Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for mental wellness, offering a creative outlet for emotions and fostering a sense of accomplishment. In Augusta, GA, residents have access to a variety of resources to explore and enhance their mental well-being through artistic expression.

One notable organization is Bluff Augusta, which offers an art therapy program aimed at promoting mental wellness. Through guided sessions, participants can explore their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their mental health in a supportive environment.

Additionally, Leslie Hamrick, a local art therapist, provides expert services to help individuals connect with their creativity and foster mental wellness. Her personalized sessions focus on using art as a means of self-expression and emotional healing.

By embracing the arts, Augustans can unlock new avenues for personal growth and emotional resilience. Whether through painting, music, or dance, the city's vibrant arts scene offers numerous ways to nurture the mind and soul.

-submitted by Christopher Hall, Sustainable CSRA, https://Sustainablecsra.org, 803-640-5551
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On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was asked to give up her seat to a white person, to which she said “No”. Her defiance led to her arrest and that moment sparked the famous, 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott. Despite the success of the boycott, sixty-eight years later, transportation is still a civil rights issue. For the past six years, people and organizations across the country have come together to honor Rosa Parks and Transit Equity Day on her birthday, February 4th..  Without her courage, the changes we’ve seen would have never come to fruition. We may see the progress that has been made slip away if we do not recognize that there is still work to be done. Today, more than ever, we must collaborate to see the changes we want through organizing, advocating, and educating.

Transit Equity Day was started by several organizations including the Labor Network for Sustainability, to celebrate the activism of Rosa Parks on her birthday. In the CSRA, several organizations have advocated for transit equity for the past two years. We wrote letters to the editor of the Augusta Chronicle in 2022 and in 2023 we gathered at Hudson Memorial to hear about the need for better transit and infrastructure from community voices. We then rode the bus through the streets of our hometown as a group.  As the morning progressed, we learned about the obstacles that people face in using public transportation.

What are the obstacles to equity in transportation across the CSRA?  The celebration of Rosa Parks acknowledges that skin color is an obstacle when it comes to public transportation, but in today’s world, racism shows up in so many other ways. To address equity issues in transportation, we must address the chronic underfunding of our infrastructure. Sidewalks that are in good repair will benefit all, but in particular those with visual or mobility issues. Covered shelters for our bus stops will help protect people from the elements, including rain, sun, and wind. Signage that is easily recognized, well designed, and up to date will provide an important tool for riders that may be seasoned or those that want to use public transportation more. Identifying and resolving these infrastructure issues will not only result in ADA compliance, but will also make the use of public transportation more desirable for everyone. 

Improvements in transit equity yield benefits to the community in multiple ways. Building equity in transportation means improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Reliable public transportation ensures that residents can access social services and health care when needed. Better pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure promotes physical activity and transit options. These features build the kind of community that people want to live in and that creates economic growth and better health. The only way to create the kind of solutions we want to see in our community is to build power with many voices at the table.

Equity in transportation must also include enough buses to provide excellent service levels. For transit to be effective, it must answer a few questions: How fast can you get there? Can you get there? How frequent is the service? The frequency of buses running their routes is 45 minutes, which can seem like a lifetime when you need to get somewhere. There are areas in South Augusta that aren’t served at all, like Tobacco Road. In the Aiken area, there is a schedule for when the buses run, but there are neither signs nor covered bus stops. A person literally has to flag the bus down in order to get a ride. Also, the service from Aiken to Augusta takes over an hour. On both sides of the Savannah River, there are opportunities to eat good food, shop at interesting shops, and enjoy various kinds of entertainment. A public transportation system that is fast, effective, and efficient can provide access to a variety of activities that people want to enjoy.

The heartbeat of any thriving community lies in the active involvement of its residents. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of community initiatives and volunteering, providing professionals in small to midsize cities with creative ways to give back to their communities and make a meaningful impact.

The Ripple Effect of Local Volunteering:

Engaging in local volunteering opportunities creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate act of service. Discover local organizations and initiatives that align with your interests, whether it's mentoring programs, environmental cleanups, or supporting local arts and culture. Your contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in building a stronger and more vibrant community.

Creative Fundraising and Collaborative Projects:

Explore creative ways to contribute to community initiatives by organizing fundraising events or collaborating on projects that address specific needs within your city. From art exhibitions to community murals, these endeavors not only raise funds but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among residents.

Leveraging Professional Skills for Civic Good:

Consider leveraging your professional skills to benefit local organizations. Whether you're a marketer, designer, or financial expert, your expertise can make a significant impact on community projects. Collaborate with local nonprofits or community groups to find opportunities where your skills can contribute to the greater good.

Civic engagement is not just about giving time; it's about creating a connected and supportive community. By embracing creative approaches to volunteering and community initiatives, professionals can play an active role in shaping the future of their small to midsize cities. Let's unite our skills, passions, and creativity to build a community that thrives on collaboration and shared responsibility.

Storm Damage

Preparing for a tropical storm is crucial to minimize damage and ensure safety. Here are some steps that farmers, both rural and urban, can take to prepare over the next 24 hours:

Rural Farmers:

1. Secure Equipment and Buildings:

   • Store and secure all farm equipment, tools, and machinery in safe, enclosed spaces.

   • Reinforce barn doors, windows, and other structures.

2. Protect Livestock:

   • Move livestock to higher ground or secure shelters to protect them from flooding and debris.

   • Ensure they have enough food and water in case access is restricted.

3. Harvest Crops:

   • If possible, harvest any crops that are close to maturity to prevent loss.

   • Store harvested crops in a secure, dry place.

4. Check and Secure Fences:

   • Inspect and repair fences to keep animals safe and contained during and after the storm.

5. Drainage and Irrigation Systems:

   • Clear drainage ditches, culverts, and irrigation systems to prevent flooding.

   • Turn off and secure irrigation pumps and systems.

6. Fuel and Supplies:

   • Ensure you have enough fuel for generators and vehicles.

   • Stock up on essential supplies like feed, water, and medical kits.

7. Backup Power:

   • Test and prepare backup generators to ensure they are in working order.

Urban Farmers:

1. Secure Plants and Greenhouses:

   • Move potted plants indoors or to sheltered areas.

   • Reinforce greenhouses and other structures to withstand high winds.

2. Protect Raised Beds and Gardens:

   • Cover raised beds and gardens with tarps or other protective materials.

   • Secure vertical structures, like trellises, to prevent them from toppling.

3. Harvest and Store:

   • Harvest ripe fruits, vegetables, and herbs to prevent loss.

   • Store harvested items in a secure, dry place.

4. Water Management:

   • Ensure proper drainage in gardens to prevent waterlogging.

   • Store rainwater collection containers and other equipment securely.

5. Power and Water Supply:

   • Ensure you have backup power sources for essential equipment.

   • Store additional water for plants and livestock.

6. Secure Structures:

   • Check and secure any urban farming structures, such as chicken coops, beehives, or hydroponic systems.

7. Communication and Safety Plans:

   • Have a communication plan with family members, employees, or volunteers.

   • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.

General Preparations:

• Documentation:

  • Take photos and document the current condition of your farm for insurance purposes.

  • Secure important documents in waterproof containers.

• Community Support:

  • Coordinate with neighboring farms and community members for mutual support.

  • Stay informed about weather updates and emergency services through reliable sources.

• Evacuation Plans:

  • Have an evacuation plan in place for yourself, family, and workers if necessary.

  • Know the location of the nearest shelters and emergency services.

By taking these steps, farmers can better protect their property, livestock, and crops, minimizing the impact of the tropical storm.

I’ve been doing some research on food policy councils - what they are and what benefits they can bring to a community. In December of 2022, I began hosting a series of food access stakeholders meetups in Augusta GA… to bring all the “players” in the “food game” to the table, with the goal that we devise solutions together. In this context, players refers to all who have a connection with food - those who grow it, transport it, aggregate it, distribute it, donate it… you know the drill.

These monthly meetings continue to spark creative collaborations and program developments. However, the motivation for calling everyone together was to put small and mid-sized farmers at the forefront of the conversation and ensure that Black farmers were at the table from beginning - and not as an afterthought like so many of these initiatives tend to lean.

Senator Harold Jones II has been an integral voice in leading the State of Georgia toward addressing food insecurity, legacy farmer Loretta Adderson has been a longtime champion for farmers of color, and Carolyn Henry (LogicPoint Consulting) has been guiding this current process of asset mapping and process improvement.

I asked my intern to pull together a few resources, which are listed below. Please join the conversation at growingaugusta.mn.co.

-kgordon

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\what is a food policy council?

A food policy council is a body of citizens, governments, and organizations working together to identify, research, monitor, and advocate for food system policies. These councils work to assess the current state of their local food system and create policies that promote food security, healthy eating, fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and other food-based issues.

\why is a food policy council important?

A food policy council is important because it brings together stakeholders with diverse backgrounds to identify, assess and solve food-related problems within a community. A food policy council can work to ensure that people have access to nutritious, affordable and safe food, as well as food-related educational opportunities, research and policy development. It can also serve as a forum to identify areas of collaboration on food policy and to effectively implement food-related initiatives.

\how does a food policy council work?

A food policy council works by forming members from diverse backgrounds that have a stake in the food system, such as government officials, health care professionals, farmers, and members of concerned communities. The council works together to develop and advocate for policies that can improve the local food system. They may consult with local and state governments, create policy proposals, and facilitate public education and dialogue about food-related issues. They may also monitor existing food policy initiatives and make recommendations to local elected officials, and lobby for particular policies or regulations. Ultimately, the goal of a food policy council is to promote sustainable and equitable food systems that benefit all stakeholders.

\how to form a food policy council

1. Establish a Steering Committee: The first and most important step in forming a Food Policy Council is to create a steering committee. This is a group of stakeholders who will be involved in the process of forming the council and guiding its work. The steering committee should include food system leaders from the public, private and civic sectors, including representatives from the local agricultural and food business communities, health care professionals, and representatives from advocacy organizations, faith-based institutions, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

2. Develop the Council's Mission: Once the steering committee is formed, the next step is to develop the council's mission. The mission should clearly state why the council has come together and what it hopes to accomplish.

3. Adopt Bylaws to Govern the Council's Work: The council will need to adopt bylaws to govern its activities. This document should include provisions outlining the council's structure, such as the composition of the steering committee and the number of members, as well as the procedures for meetings and decision-making processes.

4. Identify and Define the Council's Focus Areas: Once the mission and governing documents are in place, the council can begin to identify and define its focus areas. The council should consider the current state of the local food system and any issues that need to be addressed, such as access to healthy food, school food, food security, urban agriculture, and food waste.

5. Establish a Process for Public Engagement: It is important for the council to create a process for engaging the public in its work. The council should consider how to actively seek public input, solicit feedback from different stakeholders, and incorporate the public's needs and concerns into the policy decisions that it makes.

6. Develop a Plan of Action: Finally, the council should develop a plan of action that outlines how it will address the issues that it has identified. The plan should include specific goals and timelines, as well as concrete strategies for how the council will pursue its mission.

 \additional resources:

1. Community Food Strategies is a website that focuses on supporting the efforts of local and regional food policy councils, with resources on how to establish, operate and evaluate a council. https://communityfoodstrategies.org/toolkit/ 

2. The PolicyLink Equitable Development Toolkit has a section on food policy councils and provides guidance and resources for establishing a council for policy change. https://www.policylink.org/equitable-development-toolkit/food-policy-councils

3. The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future provides guidance on implementing and sustaining effective food policy councils with many resources to download for free. https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/center-for-a-livable-future/projects/food-policy-network/ 

4. The Urban Institute provides a publication called “Building Partnerships and Strategies to Improve Food Access and Health for Children and Families” which outlines food policy council strategies to assist decision-makers in developing effective policies. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/building-partnerships-and-strategies-improve-food-access-and-health-children-and-families

5. The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems has many resources for food policy councils and provides research on food systems, policy development, and the role of food in community development. https://www.canr.msu.edu/foodsystems/food-policy-council-resources 

6. The Food & Environment Reporting Network has an extensive archive of articles on food policy councils, including their role in promoting food system change and implementing fair food policies. https://thefern.org/tag/food-policy-councils/ 

7. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition provides an extensive list of resources and reports on food policy councils - including reports on dozens of councils around the US. http://sustainableagriculture.net/food-policy/ 

8. The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School provides a toolkit aimed at communal food governance initiatives. It provides guidance to forming food policy councils as a mechanism for regulating and promoting sustainable food systems. https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/center-for-agriculture-and-food-systems/resources/toolkits/community-food-governance 

9. The Food Policy Networks project has plenty of resources on food policy councils, including an extensive directory of food policy councils across the United States. https://foodpolicynetworks.org/ 

10. The Food Tank website has numerous articles and reports on various issues in food policy along with guidance on how to approach policy change at various levels of governance. https://foodtank.com/sector/food-policy/

A. Walker-Thomas

Intern

Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency