[Advocacy-outreach] [Education] Interest in Joining CCGA Working Groups

[Lorraine Kells]

Good Morning Aniki,

Thank you for your interest in CCGA.  Your request stated you hoped to
offer urban agriculture and wellness programming aimed at building
community resilience and fostering environmental stewardship. CCGA works to
create sustainable gardening practices and through our advocacy work we
address the challenges and opportunities that community gardeners face,
particularly in urban spaces.  I speak for the Education Committee only,
but at this time, we don't find your programming something we can offer our
community gardeners without cost to them or the organization itself.  We
are an all volunteer organization with few doing the work of many.  If I
have misunderstood your intention, please try again.

Lorraine Kells, Co-chair, Education Committee


On Fri, Apr 25, 2025 at 2:12 PM Aniki Coates via Education <
education at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:

> Dear CCGA Team,
>
> I hope this email finds you well. My name is Aniki Shani Coates, and I am
> reaching out to express my interest in becoming involved with the Chicago
> Community Gardeners Association (CCGA), specifically within the Resources &
> Distributions, Advocacy & Outreach, and/or Education working groups.
>
> I serve as the Senior Manager of Horticulture & Wellness at Bethel New
> Life in Chicago, where I lead urban agriculture and wellness programming
> aimed at building community resilience and fostering environmental
> stewardship. Through my role, I am deeply invested in sustainable gardening
> practices and in addressing the challenges and opportunities that community
> gardeners face, particularly in urban spaces. Additionally, as the founder
> of Know Good & Well, a holistic wellness company focused on wellness
> horticulture and sustainable food systems, I work to empower individuals
> and communities through nature-based healing and education.
>
> At Bethel New Life, I manage a variety of programs, including our wellness
> horticulture initiatives, which engage local residents in food cultivation
> and environmental stewardship. I also co-lead the Austin Food Ecosystem
> Initiative, which is a collaborative effort of over 40 established and
> planned partner organizations to enhance food security and workforce
> development in the Austin neighborhood. My work aligns closely with the
> CCGA's mission to support the sustainability and vibrancy of community
> gardens, and I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to contribute to
> your educational and advocacy efforts.
>
> I am eager to join a team of like-minded individuals who are committed to
> advancing the work of community gardening and building sustainable
> ecosystems. I would love to learn more about how I can contribute to the
> current initiatives and offer my expertise and resources to help further
> CCGA’s goals.
>
> Please let me know the next steps in becoming involved with your working
> groups, and thank you for considering my inquiry. I look forward to hearing
> from you.
>
> Warm regards,
> Aniki Shani Coates
> Senior Manager of Horticulture & Wellness | Bethel New Life
> Founder | Know Good & Well
> *Aniki Shani Coates*
> Senior Manager of Horticulture & Wellness
> Bethel New Life
>
>  O | 773.473.7880     <773-473-7881>        M | 630.506.9372
> <773-473-7881>
>
>  www.bethelnewlife.org  <https://www.bethelnewlife.org/>   aniki
> @bethelnewlife.org <info at bethelnewlife.org>
>
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>
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>
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