Macro, mezzo, and micro social work should all be concerned about:
- Nutrition and disease prevention
- Food sovereignty
- Nature and climate change
- Unemployment and underemployment
- Overworking or busyness
- Disconnection and exclusion
Eating to live, access to healthy food, spending time in nature, connecting with the earth, workforce skills development, entrepreneurship, education, hobbies, self-care, collaboration, and building community – agriculture, gardening, and urban farming can improve each area for single individuals and the collective.
“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” – Masanobu Fukuoka
Resource 1: Homegrown (Magnolia Network)
Atlanta-based farmer and food activist, Jamila Norman, helps families transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional backyard farms while exploring the joy and benefits of growing your own food. As owner of Patchwork City Farms, Jamila, teaches others about food, sustainability and wellness through farming.
Mission
“Connecting with the land and sharing it with my community is my greatest passion. I want people to realize that gardening is very approachable. There’s a lot of potential and a lot of enjoyment, no matter where you are, in being able to bring something green and edible into your home.” – Jamila Norman
For Beginners
“Start small and grow things you love. And make use of the resources available to you! “Read books, go on YouTube. I am self-taught. I didn’t go to school for this or grow up on a farm, but it was something I was interested in and passionate about, so I learned.” – Jamila Norman
Resource 2: Farm Dreams/Farming Is Life (National Geographic)
Farming expert and influencer Indy Srinath encounters aspiring farmers hoping to make their dreams a reality. Indy explores new ways of farming while educating farmers about agriculture. She will enlist the help of experts in the field to help aspiring farmers make their dreams a reality and take their occupations to new heights. Viewers will see her shedding light on indoor, rooftop, aqua farming, and more.
“If more people are empowered with the educational tools that they need to be able to go out and forage, or even to be able to grow their own food, then we can start beginning to address food apartheid in our communities. Learn from your local teachers, grab a book about foraging and really begin to dig deep – literally and metaphorically – into pre-existing food systems.” – Indy Srinath
“I think that in growing your own food, trading your food with your community, and sharing your crops, you’re helping to strengthen the resilience and create permanency in the area where you live.” – Indy Srinath
“To those that work in acres, not in hours… We thank you.” – Unknown
- Breaking out of the box
- Defying stereotypes
- Protecting the earth
- Practicing sustainability
Let these amazing women of color farmers inspire, motivate, and empower you to follow your passion and walk in your purpose. I’m on a mission to eliminate the old, narrow view of social work.
I’m ready when you are. Let’s chat about how the On My Terms Leadership Development Program can help you tap into your authenticity and potential or you can APPLY TODAY. Schedule a 15-minute consultation today to discuss your harvest season.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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