Greater than the Sum of the Parts
By Kaela Khan, CGC Program Associate
I have always been fascinated by the etymology of words and how their meanings can evolve over time. The diverse definitions of the word contribute stem from the variety of ways one can perform the verb itself. Contribute stems from Latin con meaning “with” and tribuere meaning “bestow,” which combine to become contribuere: “to bring together” or “add.” It’s how an organization like the CGC can add up to more than the sum of its parts.
Reflecting on the word contribute asks us to consider how we’re connected to each other and the many ways we can positively impact one other's lives. Working at the Civic Garden Center, I’ve learned that everyone’s pathway to the CGC looks a little different. Their skills and interests are different. Their backgrounds and curiosities are different. This is as true of our staff as it is of our volunteers, donors and community members. It may sound daunting, yet this diversity of interests creates a vibrant, welcoming, multi-faceted organization that celebrates collaborating, resource sharing and community building.
It's those moments when a volunteer goes above and beyond what’s expected that make you stop and appreciate just how valuable volunteerism is in a small non-profit. Around here, volunteers surprise us constantly by the amount of time, effort and passion they’re willing to share with the CGC. Our volunteers span all our program areas, and we could not have as many touch points in the community as we do without their help.
In the past year, so many individuals have heard our call to action. We’ve had gardeners (like Joanne) who’ve planned and started managing their own spaces on the grounds, facilitators who’ve showed up for field trip after field trip (like Beth), people who’ve offered their special skills to help construct our hoop house and green wall, and so much more. We have those who contribute year after year in support of our plant sales (like Jennie), radiating positivity and fun through the long, tiring days leading up to our big events. We have others (like Grace) who love working with kids and are here every time we hold our Lil’ Sprouts program. And when volunteers bring friends along? That’s the best! They’re not only contributing their time but helping to building our larger CGC community, inviting others to find their own special form of contribution.
Finally, we have people who contribute in ways that the CGC will never be able to quantify. They’re the ones who purchase native plants and encourage their neighbors to do the same. The ones who advocate for community gardens in their neighborhood. The ones who take classes here to learn new skills in order to contribute to their own lives and to the communities and ecosystems of which they are a part.
It takes the support of a community willing to contribute time, skills, passion and resources to make a nonprofit like the CGC successful. We’ve been here 81 years and counting…so far, so good. Thank you for all you have and continue to give!