The next DAO Committee member will become one of six members that lead the DAO in governance and grantmaking. As a group, they'll set the direction for the DAO and ensure that every decision is what’s best for the Community and the cause — changing the face of philanthropy while supporting the grassroots organizations to grow food.
Get to know each of the candidates and vote for your favorite August 1-7, 2023!
Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta
Watch: Get to Know Sister Terri Ali
About Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta
Firdous Community Garden (since 2014) at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta (since 1980) is in urban Atlanta. The garden is integrated weekly into Science classes, mandatory for grades K-12. Students plant, maintain, harvest and consume produce and shared with local charities. We're a USDA farm and certified as natural growers (no pesticides).
Could you share a specific story where you led a community toward a positive change?
The day when the school Principal, landscapers and Soccer field staff agreed to ban the use of pesticides and herbicides on the entire property. It was monumental, all agreed for the sake of supporting a very small organic garden bed. Fresh garden food is impacting our school and community. The garden was established in 2014, and by 2015 all agreements were solidified. It stirred so much talk in our school and community, especially among the elders who had been taught to use pesticides and herbicides. A real meeting of minds, it was awesome! Nine years in and over 20 beds and 2 wind tunnels still pesticide free and we have communities of bees and other pollinators blessing our garden abundantly.
What is one specific way, you think we can will create a more robust and engaged Big Green DAO Community?
Host local meetings of grantees, like minded growers and local USDA and Cooperative Extensions to discuss the Lite Paper, Food justice, Food accessibility across all communities, especially urban communities where there is way too many fast food and prepackaged poor quality fake foods. Tribal lands and rural spaces that have land but need more access to healthy food to eat in addition to what they grow.
Based on your experience, what's the biggest challenge the Big Green DAO needs to overcome?
The Big Green Lite Paper deserves recognition in larger circles of influence. It reads beautifully and purposefully encourages us to be one community that responds to a need we all have, We all eat food, we all want the best food attainable. We bring our gifts and resources together for the common good of humanity. Some people have money, some expertise, some organization and some who continue to believe in the magic of growing food. We all have some good to bring to the whole. Big Green Decentralized Autonomous Network is growing to become that community.
Let's imagine for a moment. In an ideal world, what would the Big Green DAO look like in 5 years?
Big Green will have become the model for community led decision making in philanthropical circles all over the country. We will provide seminars and summits on how to grow a decentralized autonomous organization that responds to the needs of real growers in local communities, growing local clean foods.
What do you think Big Green DAO’s greatest untapped opportunity is?
An idea: Categorizing expertise among the growers and tapping those resources for new growers and training opportunities and networking for local support. This acknowledgement of "Who is in the room" and "what lessons have they learned" will encourage folks to stay involved with Big Green DAO beyond their funding cycle and contribute to the fresh food movement amongst their peers in an ongoing way.
What’s your favorite thing to grow?
Growing the minds of children as they believe that they can grow food. It's magical to watch their faces and see how their minds expand. They are growing as earth stewards and lovers of fresh food, their growth is forcing our programs to grow to accommodate them as butterfly growers, worm composters, bee keepers, food tinkerers, and farm to cafeteria, growing their food for their plates. Their intellects have a diverse palette just like their tastebuds. Then they grow their families in understanding this opportunity to eat healthier and stronger.
What's the first plant you ever grew from a seed?
The Three Sisters Garden; versions of pumpkins, squash, corn and green beans
How would you define yourself in just three words?
Resourceful, Authentic, Dependable
Black Lives Veggies The Nonprofit
Watch: Get to Know Larry Franklin
About Black Lives Veggies The Nonprofit
We are a 501(c)(3) that has a passion and focus that is fundamental to local food production by community members.
Could you share a specific story where you led a community toward a positive change?
In the year 2019-2022 I organized Austin's first garden tour. Such work and effort was out of necessity directly related to community garden sustainability. I was able to boot-strap $7,000.00 for five community gardens. At one of the community gardens I was able not to just give money but organize a day of clean up along with invites towards chefs that cooked a wonderful appetizer.
What is one specific way, you think we can will create a more robust and engaged Big Green DAO Community?
I envision more on the grand engagement... like creating opportunities to have workshops in person in cities where you meet, greet and educate about the Big Green... I believe that such action will really invite you into a new space of thought on how to empower.
Based on your experience, what's the biggest challenge the Big Green DAO needs to overcome?
Community, as I look at the discord I really don't see communications going on unless it's time to pass out money. I understand people are busy etc. So let's look at it as a challenge...
Let's imagine for a moment. In an ideal world, what would the Big Green DAO look like in 5 years?
I envision Big Green having the ability to support food small scale food ecosystem which is beyond important... its what makes our work sustainable and will be that thing that pushes us into the future. (education and fin for the work via grants as you do now)
1. food production
2. food waste
3. sales
4. food innovation
I also envision fiscal-sponsorship relationships which can create a nurturing and safe relationship between Big Green and smaller org. that are having a hard time standing up.
I envision more on the grand engagement... like creating opportunities to have workshops in person in cities where you meet, greet and educate about Big Green.
What do you think Big Green DAO’s greatest untapped opportunity is?
From looking at some of the there is a market of orgs with a budget annual operating budget under $50,000.00 that really needs attention along with education on how to manage the funds in a way that will have a impact on there community of services needless to say the work that is being done is good, but can we really changes the life's of those that need it with the resources at hand?
What’s your favorite thing to grow?
Spinach, and it's because often I work with people that have no real idea about how to grow veggies and spinach has never let me down. It's a simple veggie and high in nutrients.
What's the first plant you ever grew from a seed?
Spinach.
How would you define yourself in just three words?
1. Passionate.
2. Innovative.
3. Determined.
Gardopia Gardens
Watch: Get to Know Stephen Lucke
About Gardopia Gardens
Gardopia was founded in 2015 by Stephen Lucke to address health and environmental disparities in BIPOC communities. Through garden-based learning Gardopia works with schools, churches, community centers, residences, clinics, and more to literally and figuratively grow healthier communities.
Could you share a specific story where you led a community toward a positive change?
For years, the blighted vacant lots on San Antonio's Eastside had become a distressing symbol of neglect and danger. Tragically, multiple people, including a 16-year-old, had lost their lives near the property, instilling fear among families and discouraging them from even walking by. Compounded by the consequences of white flight and divestment over several decades, the N. New Braunfels Corridor had suffered greatly.
In 2015, I founded Gardopia Gardens, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in communities. We saw an opportunity to address this issue and partnered with the San Antonio Housing Authority to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Our goal was to transform the space and create a safe haven through the construction of a garden. We believed that by engaging the community and fostering a sense of ownership, we could bring about lasting change.
Over the course of eight years, we embarked on a journey of revitalization, one weekend at a time. Through volunteerism, markets, movie nights, and cookouts, we actively involved neighbors and residents, forging bonds and building trust. It was not a solitary effort but a collective endeavor driven by the shared desire to reclaim our community.
Today, the results of our labor are tangible and inspiring. The once blighted lots have blossomed into a thriving micro-farm, providing employment for over 16 individuals. More than that, it has become the Eastside's sole Farmers Market, breathing new life into the neighborhood. Urban agriculture has taken center stage, showcasing the possibilities of land utilization in the heart of the city.
While I humbly acknowledge the contributions of the entire community in transforming this space into a safe and healing environment, I am grateful to have played a pivotal role in driving this vision forward. Each day, each garden nurtured, brings us closer to a better future. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the determination to create a brighter tomorrow.
The journey continues, and the transformation of the blighted lots serves as a reminder that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to our community, we can build a more inclusive and thriving environment, one garden at a time.
What is one specific way, you think we can will create a more robust and engaged Big Green DAO Community?
To engage the community and provide a valuable resource for the human services sector, I believe in video education for the 21st-century human is most effective. By creating virtual book clubs, educational seminars, and town halls, we reach a national scale and generate an archive of open-source content. This content benefits both DAO and non-DAO members, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the sector. These interactive sessions, diverse content formats, and partnerships ensure active engagement and a wide-reaching impact.
Based on your experience, what's the biggest challenge the Big Green DAO needs to overcome?
I believe the biggest challenge will be to get others to engage in the DAO outside of grant applications. Many non-profits have to complete grant applications on a weekly basis, so it's hard to continually engage with a funder on a platform like Discord on a consistent basis. In addition to grants, there is the normal programming and operations, so figuring out an efficient and accessible way to engage in the DAO using Discord, emails, etc. will be difficult when there is so much competing for our time.
Let's imagine for a moment. In an ideal world, what would the Big Green DAO look like in 5 years?
In five years, the Big Green DAO has become a leading force in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy diets through urban gardening initiatives. Here's what it looks like:
Urban Gardening Network: The Big Green DAO has established a vast network of urban agriculture in cities nationwide. These gardens serve as accessible and sustainable sources of fresh, nutritious produce for communities facing food insecurity. The DAO actively supports the development of organizations through funding, expertise, and resource sharing.
Community Empowerment: The DAO prioritizes community empowerment and engagement. It works closely with organizations to educate and involve them in urban gardening projects. Through workshops, training programs, and mentorship, the DAO equips organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to amplify their mission of growing food and fostering a sense of ownership over their food sources.
Education and Awareness: The DAO invests in organizations' educational campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of healthy diets and the benefits of urban gardening. It collaborates with schools, community centers, and local media to deliver workshops, seminars, and informational materials on nutrition, sustainable gardening practices, and the role of urban gardens in improving food security.
Collaboration with Local Organizations: The Big Green DAO encourages collaboration between local organizations, including food banks, community kitchens, and social enterprises. It establishes partnerships to ensure the surplus produce from urban gardens is efficiently distributed to those in need, reducing food waste and increasing access to fresh, locally grown food for vulnerable populations.
Policy Advocacy: The DAO engages with policymakers and local governments to advocate for supportive policies that facilitate urban gardening initiatives. It aims to remove barriers and create incentives for individuals and communities to engage in urban gardening, such as zoning regulations, land access, and financial incentives for urban agriculture projects.
Data and Impact Measurement: The Big Green DAO utilizes data analytics and impact measurement tools to assess the effectiveness of its urban gardening projects. It collects data on the number of gardens established, the quantity of food produced, and the positive health outcomes experienced by communities. This data informs decision-making, highlights success stories, and attracts further support and funding.
What do you think Big Green DAO’s greatest untapped opportunity is?
I believe the nationwide network of urban gardeners and farmers is extremely powerful. In some ways, we can become a think tank of best practices and conveners of innovative organizations successfully proving the economic, environmental, and social benefits of urban agriculture for the entire country.
What’s your favorite thing to grow?
I love growing blackberries and figs! Both are perennials, can take the Texas heat, require minimal water and are prolific producers!
What's the first plant you ever grew from a seed?
Tomatoes!
How would you define yourself in just three words?
Peaceful, blessed, aspiring
The Healthy Earth Organization
Watch: Get to Know Falon Tabares
About The Healthy Earth Organization
We're helping young people realize the importance of nature, understanding environmental issues, and ways they can help. Our mission is to provide nature based experiences and resources that allow our next generation in southwest Florida. Our goal is to help create food gardens in every early learning center in Southwest Florida.
Could you share a specific story where you led a community toward a positive change?
Florida has been dealing with various cultural diversity and inclusion issues. Whether it's from the Governor banning state colleges from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to passing a new immigration law that requires hospital patients to show their immigration status.
As a women of color and an immigrant myself, I felt it was important for other people of color to feel welcome to our southwest Florida community and not feel less then. So my organization and I created a cultural inclusion event in Naples, Florida called Celebrations Around the World where we partner with many local cultural organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, Indian Association on Naples, The Haitian American Organization of Southwest Florida among others to showcase their winter traditions and share them with the community at a block-party style festival. The event is free to the community and is sponsored by local, regional, and worldwide companies and the moneys raises above the cost helps us at The Healthy Earth Organization continue our mission. The event features live music, food trucks, vendor booths, bounce houses, free pictures with Santa, a Giant Menorah, and a Gingerbread Man, and partners with many local dance studios so that children can perform their cultural dances. Last year, Celebrations Around the World was visited by more than 4,000 community members, helped raise over 12,000 for our organization, and had the honor of having Tito Puente JR as its head liner.
To learn more about the event visit our website: https://thehealthyearth.org/celebrations-around-the-w
This event is going on its third year this year and we will be hosting it again on November 30th 2023 in Naples, Florida.
I know that many lives are impacted by this event and the ability to learn more about other peoples cultures within their community.
What is one specific way, you think we can will create a more robust and engaged Big Green DAO Community?
Hosting live virtual meetings that provide our community members the ability to network and create a bonds. I believe that this would allow members to share about their success and what's been working and not working while growing food that others in the community can learn from.
Based on your experience, what's the biggest challenge the Big Green DAO needs to overcome?
Fostering a sense of belonging among its members and creating more opportunities for interaction so that everyone feels heard, welcome, and valued.
Let's imagine for a moment. In an ideal world, what would the Big Green DAO look like in 5 years?
A space that feels safe and supported, where each community member feels included and we can share opportunities for other grants and ideas that can help us all become more climate resilient while growing food and teaching others about growing food.
What do you think Big Green DAO’s greatest untapped opportunity is?
While I vote for potential new community members I see the budgets that each organization presents and know that some would really thrive with a mentorship program where they meet with others in the community to help them leverage their skills, knowledge, and resources to help them grow more food. And, I do believe that this would foster a real sense of community even though we are in different places.
What’s your favorite thing to grow?
Sweet potatoes and tomatoes, because I can make some yummy meals with both veggies and I live in Southwest Florida where the weather is perfect to grow these beauties all year round.
What's the first plant you ever grew from a seed?
Beans with my first grade class
How would you define yourself in just three words?
Friendly, inquisitive, and driven.
DAO Grant Recipients are able to participate in this exciting election!