Guidelines on Starting a CRAFT Program

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFT Farmers) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:46:00 +0000

Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Upper Midwest (Region 1)

Starting a CRAFT Program

. Gather farmers
   establish need for a program
   secure commitment of farmers to guide the program (a board or advisory group)
   secure commitment to allow interns to attend all events
   secure commitment to lead training events

. Outline a mission statement
   expose interns to diversity of approaches in farming
   provide a peer group for interns
   build cooperation among regional farmers

. Define the components of the program
   workshops
   orientation
   transition sessions at season end
   exchanges
   other

. Divide up responsibilities for the components
   who will organize each part?
   who will lead each activity?
   who will facilitate the evaluations?
   who will guide the overall program?
   who will handle administrative functions (mailings, printing, calls, finances, etc.)?

. Map out how to handle expenses
   coordinating the annual planning meetings
   organizing the training activities
   leading the training activities
   transportation and food for the activities
   sending out the mailings (postage, paper, envelopes, cards)
   making phone calls to farmers and interns
   printing the annual CRAFT packets
   fundraising for the program
   decide on if/how much membership dues

. Develop communications materials
   a brochure
   an annual CRAFT handbook (w/ calendar, opps, farms, advanced internships)

. Publicize your CRAFT
   on the web (ATTRA, Biodynamic Assoc., etc.)
   through all member farms
   with colleges and universities
   at regional events and conferences
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This outline for starting a CRAFT was developed by the Upper Midwest CRAFT and Angelic Organics Learning Center. For more information on how to start a CRAFT program, contact the Angelic Organics Learning Center at CRAFT@learngrowconnect.org or 815-389-8455.