Want to fly? Give up what weighs you down. 

 

As 2023 gets started, I would like to share a reminder to everyone in ACGA and the community gardening movement. We must never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is an act of bravery, even if you stumble a little on your way out the door. Yes, it is hard at times, but breaking away means a new beginning. Another door opens, showing the way to go after what you believe in.

 

The journey may be a long one, with struggles along the way. Great things, like great gardens, take time. I quote Maya Angelou:

 

 “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”

 

The American Community Gardening Association is stepping into 2023 with a blast. We are welcoming six new board members from across the country. We have a new address, a new sponsor has joined us, and we are forming new partnerships. Most importantly of all, we still have you as members of our organization. Thank you for being part of this grassroots movement!

 

2022 was a banner year for ACGA. We were able to provide support to thousands of community gardeners, farmers, educators, organizers and non-profits, and we organized a successful, transformative, and fun(!) conference in New Orleans. I want us to build on this year of achievements.

 

It is my desire to continue to improve our services to the gardeners, organizers, and communities we serve, by being more accessible to all who seek our assistance. One key part of this is welcoming all who wish to join our movement.

 

We are now preparing for our Winter Board Meeting in Houston, Texas, in February. There, I will call on our ACGA Board of Directors, old and new, to join me in creating a plan to make 2023 our most effective year ever. I challenge all of us to make ACGA the number one organization for providing reliable information and motivating inspiration on community gardening and urban agriculture.

​

Cathy Walker

President

The American Community Gardening Association