Our city is home to hundreds of community gardens, and the Chicago Community Gardeners Association has created a network of those gardeners that is truly gardener-designed and gardener-led, to ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of Chicago gardens for years to come. CCGA is composed of working groups that meet regularly to support community gardens through education and networking events as well as providing material resources. CCGA helps to find solutions to common challenges such as leadership transitions, access to water and land, and community organizing.
CCGA & You – Join Us!
Gardeners come together from all over the city to participate in CCGA activities. CCGA needs your energy and ideas, you can best get involved by joining one of the CCGA working groups:
Outreach & Advocacy Team
This newly formed team, formerly known as the Membership Committee, is seeking your input and energy in defining how CCGA can best advocate for Chicago’s Community gardens. We’re also actively exploring ways to better connect gardeners to resources, to volunteers, and to each other! Stay tuned for more details!
Resources & Distributions Team
The Resources & Distributions Team helps maintain resources to be shared by all gardens throughout Chicago. This team also sponsors plant distributions, many with special gardening tools and supplies. They also manage the greenhouse and grow many of the seedlings distributed to gardeners.
Education Team
The Education Team coordinates the annual conference educational sessions each year. This team also develops special CCGA events & workshops aimed at educating and enlightening community gardeners. Additionally, they are working on the Legacy Gardeners Project, with the goal of capturing the stories of Chicago’s most dedicated lifelong community gardeners.
Communications Team
The Communications Team coordinates CCGA’s communication channels as well as press requests. This includes managing and maintaining the CCGA website, social media, and event calendar. They also oversee emails to gardeners, create event promotions, and provide technical support.
Finance Team
The Finance Team helps develop the CCGA annual budget and manages the accounting for all projects. This team also oversees sponsorship and provides support for all CCGA fiscal responsibilities.