Green Teacher Network Charlotte is non-profit done right, here’s why
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I first heard about Green Teacher Network Charlotte (GTN) on Twitter-their name, sleek logo, and bio piqued my interest. Further stalking of tweets led to introductions and a coffee date at Sunflour with Beth Mack, volunteer Vice President of the GTN leadership team.
Beth is a craft beer loving vegetarian with infectious positivity and a cool calmness at the same time. I want to be like her when I grow up. Prior to our meeting, I wasn’t quite sure what angle to take this story. During our conversation, it became very clear.
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Green Teacher Network is the epitome of a successful local non-profit. Here’s what they’re doing right:
A Clear Mission with Innovative Programs
Green Teacher Network Charlotte is a nonprofit advancing health, sustainability, and academics through school gardens. They collaborate with over 25 local organizations that support school gardens and maintain a network of over 1,200 educators in 168 schools in the Charlotte area. What used to be a plot of dirt is becoming a tool that can be integrated into the curriculum while providing hands on learning opportunities at the same time. They’re developing exciting programs and a model that will surely become a blueprint for schools across the country:
- Growing Entrepreneurs: Through a partnership with the Piedmont Culinary Guild, middle and high schoolers are growing crops for area farm to table restaurants like Heirloom. In addition to farming, these kids are learning financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Profits go back to refuel the program.
A photo posted by GreenTeacherNetwork Charlotte (@gtncharlotte) on
- Chicken Tractor: Yes, chicken tractor. GTN coordinates a mobile chicken tractor that visits schools to give students the opportunity to both interact with live chickens and learn about science and the food system. Chicken tractor, please come to the next #AgendaLIVE.
We love this!! 💚These are 1st grade students at Blythe Elementary getting a tour of our Chicken Tractor! #gtncharlotte #chickentractor #schoolgardening #eatrealfood #growyourfood #urbanfarm A photo posted by GreenTeacherNetwork Charlotte (@gtncharlotte) on
- STEM Catawba River Festival: Since 2009, GTN has hosted an annual field trip for five economically challenged schools to provide hands on learning opportunities in STEM at the Duke Energy Explorium.
- STEM to Fork Culinary Competition: Sponsored by Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds initiative, GTN brings together four CMS Middle Schools in a head-to-head Kids Cooking Competition. Students use produce from their school garden to learn basic culinary skills while incorporating principles of math and science.
A photo posted by GreenTeacherNetwork Charlotte (@gtncharlotte) on
Beth notes that nutrition affects more than a child’s physical health, it’s vital in academic achievement as well. Beth knows — she has a Master’s in Public Health with a focus in nutrition. The children that GTN serve are our future and GTN’s efforts are a long term investment in our community.
They Spread the Word through Social Media
Green Teacher Network is living their mission by getting the word out on events, funding opportunities, best practices and other resources through their website, newsletter, and social media.
GTN’s social media is managed by #thesavageway, a local marketing and branding company powered by Paula Bartlett and Torrie Savage.
One of the biggest mistakes non-profits can make is assuming they don’t belong in the social media space because of their non-profit status. Branding and marketing is important for the success of any organization run by humans and it can’t be an afterthought. GTN’s decision to outsource social media was brilliant and #thesavageway demonstrates that it works.
I would not have met Beth without Paula’s introduction.
Let’s Talk about the Website
Green Teacher Network’s website is just plain beautiful. It’s informative, easy to navigate, minimalistic, and pleasantly sprinkled with gorgeous images. It’s enough to make carnivores convert.
GTN’s website was designed by Ready At 7, powered by Garrett Tichy (of #WeLoveCLT) and Kayla Dugger. A stale, non-user friendly website disengages visitors and speaks volumes about the viability of an organization. GTN was smart to outsource this aspect and Ready At 7 delivered a beautiful product.
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GTN is doing amazing things in Charlotte. They’ve been around for just 2 years but have entrenched in our community with impressive backing by sponsors and individual donors.
Securing financial support is a critical component in advancing a non-profit’s mission and it’s also a great barometer of success. GTN has assembled a dynamic team of leaders, designers, and marketers to become a case study of a local non-profit gone right. Consider getting your hands dirty with them or making a donation to help the children of Charlotte — they’re all our sons and daughters.
Green Teacher Network Charlotte