If interested in nominating someone for the FCGC Board or applying yourself, read on!

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The Friends of the Community Growing Center (FCGC)––the 501(c)3 that manages the Somerville Community Growing Center––seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join its Board of Directors. The Center is a city-owned, volunteer-run green space that for the past 30 years has been on the cutting edge of innovation in urban agriculture and community activism. We have recently completed a major renovation of the Center through a Community Preservation Act grant, and are looking for individuals interested in helping to guide us into our next 25 years of urban involvement. Candidates should be excited to delve into any of the different facets of this unique urban space regardless of their primary area of expertise.

 

About Us

 

The Somerville Community Growing Center (SCGC) is much more than a green space, it is where community grows. Situated on a quarter acre of gently sloped hillside near bustling Union Square, the high school, and the library, it hosts rich programming including environmental education and cultural performances and offers unique volunteer opportunities.

 

Initiated in 1994, the Center is a model for urban land use and collaboration between city government and local nonprofit and community agencies. This urban oasis was designed and built by local residents and is maintained by volunteers. Read about our history here.

 

Board Members are expected to join at least two Committees and one or two Teams as part of their role with the Friends of the Community Growing Center. Learn more about our Committees and Teams here. 

 

Qualifications & Expectations

 

New Board members will:

• Support the mission, values, and vision of the Somerville Community Growing Center:

  • Candidates must show a willingness and commitment to get to know the organization, its volunteer base, and the community that it serves.

  • Act as ambassadors for the Center and represent the organization in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

• Actively participate in monthly Board meetings and other Center-related meetings:

  • Attend monthly Board meetings and remain up-to-date on current Center issues.

  • Be an active member on one of the FCGC’s operating committees: the Site Committee, the Programming Committee, the Fundraising Committee, or the Strategic Planning Committee.

• Take on active leadership roles:

  • Attend and support the Center’s special events during its operating season.

  • Participate in fundraising efforts to support the Center’s operation and maintenance.

  • Help with fundraising plans, including but not limited to creating new fundraising events, writing grant applications, making targeted asks and identifying additional funding opportunities.

  • Help to develop, review, and implement annual budget.

  • Help to ensure legal and ethical integrity of the FCGC as a registered 501(3)c via the annual performance review process, conflict of interest policy, and fiduciary responsibilities.

• Especially important to us are team members with one or more of the following areas of expertise and interest:

  • Interest in urban ecology, food security, composting, native plants and pollinators.

  • Interest in working for diversity and equitable access in a shared, community green space.

  • Prior non-profit board expertise.

  • Site maintenance and oversight.

• Commit to a 1-year renewable term.

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Application Process

To nominate yourself or someone else, fill out this form prior to December 15, 2024.

 

Questions? contact Kathleen Flynn Froelich at kathleen@thegrowingcenter.org, or Betsy Larkin at betsy@thegrowingcenter.org.

 

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