Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs Identifies Core Values
Stabilizing and growing membership is a concern for most garden clubs. Our clubs range from small, quiet older groups to large active bursting-at-the-seams clubs. They are creative, enterprising, educated, fun and successful. We have a mission statement, as do most non-profit groups, but it does not clearly say who we are. Colorado Garden Clubs decided to define themselves by sharing their common or core values.
In this day and age, there are so many more opportunities to volunteer that people are looking for exactly the right fit. We believe this will help anyone searching for a “match” and identify with garden club. Core values are the fundamental beliefs of an organization, the guiding principles, and they help support the vision and shape the culture. So what are those values?
Knowledge – educate members and the public with sound gardening practices and principles
Innovation – nourish new and creative ideas that have the potential to change the gardening world
Respect – for each other, garden club assets, the diversity of our membership, and the environment.
Community – contribute to local projects with our time, talent and some “treasure”.
Sustainability – continue our legacy through projects that have and will impact Colorado.
There is nothing new or different in these words. They remind us why we joined a garden club, what we share and who we are. Together we will continue to work on the garden at Fort Logan National Cemetery, install and maintain Blue Star Markers, restore our forests with Penny Pines, educate fellow gardeners with programs and schools and lead the way in water conservation.
