Planting Seeds of Hope
“Well, we farm greens, like lettuce, swiss chard, kale, and tomatoes and cucumbers. We do herbs too. We’ve got a pretty good variety. We sell to local restaurants and we have a farm stand. We have interns who do the work – they are formerly incarcerated people.” Melvin, the Executive Director of We The People Opportunity Farm (WTPOF) was providing me an overview of organization.
Successful non-profit leaders are very clear on what their work is and who they serve. Typically, an organization creates mission, vision and values statements to answer these questions. These statements establish the organization’s foundation, create a common language, and begin to form an organization’s identity. The statements address:
· What is your reason for being? -- The mission statement.
WTPOF’S MISSION: Our mission is to break the cycle of incarceration in Washtenaw County by investing in the employment and development of formerly incarcerated men and women through farming and community engagement. (Board Approved)
· What is your aspiration for the future? -- The vision statement.
WTPOF’S VISION: Feeding the body, mind and soil, our vision is to sow the seeds of hope for formerly incarcerated men and women (Pending Board approval)
· What are the key beliefs and behaviors that guide you? The values statement.
WTPOF’S VALUES: Radically Inclusive; Intentionally Collaborative; Courageously Disruptive; Rooted in Justice; and Committed To Growth (Board approved)
Melvin continues, “Midge, there is no path for these people coming out of incarceration. There is so much for them to learn to lead successful lives. They’ve got to know that there are people who believe in them; believe they can be successful.”
Melvin’s words resonated with me. Yes, his organization does farming but what they really do is provide intern programs to facilitate incarcerated men and women transitioning back into society with a will to be productive members of our community. These folks have served their time, made amends and need a bit of help to flourish. It’s upon us to welcome them and sow the seeds of hope.
What seed is your nonprofit sowing? If you wish to learn more about WTPOF contact Melvin at WTPOF or Midge at Colombo Business Consulting