Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are core to KidsGardening’s mission of creating opportunities for all kids to play, learn, and grow in a garden. The families, educators, and children that we serve live within systems of oppression in their daily lives, and educational spaces and gardens are no exception.
KidsGardening recognizes that deep-rooted inequities persist within both the broader educational system and the field of garden-based learning. Our organization is on an ongoing journey toward greater equity and inclusion, and we know there is still much work ahead.
Many of the children and educators we serve face barriers to accessing green space, fresh food, and hands-on learning opportunities. Gardens can help close those gaps by creating welcoming places where all children can grow, connect, and thrive.
We are committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action to create more just, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for all children.
Our approach to DEIA is continually evolving as we learn and grow. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we are sharing some commitments that currently guide our work below.
Our Commitments
- Deepen Our Understanding of Who We Reach and Serve
Continuously assess and expand our knowledge of our audience, ensuring that our programs reflect the diverse communities we aim to support. - Center Accessibility Across Our Work
Strive to make our programs, resources, and communications more accessible to all learners, educators, and families—regardless of ability, language, or background. - Direct Funding Where It’s Needed Most
Support youth garden programs in under-resourced communities and those most impacted by systemic inequities and situational hardships. - Embed DEIA in Our Educational Content
Imbue diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into all educational materials, and use our platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized communities within the youth gardening movement. - Engage in Ongoing Learning
Source and participate in ongoing DEIA education and training for KidsGardening staff and Board to foster a more inclusive, informed, and equity-driven organization. - Cultivate a Diverse and Inclusive Board
Maintain and strengthen diversity within our Board of Directors to reflect the communities we serve and guide our work with a range of lived experiences and perspectives.
Our Actions
We are:
- Conducting an annual, audience-wide survey to better understand who we serve and identify gaps in access and support
- Expanding Spanish-language access through our Siembra con niños (Gardening with Kids) resource hub and ongoing translation of new materials
- Offering all grant opportunities in both English and Spanish, using our common grant application to reduce application barriers
- Directing 100% of grant funding to under-resourced communities, with additional specialty awards for programs facing heightened need
- Centering diverse voices across our webinars, e-courses, garden stories, and storytelling platforms
- Offering resources on how to design accessible garden spaces and make garden programs accessible to all learners
- Embedding DEIA into KidsGardening’s organizational culture through an active DEIA committee and regular staff learning and discussion
- Practicing inclusive governance by continuing to build a Board that reflects the communities we reach and serve
This page reflects our current DEIA commitments and practices and will continue to evolve as we listen, learn, and grow.
View Previous year’s commitments
View our diversity and equity-related commitments from previous years.
Culturally Inclusive Teaching in the Garden
Garden education is increasingly recognized as an interdisciplinary approach that integrates academic goals, health and wellness, place-based education, and community connections and relationships.
To validate and celebrate the interests and experiences of our students, we will delve deep into the significance of culture as it relates to food and gardens and also as it relates to the diverse populations with whom we work.
Adaptive Strategies for Inclusive Youth Gardening
Gardens are naturally rich learning environments, but they can also present challenges. Our “Everyone Grows” resources help you “think like an OT” by looking at the whole child, the task, and the environment to remove barriers and support participation.
You’ll learn practical activity adaptations, strategies to support physical, sensory, cognitive, and social-emotional development, and familiarize yourself with adaptive garden tools, therapeutic vocabulary, and adaptive teaching strategies.
Strengthening Equity and Inclusion in Garden Education
The resources on this page have been shared by SGSO Network members, and collectively curated by participants in the 2021 National SGSO Leadership Institute.
