An Historic Commitment to Supporting the Community
Since its beginnings as a nonprofit organization in 1989, Wasatch Community Gardens has been committed to serving our community in authentic and meaningful ways that work to address the current needs of the community. This has challenged us to think creatively and respond in a variety of ways from discounting workshop fees for folks who need it to offering multi-generational, bilingual programming in gardens at Title I schools.
A Need for Greater Equity and Inclusivity
In talking to staff, participants, and community members during recent years, it became obvious that the organization’s role in supporting a more equitable, inclusive, and just food system for all is necessary and time-consuming work. Staff identified a need for additional support in balancing their day-to-day responsibilities with long-term strategy around greater equity and inclusivity within our programs and operations. The concept of an Advocacy & Justice Program was born from these conversations and became a reality in 2024 after careful planning and feedback from stakeholders and staff.
Creating a Brand New WCG Program in 2024
The Advocacy & Justice Program Director, Afā ‘Aikona, has spent much of the program’s first year listening to stakeholders, partners, staff, and community members in order to understand the landscape and context around the organization’s current efforts. This listening tour is equipping Afā with the necessary information to lead impactful change within both our internal operations and external offerings while holding our shared values of inclusion, collaboration, joy, and stewardship front and center. Connecting directly with community members opens the door for them to be part of the organization’s evolution and growth while ensuring community voices are part of our decision making processes, therefore keeping us grounded in our original commitment to food and social justice.