Roots of Change Urban Garden

Co-Op
A Project of Southwest Workers Union
The Roots of Change Coperativa is a network of community and backyard
gardens around San Antonio and South Texas working together to grow
fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for our families and neighbors.
Our History
In 2006, Southwest Workers Union (SWU) began an Eastside sustainability
initiative in response to the struggle to defeat further development of fuel storage tanks. We wanted
to see people-centered development. We wanted to support a movement for home-grown solutions to
problems of pollution, poverty and marginalization. As a community we choose food as a centerpiece
to a movement for community-building and social justice. The SWU complex has acquired over an
acre of unused old-industrial land and transformed it into the Roots of Change Community Garden
with the hard work of thousands of volunteers.
A cooperative is a group who are interested in working
together. Not only backyards are necessary, any container that
will hold seeds, soil and water. Most of all you need dedication
and passions to sustain a garden. All community members
regardless of color, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability
are welcome to join the co-op and garden workdays every
Saturday 9a - 12p.
The Southwest Workers Union (SWU) is an organization of
workers, families, community residents and youth, united in one
organizational struggle for worker and youth rights,
environmental justice and community empowerment.

Please deliver to Diana Lopez. - PO BOX 830706 San Antonio, TX zip 78283 / dianalopez@swunion.org
or stop by the office at 1416 E. Commerce - 210.299.2666.

Name:___________________________________________________________________________

Age:________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:__________________________________________ Alt. Telephone __________________________________________
E-Mail:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Section One: Garden Description

Address of Garden and Size:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the garden and its purpose? What type of fruit, vegetables, and flowers do you grow?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How many hours do you spend working in garden per week?
____________________________________________________

Section Two: You an the Co-Op

What type of support/tools/education do you need to grow or start your garden:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How many hours a month can you volunteer in the co-op?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What type of support/ talent can you offer the co-op?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Any Comments or Suggestions:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Membership Agreement Form

Roots of Change Urban Garden CO-OP
1416 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
210.299.2666
dianalopez@swunion.org
Date:______________________________________
Name/ Organization: ________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________ Email: ____________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Gardening is necessary for the health and recovery of our communities and of Mother Earth. I
share a vision of a food co-op that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Promotes health and exercise with in our neighborhoods

Uses sustainable practices like composting, water catchment and seed saving
Creates a neutral space where our family can come together
Does not rely on harmful chemicals to grow our food or maintain our land
Values the history and health of the land
Is open to any interested community member or organization with out discrimination of race,
religion, sexual orientation or social status.
7. Focuses on community empowerment and health
8. Shares knowledge with each other in order to further our movement for food justice in San
Antonio
I will actively participate in the Roots of Change Co-Op by:
1. Participating in 3 garden workdays or educational workshops
2. Contributing a dish at the harvest festival. Ingredients from your garden
3. Donating $10 dollars per year to cover cost of maintaining the co-op
As a member I have access to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Seedlings, plants and seeds at little or no cost

Fresh vegetables with the exchange of work in the Roots of Change Garden
Garden and landscape consulting
Quarterly Newsletters, educational workshops and other materials
Other gardeners who are interested in urban ag. and food justice

________________________________________
Signature of Member

___________________________________
Date
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