Over 200 Iowans Discuss “ Women Doing Democracy”
December 18, 2014
The 2014 Women Food and Agriculture Network Conference on November 14 and 15 in Fairfield
brought together over 200 people around the topic of “Women Doing Democracy: Building Grassroots
Coalitions to Grow Healthy Food and Farming in Your Community”.
The keynote address was delivered by Karen Washington, a community activist, gardener and
founder of Black Urban Growers delivered the keynote address. Black Urban Growers (BUGS) builds
networks and community support for growers in both urban and rural settings, and nurtures collective
black leadership on food and farm issues.
Ms. Washington lives and works in South Bronx, in one of the poorest congressional districts in the
United States. Based on her experiences as an organizer working to improve access to healthy food
in poor neighborhoods and among people of color, she recommended that Iowans consider to
following:
Explore the synergies between aging and youth populations. Elders often have knowledge of
gardening, cooking, and the “home-economics” skills that much of society has forgotten.
Young people often bring the most current computer and social media skills to a partnership.
When doing outreach, find the community leaders who are already working in an area and
partner with – and listen to – them.
The best way to get people together is to share a meal. Invitations should be delivered in
person or over the phone. Be mindful of challenges of transportation, childcare, work-
schedules, and translation.
For more information about the Women Food and Agriculture Network, contact Ms. Bridget Holcomb
at 515-460-2477 or [email protected]. The proceedings of the 2014 WFAN Conference are available
on their website.
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