By now you've likely seen us use the term "Grower" a bunch of times, but you may still be a little confused about what we mean. No worries; we're here to help! Grower was already a common term in farming circles before we came along, but we've expanded the meaning to include all the people who make our food system work. For us, a Grower is anyone that is working to make a better, greener, and more just world. No matter what you're most interested in, you can be a Grower in the Fruitful Communities initiative, because we don't just need people to grow food. We need ecology experts, community organizers, storytellers, teachers, and even kids. Together, this country's Growers are growing a better place to live and thrive.
Food. Earth. People.
To make things easier, we've broken our Grower's into three (3) categories:
Food Growers
Earth Growers
People Growers
You can be one or all of them. It's your choice, and you can change your mind at anytime. That's the beauty of the Roots Down member network. It doesn't matter what you're interested in at any given time; there's always somewhere for you to help.
Now let's dive in a little deeper.
Food Growers
Food Growers are people that are focused on growing food. Whether you're growing a small balcony garden of tomatoes and herbs or have a 30-acre plot you want to convert to a permaculture farm, all Food Growers are important in our book. You see, every veggie and fruit you produce is one more that didn't have to be grown on a factory farm, doused in pesticides and fossil fuels, and then shipped halfway across the world to land in your grocery store. We want to build the world's largest independent food network, and that takes Food Growers like you.
Earth Growers
If you're not that keen on growing food but you still want to help, you may be a perfect Earth Grower. Earth Growers are people that grow the ecology of their community. That could mean that you do some composting, plant a small pollinator garden, pick up trash around your local park, raise bees, or any number of ecology boosting activities. Even if you aren't good at growing food (or don't have any interest in it), you're still super valuable to the Roots Down community, because we need lots of people to focus on growing the whole ecosystem, not just the food. You see, sustainable food can't be grown without a stable, robust ecosystem.
Here are some ways you can be a Dirt Grower:
Start composting. Or better yet, get some of your neighbors together in a composting club;
Grow a small pollinator garden;
Raise bees;
Pick up trash around your neighborhood or local park;
Collect rainwater;
Start using solar power or other alternative energies;
Start a rewilding campaign in your community.
People Growers
Maybe you don't like growing things or working on the land at all. Maybe people are more your jam. That's perfect, because we need people like you to help organize others, teach, and spread the abundance around. People Growers are people that help grow and organize the efforts of the community. So, whether you're organizing a small farmer's market in your neighborhood, advocating for a community garden, or simply spreading the word about permaculture and Productive Urban Landscapes, People Growers are a vital part of the Roots Down Grower Network.
Here are some ways you can be a People Grower:
Start a farmer's market in your neighborhood;
Spread the word about the Roots Down Grower Network;
Organize community projects;
Help distribute excess food from Food Growers;
Host a fundraiser for your local food bank;
Join a local parks group;
Create a community garden.
There are a ton of ways to be a part of the Roots Down movement. No matter your interests or expertise, there's a place for you. Join us as we build a better, greener, and more equitable world.