Where is your volunteer program now? Join us for a town hall discussion of engaging volunteers away from the garden and returning volunteers to in-person work. Becky Robert, Communication and Volunteer Coordinator with the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, will highlight the Arboretum's efforts to engage volunteers virtually as the grounds continued to be closed through the spring. Kevin Moss, Student & Public Engagement Coordinator with Cornell Botanic Gardens, will share his planning process as his garden prepares for volunteers to return. Marty Petillo, Volunteer Services Manager with Olbrich Botanical Gardens, will share her experience of slowly returning volunteers to the garden.
After a brief discussion from our informal panel, the group separated into breakout rooms for some extended discussion. Please note that in an effort to facilitate open and honest conversations, the breakout rooms portion of this Town Hall was not recorded, however, the group recap and main takeaways from those breakout discussions were recorded and provide in this video. Watch and hear next steps for volunteers in the gardens after vaccinations, restrictions, and a season of limited engagement.
Introductions by: Alexis Bacon, Program and Member Services Assistant, American Public Gardens Association
Video edited by: Caitlin Simkovich, Creative Projects Coordinator, American Public Gardens Association
