If We Become a NeighborSpace Site, Who Will Be Responsible for What?

We recognize that the success of NeighborSpace depends on the success of each site. We also recognize that this success occurs when strong, respectful partnerships are developed and supported over time. NeighborSpace is committed to creating these partnerships with community gardeners and other stakeholders. To that end and to the benefit of all parties, we have established
a partnership framework that defines typical roles and responsibilities that support our mutual goals.

Once NeighborSpace acquires a property, the Garden Leaders and a representative from the Community Organizational Partner will enter into a long-term Partnership Agreement detailing the following roles and responsibilities.

NEIGHBORSPACE

• Hold title, lease or permit to site for use as a community established and maintained garden.
• Provide basic liability insurance.
• Provide service for the ongoing maintenance of the lawn hydrant (if installed by
  NeighborSpace), including spring turn on, and fall turn off and winterization.
• Annually monitor the site to ensure that it is compliant with NeighborSpace site
  guidelines and follow up with Garden Leaders on any issues or opportunities.
• Respond to emergencies on site (e.g. flooding and fallen trees).
• Respond to challenges and opportunities identified by Garden Leaders and other garden participants.
• Refer inquiries regarding site and potential volunteers to Garden Leaders.
• Share information with Garden Leaders about opportunities for site and gardeners.                        

 GARDEN LEADERS

Each garden is required to designate no less than three leaders (more are welcome). These individuals will be NeighborSpace’s primary contacts for all official garden communications. It is at the discretion of each garden as to how these leaders are organized (co-leaders, garden president and vice-presidents, committee chairs, etc).

• Ensure that all NeighborSpace site guidelines are followed.
  • Respond to any violations received on site as a result of not fulfilling the partnership agreement (e.g. weeds exceeding 6 inch.).
• Ensure that the site and adjoining parkways remains clean, attractive and safe.
• Organize and support the ongoing community management of the site.
• Maintain up-to-date stakeholders contact list.
• Consult with stakeholders and obtain written permission from NeighborSpace before making any substantial structural changes, improvements or alterations in the garden (e.g. adding fences and raised beds).
• Engage residents outside the existing core garden group to ensure that the site is used to its fullest capacity and that long-term and new community members have the opportunity to engage with the site and take on leadership roles as appropriate.
  • Note that participation in the garden cannot be limited to one group. It must be open to those within a reasonable distance.
• Serve as liaisons between NeighborSpace staff and existing and future gardeners.
  • Share opportunities supplied by NeighborSpace staff.
  • Follow up with potential volunteers in a timely fashion.
  • Invite NeighborSpace staff to events in the site.
  • Include NeighborSpace staff on any mailing or email lists related to site.
• Assist with processing and placing volunteers.
  • Serve as primary contact for those interested in getting involved in the site.
  • Provide up-to-date instructions for NeighborSpace’s Volunteer Coordinator as to how/where to direct potential volunteers. This can include contact information for a site volunteer coordinator, a schedule of regular work days, etc.
  • Maintain posted instructions on site for those who are interested in volunteering. This can include workday schedules, contact information, a website, posted ongoing maintenance work like mowing, pruning, mulching, etc.
• If a site has planting beds available for individual gardeners, Garden Leaders must maintain a public waiting list.
• For insurance purposes, if any events are held at the garden that will attract 300 or more people the Garden Leaders are responsible for obtaining additional insurance coverage as appropriate and naming NeighborSpace as an additional insured.
• Immediately notify NeighborSpace in the event of any injury, accident, fire or damage to or occurring on the site.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION PARTNER

Each garden partnership must include a Community Organization Partner such as a block club, community development corporation, school or church.

• Support the organizing efforts as requested by the Garden Leaders and other site participants.
• Help identify new representatives in the event that Garden Leaders are no longer able to serve.
• Identify and secure resources necessary to support the effective on-going maintenance and use of the land as a community-managed open space.
• As appropriate, incorporate site into programming and activities of the Community Organization Partner.
• If possible, provide access to meeting space, phones, internet, or other specific resources necessary to coordinate ongoing community engagement.
• Successfully engage all organization members as active participants in the ongoing care of and use of the land.

GARDEN STAKEHOLDERS

In addition to the Garden Leaders it is important for the long-term health of NeighborSpace protected and community-managed sites, that immediate and nearby residents are committed to the project. No less than 10 individuals must sign on as stakeholders of the site. NeighborSpace staff will not communicate with these supporters regarding management of the site. Rather, they will occasionally receive general mailings from NeighborSpace. For many sites this group will
form the basis of a Garden Committee or Garden Council. Garden Leaders must consult site stakeholders when planning for major changes to the Site.

Once NeighborSpace acquires a property, the Garden Leaders and a representative from the Community Organizational Partner will enter into a long-term Partnership Agreement that details these roles and responsibilities for all parties.