I am glad to be back writing this week. Upon returning from a work conference in Las Vegas, I came down with a bad case of COVID-19 and was hardly out of bed for a week. Please take good care of yourselves!
GRuB or Garden Raised Bounty is one of our community's nonprofit gems that promotes health. Based in Olympia's westside, GRuB’s mission is to, “Grow healthy food, people, and community. With roots in the land, creates opportunities for people to learn, lead, and thrive.” It has several outstanding programs around growing and preparing good food. These are for folks of all ages and abilities. I personally do not have a green thumb, but they have always assured me that even I could be successful with their help.
As the school year is about to begin, I’m highlighting GRuB’s resources and support for educators. With a playful nod to nature, they have dubbed their work in education as "Pollination." GRuB’s commitment to education extends beyond its direct mission delivery. The organization boasts a successful track record of disseminating its model and best practices across the U.S. and internationally. Through comprehensive manuals, specialized programs, and mentor partnerships, GRuB has become a beacon for organizations aiming to integrate community-based learning into their curricula.
One type of “Pollination” is GRuB’s workshops. Recognizing the busy schedules of educators, GRuB created a series of one-day workshops tailored to enhance skills in youth engagement and facilitation. These workshops are designed to be accessible and impactful, fitting seamlessly into the demanding lives of teachers and community leaders.
A larger piece of the “Pollination” is The GRuB Institute. This focuses on equipping educators and other leaders with effective strategies for engaging youth in farm and outdoor-based education and exploring future partnerships with school districts.
Attendees praised the GRuB Institute for its profound impact. One participant reflected on their experience, stating, “The GRuB Institute provided me with ways to form deeper connections with our youth and our staff. Seeing what GRuB does to build community and open communication taught me a new way to connect at work. The experience was thoughtful and intentional, offering tools to uplift and empower individuals.” Another attendee noted, “It was a calming yet invigorating way to start my school year, helping me approach building my classroom community with fresh perspectives on making interactions positive and meaningful.”
A third area of “Pollination” is The GRuB Cultivating Youth Manual. This extensive resource is for those interested in implementing GRuB’s youth employment and education programming. The 200+ page guide provides a thorough overview of the program, including curricular structures, planning and administrative details, and a variety of lesson plans and forms. For those looking to integrate GRuB’s successful model into their own programs, the manual is available for purchase on GRuB’s product page. If you know an educator in another area, please share this resource with them.
GRuB’s “Pollination” offerings cover a broad range of topics essential for successful food-centered, community-based learning. On top of that, GRuB supports schools and organizations with program design, funding strategies, and curriculum development. From the first time I set foot in the GRuB garden, I have been impressed with their care and compassion for our world. It is clear that they want to be able to share that love with as many educators and students as possible. To learn more about GRuB and their programs check out www.goodgrub.org.
GRuB's annual Harvest Soiree is coming up on Saturday, September 7. Tickets are still available here.
Zach Davis-Price is a man of many interests, especially the workings and activities of local nonprofit organizations and volunteer programs. He lives in Tumwater. Send him a note at zach@theJOLTnews.com.
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