How do you do it: Led by Longue Vueýs program and garden coordinator, students engage in a three-part curriculum: gardening, entrepreneurism and philanthropy. Students participate in hands-on garden and classroom sessions to learn about gardening, botany and horticulture. The practice of philanthropy and community service is introduced through classroom discussions, community mapping exercises and interviews with non profit organizations. Students also engage in hands-on activities that build their understanding of marketing, mathematics, language, research and interviewing skills. The program culminates with the students selling their produce at a local market,the proceeds of which are donated to a community organization of the student body's choice.

Innovation: Cultivating Communities was an organic and original creation of Longue Vueýs civic arm in response to the communities needs. The program speaks directly to the mission of Longue Vue to ýeducate and inspire people [such as our youth] to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives.ý

Cultivating Communities fills a void in the community and teaches youth the power of giving and feeling empowered by seeking to improve studentsý attitudes toward themselves and their community through gardening, teamwork, discussion, and the development of shared goals. Through community building and strategic planning, the program cycle of growing and harvesting young philanthropists through teaching and giving back to the community is achieved.

Impact: Cultivating Communities enriches the entire community; both the youth who experience the power of philanthropic giving and the adults who see the hard work and effort that these young citizens are providing for the community at large. On a regional level, this program has the potential to spread its mission and goals to schools, garden clubs and civic enrichment centers. The Cultivating Communities program touches countless individuals and groups who are overwhelmed by the excitement of the students and their community engagement. Through the students we teach, vendors we visit, organizations we interview, and community members we touch, the process of positive change is occurring.

Ethical Action: Cultivating Communities first school partner has been the Waldo Burton Memorial Home, where a group of boys live as well as attend an in-home school during the week. The Waldo Burton Memorial School provides children with social and/or emotional problems a safe living environment. Cultivating Communities partnership provides tremendous benefits to both the students and community participants and, as a result, this group of boys develops special relationships with a number of individuals and institutions. Cultivating Communities helps nurture the child and encourages self-esteem through learning about their new surroundings and teaching students how they fit into the larger community.

Replication: Through documented teaching base activities focused on philanthropy and hands-on community building curriculum, the Cultivating Communities mission can grow. Once the program curriculum is completed, Longue Vue will make the tools available to private and independent schools and groups through our website and brochures as well as begin new partnerships. The first expansion will take place at the end of the 2005 summer welcoming a New Orleans charter school. The program is developing in a way that further replication is possible to any civic organizations interested in developing experiential philanthropy and entrepreneurial learning programs.

Sustainability: By utilizing local resources, maintaining a garden, and always keeping close relationships with school officials, nonprofit organizations and community members, the Cultivating Communities program can lead a self- sustainable life. Sustainability can come when students start raising money that they can re-invest a small percentage for the next growing & giving cycle. Start up costs are small and currently we have a matching grant donor who matches or doubles what the students sell at market in order to donate to a researched nonprofit of their choice.

Position in the Ethics Mosaic of Solutions:

Factor: Individualism

Principle: Building ability to care, uphold values, and make

Contact Information:
Name: Miriam Lipson - Program Coordinator
Organization: Longue Vue House and Gardens
Mailing address: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124
Country: United States
Email: mlipson@longuevue.com
Tel: 504.488.5488 x40
Fax: 504.488.5155
Website: www.longuevue.com

Organization Size: Out of 23 staff members at Longue Vue, 2 facilitate the Cultivating Communities program along with 2 teachers from each school partner and 1 volunteer garden coordinator from the partner school.