Ever wanted to help make the City of Dayton a more beautiful place? Now is your chance. Consider joining Mission of Mary Cooperative.
The mission of the Mission of Mary Cooperative is to create a sustainable and resilient food system in Dayton, Ohio, by transforming vacant lots into urban gardens and providing fresh produce to the community.
- Addressing food insecurity: The cooperative grows a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs using sustainable, chemical-free methods. A significant portion of this harvest is provided to food-insecure families through a two-tiered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and donations to community partners.
- Community development: By engaging neighbors and volunteers in gardening, the cooperative cultivates relationships and strengthens the social fabric of the community. Volunteers, including University of Dayton students, neighborhood residents, and others, donate thousands of hours of service annually.
- Urban renewal: The organization tackles the issue of vacant lots in the Twin Towers neighborhood by revitalizing them into beautiful and productive green spaces. This transforms areas that were once a negative influence into positive community assets.
- Education and sustainability: Mission of Mary operates as a learning center, educating Dayton residents, students, and community groups on topics like urban agriculture, food systems, and sustainable living. It also helps residents build their own backyard gardens.
- Sustainable urban development: The cooperative serves as a catalyst for sustainable development in Dayton, focusing on key competencies that include urban farming, an urban sustainability learning center, and neighborhood engagement.
If you identify with this mission and would like to volunteer, go to https://www.missionofmary.org/volunteersignup to complete and submit the volunteer interest form. The form will ask about why you want to volunteer, your special skills, your schedule, and anything you would like to learn while volunteering.
Notes about volunteering
- Check the growing season: The most volunteer work is available from March through October.
- Understand the timeframe: Most volunteer shifts are 8:30 am–12:00 pm and 1:00 pm–4:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am–12:00 pm on Saturdays by appointment.
- Note the commitment: You need to commit to a minimum of two hours per visit, though longer visits are possible.
Areas of Volunteer Interest:
Farming
- Harvest and prepare vegetables for distribution
- Lend a hand with carpentry and construction
- Weed, water, and cultivate
Education
- Lead educational workshops
- Install community gardens
- Coordinate community events
Administration
- Communicate with donors
- Develop community partnerships
- Write grants and coordinate fundraising efforts
Have questions about volunteering? Contact Mission of Mary Cooperative at 937-556-2229 or [email protected].