Commentary

This OP was designed using GoSADIE (state goals, survey, analyze/assess, design, implement, evaluate). I printed off a worksheet with ample space for scribbling notes for each section. I used this same process for designing the actual project.

The organization was determined by the purpose of the OP. Ease of use and comprehensive information for future gardeners and grantors was the drive in design. I added blank pages to signify a change in topic/section.

I hope that this will encourage local, bioregional, and distant communities to begin or improve community gardens and guide them in incorporating youth, underserved populations, and the fiscally poor. I have made this OP public and it has been shared with PCC, the grantors, the gardeners (who come from 4 different countries and 5 different states in the U.S.). I have sent it along to one specific woman in Texas who has been looking for examples to follow.

Thus far I have completed my Zone 00-2: Personal to Professional Output Packet (Ecological Design in the Built Environment) outlined in my LIPD (Learning Intentions and Pathway Design).

This OP will fulfill my goals for a project dealing with Zone 3-4: Greater Community and Bioregion. I had initially intended to do a project on my position as Selectwoman, but I have not spent enough time to produce a clear project and have spent no time designing one. There were also a lot of unforeseen changes since my LIPD beside being elected: my parents moved to Ghana for 6 months, my brother started his second circumnavigation of the globe by boat, and I agreed to work at PCC again (which I hadn't intended to do).

My next OP will be different from the last two. Thus far I have produced OP's that focused on projects I had already started when I began Gaia U, and therefore had little pre-planning and disparate documentation. This next one will be on waste stream recycling on municipal and global levels. I hope to complete it by Jan. 1st, 2015.

I became a stronger leader during this project. I understand now that I have a much easier time following and I work harder when doing so, but I have an impact that I do not immediately recognize when leading. I think the title of "manager" made me hold an authoritative position at times rather than the quiet example-maker that I naturally take on. I did learn how to confront, though I am still not very comfortable with it.

Through this OP, I have learned that I'm spread thin. Thinner than I'd like to admit. I can't even list off all the groups and activities I am a part of. I also am not getting paid and therefore cannot care for myself and add stress to my life. This is a large part of my life that I wish to attend to in the following months.

This project details the best job I've ever held. It has taught me a lot about my leadership styles, management styles, worker-peer dynamics, and my needs and wants within a profession. As a livelihood it was lucrative and it is a wonderful addition to my resume. This creation of this OP was also an excellent learning tool for my goals for my farm. I learned about local grant opportunities, budgeting, and management of a program at this scale.