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  • 1.  MOU for using school garden

    Posted 05-08-2023 12:30:00 AM

    Hello Gardeneers,

    I work with a nonprofit that will be offering a summer camp at a school where the parent organization has invested a significant amount of funds in building a new school garden. The parent org is asking for an MOU to make sure that their investments are "protected" and the "garden is positioned well to enter a Fall curriculum once the summer program ends."

    Obviously, we will take very good care of the garden and bring our own supplies to use. But I'm not sure how to handle this. Our program cannot be responsible for the damage that students from other camps and programs operating at the school over the summer do to the garden.

    Does anyone have experience with this or ideas for an MOU?

    Thank you, 



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    Christina Abuelo
    School Garden Equity Catalyst
    Barrio Botany
    San Diego, CA

    m: 858-210-2628
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  • 2.  RE: MOU for using school garden

    Posted 05-08-2023 05:15:00 PM

    Hello Christina,

    This sounds like such a wonderful partnership. While I don't know much about MOUs, do you think it would be possible to sit down with members from the parent organization and write the MOU together? This way you could bring up your concerns to each other and craft a document that would work for you all.



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    Barbara Halden
    Phoenix AZ
    6024023718
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: MOU for using school garden

    Posted 05-09-2023 08:40:00 AM

    I would suggest that you add language that states the specific times that your non-profit will be responsible for the garden and maybe a check-in and -out list of the condition of items they are concerned about to be filled out before and at the end of your summer camp. Kind of like you would do with a rental property or vehicle. I would also make sure that there is some indication that you are not responsible for random vandalism that might happen after hours or on weekends. (Teenagers and other people sometimes make poor choices). Is it gated? Does it lock?

    Are they making other groups that are using the space sign similar agreements? You might also want to see if you can find a law group like the ProBono Partnership to review the document for you before you sign. They do legal document work for free for non-profits that they take on as clients. 

    Thanks and Good Luck,
    Franke 



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    Franke Smith
    Educator
    Hickory Hill
    Thomson, GA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: MOU for using school garden

    Posted 05-09-2023 12:14:00 PM

     
    This is a tricky situation, since there are so many players in the school garden world. It is one that should be addressed. Here is an outline for the basics. I would definitely have someone who is in the legal world take a look at it when you have it drafted. This document is to protect you as well.  Good luck!

    I. Introduction

    • Parties involved
    • Purpose of the MOU
    • Background information

    II. Terms of the MOU

    • Scope of the agreement
    • Responsibilities of each party
    • Duration of the agreement
    • Termination clause

    III. Financial Arrangements

    • Payment terms (if applicable)
    • Expenses and reimbursements (if applicable)

    IV. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

    • Protection of confidential information
    • Ownership of intellectual property

    V. Dispute Resolution

    • Dispute resolution process
    • Jurisdiction and governing law

    VI. Signatures

    • Signatures of authorized representatives of each party
    • Date of signing

    This is just a general outline, and the specific details of an MOU will vary depending on the parties involved and the purpose of the agreement. It's important to consult with legal counsel when drafting an MOU to ensure that all necessary details are included and that the agreement complies with relevant laws and regulations.




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    Kim Aman
    Grow Garden Grow
    Dallas TX
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: MOU for using school garden

    Posted 06-01-2023 03:34:00 PM

    The most comprehensive document I have seen for a MOU or Inner agency agreement for Garden to Cafeteria programs is from the San Diego Unified School District.  See link below.  This covers Food Safety not the purchasing of the produce.  I haven't had much luck finding an example that includes purchasing from the garden.  I would love to see some examples or templates for that process.

    (2017-18 Version) G2C SDUSD Approval Procedure Updated 3.4.15.pdf (sharpschool.com)



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    Nichole Garden
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: MOU for using school garden

    Posted 06-01-2023 03:34:00 PM

    I just realized you are from San Deigo! 



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    Nichole Garden
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    Original Message


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