Vision, mission, and core values

Vision

Through gardening and related activities, the WWA Garden Club will transform the physical environment of Woodrow Wilson Academy for the purpose of creating productive and educational relationships and experiences that spread health and happiness throughout our school community, and maybe even beyond.

Mission

In general, the club will provide resources and guidance to WWA community members who wish to learn, practice, and teach gardening and related activities. The club’s mission will encompass:

  • Planning, construction, and maintenance of garden areas and supporting infrastructure
  • Educational activities involving gardening, healthy eating, cooking, project planning/management skills, collaboration, leadership, etc.
  • Leasing of raised beds to WWA community members who want to grow their own crops
  • Joint ventures with corporate sponsors such as Denver School Lunch
  • Community social events such as work days and field trips
  • Communications (club web site, social networking, Wildcat Weekly announcements, etc.)
  • Promoting access to affordable organic products
  • Obtaining resources for club activities and infrastructure improvements through fundraising and grantwriting

Core Values

The club will embody the following core values in its activities. We will:

  • Demonstrate that eating fresh, organic food is a healthy and joyous experience.
  • Encourage all interested community members (kids, parents, school staff, etc.) to participate in the organization, design, construction, and ongoing care of garden areas.
  • Teach practical skills for initiating, organizing, and running projects.
  • Cultivate understanding and respect for conflicting viewpoints and value the strengths and contributions of each participant.
  • Foster belonging among gardeners. Encourage an inclusive community.
  • Promote access to gardening areas and healthy food.
  • Celebrate growing, cooking, and eating together.
  • Insist on personal responsibility. We want our garden areas to be inviting, safe, and well-maintained.
  • Allocate produce equitably. When we have windfalls, share a portion of what we produce with people in need.
  • Encourage experimentation and continuous improvement.
  • Model environmental stewardship through organic practices, sustainable practices, efficient use of resources, and recycling.
  • Encourage both individual self-sufficiency and collaborations in which participants look after, learn from, and share with each other.