Organizational Structure

TLC Farm's organizational structure is designed to empower people to become part of the decisions and actions of embodying a new world.

Participants

Everyone who engages in one of programs, volunteers with a project, or coordinates an activity is a participant. We support participants in finding a match between their passions and TLC Farm's existing needs, and to take responsibility for an appropriate role or task. Participants are encouraged to coordinate their activities with others through a relevant working group.

Working groups

Projects, programs, and administration are all coordinated through various working groups. Each working group meets independently, and has primary decision-making authority regarding its realm of activity. However, if a decision or action may significantly affect one or more other groups, that group should be engaged in the decision as well, either directly or through the spokescouncil. A point person helps keep each working group functioning smoothly.

Spokescouncil

The spokescouncil is made up of empowered spokes chosen (ideally on a rotating basis) by each of the main working groups. (Other participants are welcome to join as well, but if necessary a decision can be made by consensus of spokes alone.) It is the primary means of communication and coordination for the organization. Meetings include updates on significant activities for all the working groups, as well as discussions and decisions on proposals already consensed by a working group.

Board of Directors

The board has a legal fiduciary responsibility to ensure that TLC Farm is financially viable, that donated money is used wisely, and that the non-profit's activities are within its charitable purposes. It therefore provides an oversight role, meeting every couple of months. The board also supports fundraising activities and building partnerships within the broader sustainability community. (We always welcome nominations for new board members.)

Working Groups

The following are the currently active TLC Farm working groups.

Garden

The garden working group is focused on coordinating the care and expansion of the permaculture gardens, the food forests, and the orchards. It meets fairly regularly on Thursday mornings. Matt Gordon and Bonsai Matt are currently coordinating the gardens, and point people for this group.