Mission/Charter - CSB | SJU - Saint John’s Community Garden Society

Mission Statement

The establishment of a gardening group is consistent with Benedictine value of nurturing community. Likewise, the action of gardening is an important element in the stewardship of creation that is an integral part of the Christian tradition.

St. John’s has had a past history of beautiful gardens and a part of the development of area gardens. We believe this tradition should continue.

As members of a learning community, we recognize the value of learning and of teaching others. We will make learning, teaching, and sharing an integral part of our group through presentations, hands-on learning experiences, tours, and plant exchanges. This learning will enable community members to be better stewards and to teach others.

Through group activities we will improve the quality of life for members and the community as a whole. Gardening has been proven to be an effective method to combat stress and osteoporosis. As well, it will provide members with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and in the aesthetic beauty of St. John’s. Likewise, the group will help to foster a sense of spiritual harmony with nature.

Charter

The group shall consist of any and all members of the St. John’s Community—employees, students, members of the monastery, and outside community members.

The group shall be directed by a steering committee of five members. These members will be dedicated to the organization and solicitation of volunteers for group events as well as providing contact points and representatives for members and groups of differing interest within the group. The steering committee will create an agenda for the year to determine group events and will direct group interests as needed. This committee will deal with group business as necessary and steering committee members will delegate as appropriate. The steering committee will amend the charter as needed. One member of the steering committee will be designated as the club chairperson to provide a single contact person/spokesperson for the society.

The steering committee will have complete control of the group funds and may allocate funds as they deem appropriate by majority decision.

One steering committee member will attend OSB Health At Work committee meetings and report to that committee on the progress of the SJCGS.

Steering committee members will be selected by present members of the committee from volunteers from the entire group membership.

Dues will not be charged for membership to the organization. However, to maintain active member status, members will be required to participate as a volunteer for a minimum of one group event per year. This can be as simple as assisting with the garden sale, assisting with gardening sessions in Paul's Park, or volunteering to head a project. Or it can be as complex as facilitating a presentation on a gardening topic. The goal of this requirement is to encourage active participation and sharing of knowledge between members.

Members who maintain an active status (as decided by the executive officer) will be entitled to various benefits (first dibs on plants, free admission to certain events, etc.) as decided by the executives of the club. Members not maintaining an active status will not receive these benefits. After 12 months of inactive standing, membership will lapse and the member will be removed from the rolls and official communications of the group.


	Saint John’s Community Garden Society Home Upcoming Events Presentation Notes Gardening Links Mission & Charter Virtual Garden Tours Old Meeting Minutes Archive Projects Handy Recipes Plant Sales Ask A Gardener Helpful Garden Ideas Invasives SJCGS Bulletin Board		Mission Statement The establishment of a gardening group is consistent with Benedictine value of nurturing community. Likewise, the action of gardening is an important element in the stewardship of creation that is an integral part of the Christian tradition. St. John’s has had a past history of beautiful gardens and a part of the development of area gardens. We believe this tradition should continue. As members of a learning community, we recognize the value of learning and of teaching others. We will make learning, teaching, and sharing an integral part of our group through presentations, hands-on learning experiences, tours, and plant exchanges. This learning will enable community members to be better stewards and to teach others. Through group activities we will improve the quality of life for members and the community as a whole. Gardening has been proven to be an effective method to combat stress and osteoporosis. As well, it will provide members with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and in the aesthetic beauty of St. John’s. Likewise, the group will help to foster a sense of spiritual harmony with nature. Charter The group shall consist of any and all members of the St. John’s Community—employees, students, members of the monastery, and outside community members. The group shall be directed by a steering committee of five members. These members will be dedicated to the organization and solicitation of volunteers for group events as well as providing contact points and representatives for members and groups of differing interest within the group. The steering committee will create an agenda for the year to determine group events and will direct group interests as needed. This committee will deal with group business as necessary and steering committee members will delegate as appropriate. The steering committee will amend the charter as needed. One member of the steering committee will be designated as the club chairperson to provide a single contact person/spokesperson for the society. The steering committee will have complete control of the group funds and may allocate funds as they deem appropriate by majority decision. One steering committee member will attend OSB Health At Work committee meetings and report to that committee on the progress of the SJCGS. Steering committee members will be selected by present members of the committee from volunteers from the entire group membership. Dues will not be charged for membership to the organization. However, to maintain active member status, members will be required to participate as a volunteer for a minimum of one group event per year. This can be as simple as assisting with the garden sale, assisting with gardening sessions in Paul's Park, or volunteering to head a project. Or it can be as complex as facilitating a presentation on a gardening topic. The goal of this requirement is to encourage active participation and sharing of knowledge between members. Members who maintain an active status (as decided by the executive officer) will be entitled to various benefits (first dibs on plants, free admission to certain events, etc.) as decided by the executives of the club. Members not maintaining an active status will not receive these benefits. After 12 months of inactive standing, membership will lapse and the member will be removed from the rolls and official communications of the group.
			Saint John's Community Garden Society Copyright © 2005 College of Saint Benedict \| Saint John's University All rights reserved. Maintained by Don Neu, Chairman. Contact the chairman Last revised on April 22, 2005.