassee, Fl.
Who We Are
Damayan is a small local non-profit organization made up of gardeners, students, educators, parents,
and dedicated volunteers.
President:
Robbie Estevez
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Treasurer: Laurie Jones
School Garden Club Teachers: Kathy Weiss and Laurie Jones
Board Members: Laura Phipps, Laurie Jones, Kathy Weiss, Bill Taylor, Mark
Tancig, Thomas Lynch, Tiffany Torres
Fundraising: Laura Phipps
Damayan Staff
Damayan Garden Manager
& Program Director: Burgen Schwartz
Communications Coordinator: Deaven Palm
Student Volunteers
FSU Community Ambassadors:
David Carre and Sydney Otis
FSU Community Outreach Facilitator:
David Carré
Laura Phipps, Diana Haber, David Carré, Burgen Schwartz, Kristi Hatakka, Henry Gwynn, Robbie Estevez, Deaven Palm, Kathy Weiss, Laurie Jones
WEBSITE: WWW.DAMAYAN.ORG
EMAIL: [email protected]@damayan.org
PHONE: (850) 329-8132
CONTACT INFO
Burgen Schwartz [email protected] 786-338-3107
Deaven Palm [email protected] 941-223-2636
David Carré [email protected] 954-684-3170
Sydney Otis [email protected] 941-961-3030
Mark Tancig [email protected] Ofc: 850-606-1523
Robbie Estevez [email protected] 850-544-5996
Thomas Lynch [email protected] 850-559-8959
Laura Phipps [email protected] 850-933-8243
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Job Title: GARDEN ASSISTANT
Duties:
● All aspects of garden maintenance:○ planting seeds and starts○ harvesting fruits and vegetables○ watering plants, trees○ weeding
Qualifications: Passion for sustainability and community development, interest in local food movement. No prior garden knowledge needed. Must be available to attend at least one weekly garden session.
Job Title: URBAN GARDENER INTERNSHIP
Duties:● Learn and understand seasonal planting & plant nutrition,
compost & soil health, pest identification and control● Participate in weekly work sessions at Damayan gardens● Assist with new garden installations and program planning● Attend and assist with community workshops
Qualifications: Strong interest in local food production, community health and nutrition, environmental stewardship. Must be able to attend all weekday garden sessions and be flexible and willing to be available some evenings and weekends.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Job Title: SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Duties:
● Manage Damayan social media accounts ○ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogspot
● Create posts and reminders about weekly garden hours● Promote Damayan events and community outreach● Recruit “followers” and increase social media exposure
Qualifications: Basic computer skills, must be familiar with various social media platforms, able to attend events and take pictures, interested in creative writing, marketing, or promotional work, out-going and willing to network.
Job Title: School Garden Club Assistant
Duties:
● All aspects of garden bed maintenance:○ planting, harvesting, watering, weeding, etc
● Develop garden-based curriculum for Grades 1-5● Help administer garden lessons at weekly garden club● Research new lessons and write-up templates
Qualifications: Basic computer skills, access to internet and word processing, outgoing and willing to work with young children. Possess an interest in environmental education, nutrition, health & well-being, or agriculture/food production/gardening.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Job Title: FSU Community Ambassador
Duties:● Act as a liaison between FSU and Damayan● Represent Damayan on campus and at special events● Volunteer recruitment:
○ Distribute/post volunteer information flyers at local coffee shops, grocery stores, on campus (Union, dorms, bulletin boards, etc.), and at First Friday
● Attend weekly Wed Market to recruit FSU student volunteers ○ CLSC RSO table
Qualifications: Organized, punctual, and reliable. Must meet Ambassador Program requirements, be service-oriented, outgoing, and available for ~10 hours per week (hours flexible, may include evenings and weekends).
Job Title: FSU Outreach Facilitator
Duties:● Connect the FSU Center and Damayan● Drive students to the gardens from campus in the Center van ● Participate in volunteer recruitment ● Assist volunteers in garden duties● Complete necessary paperwork and record volunteer hours
and email contact info
Qualifications: Motivator, able to lead small groups and show initiative to take on projects and assist other. Available for at least one weekly garden session. Must meet Outreach Facilitator requirements (valid FL drivers license, complete training program).
POLICIES
SAFE WORKPLACEDamayan promotes a safe workplace and expects that all volunteers engage in appropriate behavior to prevent injury to themselves and others. Safety concerns and any incidents must be reported to the supervisor on site immediately.
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT
Damayan Garden Project is committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal access to programs and services without regard to personal characteristics. No person shall be excluded from or denied the benefits of any program or activity offered through Damayan on the basis of discrimination against that individual or group. Damayan prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, linguistic and language difference, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, gender identity, appearance, matriculation, socio-economic status, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Damayan expects and will take action to ensure that its employees, volunteers, and other constituents of Damayan, when and wherever those individuals are conducting Damayan business or participating in Damayan events or activities, shall maintain an environment free of discrimination, including harassment, bullying, or retaliation.
VOLUNTEER POLICIES
ETIQUETTE & CODE OF CONDUCT
As a Damayan volunteer you are representing our organization while on site at the Damayan Gardens or at any
event. Use appropriate language at all times and be respectful of others.
DRESS CODE
Volunteers are expected to dress appropriately for the event being mindful that you may get dirty or slightly wet at work sessions. Minimum requirements include the following: closed toe shoes, long sleeves/T-shirt, sun hat, and casual dress appropriate for the outdoors or working with children.
SCHEDULING & WORK EXPECTATIONS
Volunteers: Once you commit to attending a garden session or special event we expect you to notify the volunteer coordinator if you are unable to attend. We plan events based on the number of volunteers and every set of hands is essential to the success of the project.
Work Study/ Ambassadors/ Outreach Facilitators: It is expected that you show up on time for your regularly scheduled hours and honor your contract to work the required amount of hours per week as per your position. A minimum of 12 hours notice of sickness or necessary absence prior to your shift is required.
WORKPLACE HAZARDS
POISON IVY
● SUNBURN● Heatstroke● Dehydration
○ Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protect your eyes○ Drink lots of water○ Take frequent breaks and work in the shade whenever
possible
MOSQUITOES
Jonathan Sachs 2002 ● Grows on pathways, on and near trees, along fence line and paths, other disturbed areas
● DO NOT TOUCH, avoid contact● Always watch your step and look
before pulling weeds● Immediately wash exposed skin,
contaminated clothing, and tools with dish detergent and a weak bleach solution
● Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bites
● Use bug spray to repel insects● Avoid gardening around sunset● Dump out standing water (larvae
hatch in water)● DO NOT SCRATCH BITES
○ most reactions will subside in a few minutes if you leave the bites alone
James Jordon 2008
WORKPLACE HAZARDS
FIRE ANTS
● AVOID CONTACT ● Always wear socks, closed
shoes, and gloves to protect yourself
● Watch for fire ant hills and avoid stepping in them or working close to an active hill
● Hills can be near rocks, in the grass, anywhere in the garden
● DO NOT DISTURB the MOUND● Very aggressive● Fire ants will continue to sting● Brush them all off immediately,
bang shoes/clap hands to shake them off you
● Hills can be killed with repeated applications of boiling hot water
FIRST AID ● DO NOT SRATCH● Apply ice, “after-bite”
cream, or lavender oil to site
● Take antihistamine to reduce swelling and reaction
● Allow pustules to heal naturally (do not pick or pop) to avoid infection
WORKPLACE HAZARDS
SNAKES● Avoid areas where snakes are likely to hide (ie. under logs, in
wood piles, under debris, near ponds and marshes)● Notify supervisor immediately if you see a snake and avoid
contact● DO NOT PANIC or aggravate them, do not try to strike the
snake● Take note of the coloring or any distinguishing features● NOT all snakes are poisonous
** snakes are a natural part of Florida’s ecosystems**
OTHER INSECTS
● Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to try and avoid stings
● If severely allergic to wasps/bees notify your supervisor and always carry an Epi-pen with you to the gardens
● DO NOT PANIC or aggravate the bees/wasps by swinging at them
● Stand still or calmly move away
Domestic honey bees are pollinators and a necessary part of growing food. Most will not attack unless provoked. Some bees can only sting once and will die after a single sting. Leave them to gather nectar from the flowers and be on their way.
Autan 2007 HONEY BEE
Stavros Markopoulos 2007PAPER WASP
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
First Aid:
In the case of any emergency Call 911 if the person is unconscious or is showing signs of anaphylaxis (shortness of
breath, swelling of the throat, neck or lymph nodes, or extreme itchiness all over after an insect sting).
Lightning Storms:
Gardening and other outdoor activities should cease immediately if a storm rolls in. Lightning can strike several miles away from the center of a storm. Put all tools away (if it safe to do so) and seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. Do not hide under a tree or other tall feature. Severe rainstorms may also result in a flash flood. Drive with caution or wait until the storm
passes to leave the garden site.
Seasonal Planting Guide:
IFAS Extension Officehttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf
GARDEN RESOURCES
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Fill out our online volunteer application formEMAIL: [email protected]
Check out our event calendar on our website:http://damayan.org/events/
Burgen Schwartz, David Carré, and FSU Leadership Class 2016
Programs and Services● Learn to Garden: workshops and weekly classes● School Group Tours● Environmental Education Lessons● Service Group Projects (Clubs/Organizations)
FSU PROGRAMS
Center for Leadership and Social Change
Community Ambassador ProgramContact: Hannah Recinella ([email protected])
Phone: 850-645-0184
Community Outreach ProgramContact: Maria Martinez ([email protected])
Phone: 850-644-3342
Address: 100 South Woodward AvenueFlorida State UniversityTallahassee, FL
Federal Work Study ProgramContact: Natalie Word ([email protected]) orMiranda McMillan Williams ([email protected])
Phone: (850) 645-7926
Address: Office of Financial AidA4400 University CenterTallahassee, FL
Volunteer Training Checklist
BASIC GARDEN SKILLS
● Watering & Irrigation● Seasonal Planting Guide● Weed Identification & Removal● Planting Seeds & Starts● Harvesting Food● Soil Health & Composting● Plant Nutrition - Organic methods● Insect Pest Identification & Control
SAFETY POLICIES
● Review & Identify Workplace Hazards● Review First Aid & Emergency Procedures
Introduction to Damayan
● Read Volunteer Handbook● Email Sign-up Sheet● Online Waiver● Website and Contact Information● Weekly Volunteer Hours● Review FSU Programs (ServScript, etc)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DONATIONS:Damayan is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are
tax-deductible and will be used toward the development and maintenance of school and community gardens.
We welcome your support!
Are you interested in applying for a garden installation? visit: http://damayan.org/gardens/
Download the PDF application and email the completed application to [email protected]
Follow us on Social Media!
Frenchtown Garden450 W Fourth Avenue
LAVERNE PAYNE COMMUNITY CENTER
Weekly Work Day:
Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm
Installed in 2007, the Laverne Payne Community Center garden serves children attending the center, neighborhood residents, and also provides many volunteer opportunities to college and university students throughout the community. Frenchtown is tended to each week by a Damayan board member who engages our community by teaching them practical gardening skills.
Transportation from FSU is provided via the Community Outreach Program. Stop by the Center on
campus for more information.
Frenchtown Video: YouTube
AFTER-SCHOOL GARDEN CLUB
Weekly Work Day:
Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm
PMTC Garden1900 Jackson Bluff Rd
PALMER MONROE COMMUNITY CENTER
Damayan partnered with the Tallahassee Sustainability Group and TCC College Reach Out Program to help execute
their monthly “Saturday Academy” sessions. As part of the CROP academy, youth participants practice leadership and
communication skills through community-building work experiences in garden-related programs.
FSU Leadership Class
Instructor: Mr. V. Chunoo Contact: [email protected]
Course Prefix: LDR 2162Title: Leadership in Groups and Communities
Course requirement includes 30 volunteer hours with Damayan Garden Project or other
partner agency.
Fall 2013 FSU Leadership Class with Kacki Schwartz (left).
Past Garden Installations
COMMUNITY GARDENS
• Macon Community Garden • Meridian Community Garden• Salvation Army Garden• Ross Road• Oliver’s Garden (THA)
OTHER GARDENS
• FSU Infant Center• KIDS Incorporated• Parkway, Brandon’s Place• Refuge House• PACE Center for Girls• Gwen Cherry Preschool
•Lichgate on High Road
SCHOOL GARDENS
• Griffin Middle School• Hartsfield Elementary• Oak Ridge Elementary• Raa Middle School• Nims Middle School
• Astoria Park Elementary• Kate Sullivan Elementary• Pineview Elementary• School of Arts & Sciences• And more!
