Who we are
The Gartenpolylog is a non-profit association that has established an Austrian community garden network. We are part of this network and carry out our own projects independently. We have years of experience in this area. We are reliable cooperation partners of private and public institutions, but exist independently of them.
Our contribution
We see ourselves as part of a movement that is driving social, ecological, and economic change in society. Specifically, we make a significant contribution to the field of community gardens in Austria. Our work shows new possibilities for gardening in cities. We are committed to creating inviting, diverse spaces characterized by open and equal communication. Through our intercultural educational work, we promote awareness of cultural, social, and biological diversity. We see our networking activities as a central element in promoting the community garden landscape in Austria.
Fields of activity
- We publicize community gardens and related topics.
- We initiate, support, and promote community gardens. We carry out projects in the field of communal urban gardening and agriculture, in both public and private spaces. The opening of educational spaces and places of intercultural encounter are central elements for us.
- We impart our knowledge to children and adults through conferences, exchange meetings, workshops, working groups, and seminars.
- We support the network of Austrian community gardens by organizing events, operating a platform (homepage), and preparing and disseminating knowledge and information.
- We advise and support you in the implementation of community garden projects. We are the interface for knowledge transfer in the area of establishing and supporting community gardens in Austria. We act as intermediaries between private individuals, NGOs, public institutions, and authorities.
Financing
We are a non-profit organization that carries out publicly funded and privately funded projects. We do additional work that we consider important on a volunteer basis. Our association can be supported by donations and by the payment of an annual membership fee.
Working Principles
Cooperation
The synergies available through cooperation with different people, organizations, and public institutions are invaluable for our projects. We cooperate with other community garden initiatives, with companies and organizations with whom we share basic attitudes and pursue common goals, and with scientists from different disciplines. We are internationally networked with NGOs from other countries.
Everyday education
We see ourselves as an intercultural environmental education institution. We use the potential of community gardens as everyday educational and learning venues. Learning in the community garden is anchored in daily life. Along with practical tasks within the garden, there are opportunities to change perspectives through social integration. The learning takes place on a garden-related technical, social, economic, and "glocal" political level.
Life in diversity
People with different origins and experiences intermingle in everyday life within community gardens. This diversity in the gardens opens up enriching perspectives, while also presenting beneficial challenges. Peaceful coexistence is important in living and working together. We attach great importance to all voices, including "quiet" ones, in the equal polylog.
Resources
The economical use of resources is important to us, which is why we promote ideas such as recycling, DoItYourself (DIY), flea markets, exchanges, etc. in our work.
We also want to use our own resources efficiently and sustainably. We work hard in pursuit of our goals, but also set aside time for regeneration with family and friends.
Attitudes:
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We see ourselves as parts of living nature and stand for a respectful treatment of all human beings (regardless of age, social and cultural origin, religion, physical condition, gender orientation, etc.) and the natural world.
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We see ourselves as part of a society based on solidarity.
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Our horticultural activities are based on the principles of ecological land management.
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We think about the global dimension in our local work.
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For us, public space is a space that everyone can help shape and use.
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We act independently of party politics. Community gardening is in essence a nonpartisan political act.