As an organisation with the community at its heart, our people are the most important aspect of our group. Let's face it, without them nothing could be achieved! Therefore, ensuring all ECG members understand their importance and feel heard within our group is paramount. Here every person's ideas are considered and usually a collaboration of them all is the way we move forward.
Elmington Community Gardens is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and our constitution has the following objectives:
(1) TO FURTHER OR BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF THE ELMINGTON ESTATE IN CAMBERWELL SOUTH LONDON WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, RACE OR OF POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER OPINIONS BY PROVIDING ALLOTMENT FACILITIES IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR RECREATIONAL LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS. (2) THE ADVANCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT IN AND AROUND ELMINGTON ESTATE IN CAMBERWELL SOUTH LONDON BY PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES AND OTHER PLANTS, AND MAINTAINING THE ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH THEY GROW, TO CREATE GREENER HABITATS WHICH HELP TO MITIGATE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND CREATE HABITATS FOR DIVERSE SPECIES TO THRIVE.
We currently have a board of four trustees and, upon signing a plot holder agreement with ECG, allotment tenants automatically become members. Presently, we are a 93% female group, with 58% of our members from the BAME community.
Unlike other organisations, Elmington Community Gardens have opted not to have set officer roles. There is no chair or leader, meaning all decisions are reached democratically. We hold two official meetings per year - a General Meeting in February to plan for the start of the growing season and an Annual General Meeting in August as we plan to wind down for winter. These meetings are a way for the trustees to receive the necessary feedback from the members to ensure their wants and needs are being met. As a community organisation it is essential to us that we are inclusive in all aspects of our operation and always welcome input from our members and the wider community.
We are actively seeking new members at all times, so please do get in touch through the contact page if you would like to join us or offer any suggestions.
