I'm skipping my usual Media & Web Watch format. Honestly, if you can't tell that there's a groundswell in gardening coverage right now now, then you must be living under a rock. Even Bill Maher mentioned the new White House garden approvingly on Friday's show. (A year's worth of related media stories for newcomers).
Instead, I'm going to ask you to do a few things for me this week:
1. Accept that we've won the battle, but definitely not the war: The old adage is perfect. We've got a White House garden. Yay! We can now expect to hear all kinds of carping about how this important move is: a PR stunt by the Obama administration; a weak attempt to appeal to the liberal/elitist/garden/foodies; wholly insufficient because the garden isn't sufficiently organic/heirloom/whatever.
Oh, wait. These things are already being said in both the mainstream and alternative media. Some such remarks were made before FLOTUS planted her cute fancy boots and shovel in the First Lawn. Well, before we get frustrated and lose our zeal, let me say this: criticism (warranted or not) comes with the territory of civic engagement.
Welcome, nascent Victory Garden revival supporters, to the world of public slings and brutal arrows! Truth is, long-time proponents have encountered it before (Exhibits
A and
B). Buck up. Get busy. Counter the criticism with facts, temper their pessimism with your own enthusiasm. Take the criticism and transform it into an opportunity for constructive dialogue.
2.
Remember that the most persuasive person in your community is you: That's right. The White House garden gives the movement new visibility, sure. But people in your 'hood are more likely to be convinced to join the movement if and when
you reach out to them and invite them to join you. It's human nature; we look to our peers to influence our choices more than any media pundit, talking head, or celebrity (okay, Oprah may be the exception...and she does have a new garden channel on her website...but she's not the rule). Get out there and recruit some new gardeners! Invite them in person, via neighborhood or church newsletters...get creative! (
More ideas)
3
. Remember that the most influential PR outreach person in your community is you: Editors listen to readers (especially subscribers...save the newspapers!). They also love your blog comments and letters to the editor. Start typing. Tell local reporters and editors that the hook may be the new White House garden but
your little vegetable bed is the
really interesting local story. Journalists love that kind of stuff. Be sure to remind them in your note that Americans can grow their own food at home for pleasure, nutrition, patriotism or whatever the best angle is for your community. (
More ideas for engaging the local media)
4.
Blog!!! By all means, if you've got a blog...use it. Connect the White House garden to your pro-sustainability efforts. (Need a writing prompt? Look to the
Victory Garden meme project a bunch of us did last fall.)
5.
If you have a blog, sign up for the RW&G Garden Registry. Why does this matter? Because my blog hits are
up almost 200%. (Did I mention that this blog is mentioned in the next issue of
Hobby Farm Home?) Come, ride the wave with us before it crests! Americans are hungry for information about Victory Gardening right now. Through the registry, interested parties will be able to
find people like you who want to promote the revival. Plus, there's a chance to win something very cool!
Other ideas for us to keep the momentum going? Share? Your suggestions are needed now!
