Call for Hosts, 2015 Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference

Posted by Black Urban Growers on February 9, 2015

Black Urban Growers (BUGs) is a community-based organization in New York City committed to building networks and support for growers in both urban and rural settings. We produced the first national Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners

Conference in 2010 and subsequent conferences in 2011 and 2013. A group of local organizers led production of the 2014 conference in Detroit with support from the NYC organizers.

We are formally requesting proposals from interested local organizing teams to host the 2015 conference. The local organizing team determines the theme, programs and logistics of the conference. The NY BUGs team provides a complete conference manual including templates to help secure facilities, speakers, presenters, sponsors, volunteers and other resources in addition to providing access to BUGs contacts and social media.

Submission of Proposals

To apply, send your proposals on or before, February 19, 2015. Please address the following:

1. Establish a local organizing team of 8-10 members. Provide the names, phone numbers and email address for each member.
2. Identify at least 3 primary contacts to serve as liaisons to the NY team. Provide their names, organization affiliations (if any), phone numbers and email addresses.
3. Suggest a conference theme.
4. Identify potential venues in your community with:
• An auditorium with capacity to hold up to 500 people
• Approximately 10-20 classrooms/breakout rooms, each with capacity for 20-30 people
• A/V setup or capability in each room including the auditorium
• WiFi capability in each room including the auditorium
• A room that can accommodate an expo with 15- 20 tables
• Use of a commercial kitchen/food prep area
5. Describe the unique characteristics of your community and how they will be featured in the conference.
6. Describe how hosting the conference will benefit your community and the overall movement for Black Farmers and Urban Growers.
7. Describe how youth will be engaged.
8. Describe resources for providing childcare.
9. Describe how the arts and music will be integrated into the conference.
10. Describe the options for providing affordable lodging for conference participants?

Proposals may be submitted by regular mail to:

Black Urban Growers
c/o Open Space Institute
1350 Broadway, #201,
New York, NY 10018

or by email: workshops@blackfarmersconf.org