On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Alliance members gathered for our monthly meeting, led by Erica Lisowe, Director of the Alliance’s Youth Garden Education Program (YGEP), to review and discuss the first draft of the Alliance’s Membership Handbook. This important document will serve as a guide for our members, outlining the Alliance’s vision, mission, membership types, guidelines, roles and responsibilities, resources, and support. It also includes an appendix and definitions to ensure clarity and consistency for all members. Much of the discussion focused on the scope of the Alliance and the question of “How We Serve,” with a particular emphasis on our priority areas of East Knoxville, Lonsdale/Mechanicsville, and South Knoxville. Members also explored the idea of hosting Community Listening Sessions twice a year in each priority area, ensuring that our work remains rooted in the voices and needs of the communities we serve.
The conversation also brought forward important perspectives and practical suggestions from members. Leigh Cheek highlighted the importance of growing foods that community members already enjoy eating, while Mike Smith shared how CUMC grows a diversity of crops for distribution across the city. Chris Battle noted that in East Knoxville, their gardens focus on culturally familiar foods, as education is often needed when introducing new crops. Other highlights included a reminder about Beardsley Farm’s produce fridge and its support from the Knoxville American Heart Association, as well as CUMC’s annual apple drop for distribution. Members also discussed resources such as Monster Tree’s free wood chip drops and the need for clearer tools like a revised Community Request Form and a visual diagram of the Alliance’s structure and purpose. As next steps, The core staff will review feedback and present the updated handbook draft to the Alliance’s Board for approval.