UC Master Gardener volunteers play a crucial role in community gardening education, food donations and other activities. This important statewide program also hosts community education fairs and offers seedling sales to local residents. More often than not, the revenue generated from these activities goes right back into their program.
I know there are several UC Master Gardener Programs that successfully connect with their local and state officials. I want to highlight the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County for their efforts connecting with State Senator, Dave Cortese (15-San Jose.) Senator Cortese attended an event when he was a Supervisor, and continues participation as a state legislator.
So, how do you engage your public officials? To find your local government official you can use the Google search engine or for state legislators https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/. Once you have identified who represents your community, I encourage you to get to know them.
Community engagement and connection is important. To mobilize support for your local UC Master Gardener Program, I encourage you to invite your elected officials to an upcoming event. Most elected officials have an email address or directions on how to send an event invitation.
Katherine Uhde, Program Coordinator in Santa Clara County, offers these successful event tips:
- Shoppers are focused on buying their seedlings. Don't let your elected official get lost in the shuffle, set aside time in your class/talks schedule for them to address an engaged audience.
- Alternatively, invite elected officials to give an opening address to kickstart your event.
- Communicate early and often. Elected officials have busy schedules. Send a save the date as early as possible and regularly check in with staff leading up to the event.
- Take photos to post on social media and share them with the elected officials.
If it is a well-attended event, you might offer an opportunity to host a constituent services table. For more information on how to host your public officials, please have your county representative contact me at sviolini@ucanr.edu. Remember, to grow a healthy garden, it takes time and energy. The same concept applies to growing program awareness among your public officials; it takes time and commitment to help them get to know you!
The UC Master Gardener Program has a positive impact in California. Celebrate your commitment to healthy living, mindfulness, and improving California resident's gardening practices!