Committees

As well as composting, the maintenance committee is involved in a wide variety of tasks, such as:

• turning the water on in spring and switching it off in fall
• keeping pathways clean
• clearing grates of debris
• leaf sweeping
• clearing snow from sidewalks on 89th and 90th Streets
• ensuring arrangements are made for closing the gates

Composting volunteers work alongside the maintenance committee to look after the garden’s compost bins, located in the vegetable plot area on 90th Street.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WSCG relies entirely on donations to support garden maintenance and garden programs, such as the annual summer concert series and the tulip festival. Assist the committee in a number of ways, including:

• looking for new funding sources
• applying for relevant City and institutional grants
• helping to build our community through neighborhood partnerships and outreach to both public and private donors

Each June we hold a fundraising benefit to raise money for the garden and to honor an individual, community or organization. As part of the committee you would be involved with tasks such as:

• soliciting donations for food and raffle/auction items
• designing invitations and posters
• booking musicians
• event set-up

The Publicity Committee is responsible for publicizing events and handling press relations, working with other garden committees to promote community outreach. There are a range of tasks for participants, including:

• copywriting, editing and proofing
• poster production
• preparing press releases
• publicity record-keeping and archiving
• updating the website
• community relations
• social media

The Food Committee is crucial to the success of various garden events, and you’ll be involved in such tasks as:

• organizing menus and donations for events where food is served
• arranging supplies
• setting up
• cleaning up after the event

Communicating our activities to all garden members is essential, and we welcome those willing to volunteer their time helping with administrative tasks, including:

• gathering supplies for mailings (envelopes, stamps, labels, etc.)
• folding letters and stuffing envelopes

Concerts, movies and Shakespeare in the garden all need members’ organizational skills to run smoothly. Tasks include:

• helping with set-up
• checking sound and lighting systems
• welcoming visitors and making sure they are seated
• handing out information about the event and the garden in general
• working at the welcome desk and receiving donations

The Arts and Crafts Festival is held in the garden every September. Volunteers help by:

• arranging accompanying children’s programs
• identifying and assisting craftspeople
• planning music, readings and dance displays
• preparing posters, flyers and banners

Turn your attention to the general appearance of the garden by undertaking important committee tasks such as:

• sweeping leaves
• shoveling snow
• clearing litter from paths and flower beds

Working with others on the Membership Committee, you will be responsible for:

• member communications
• maintaining up-to-date records of members, friends, past members and other contacts
• committee assignments
• using the Constant Contact software platform