Get Down and Dirty With Grass Roots Organizers

Veterans of several successful grass roots organizations will be offering the fruits of their experiences with the public later this month.

"Brooklyn Dirt Talk Three" — a night of advice for starting, growing and maintaining a street-level political or social action group — will be held Tuesday April 17th, at 8:00 p.m. at the Sycamore Bar and Flowershop on Cortelyou Rd. in Ditmas Park. Speakers include host Meera Bhat of Prospect Farm, Anne Pope and Kady Ferguson of Sustainable Flatbush, and Louise Bruce and Rachel Schragis of Compost for Brooklyn. The night is a joint presentation of Cantaloupe Alone and Prospect Farm.

But despite the "earthy" nature of the venue and organizations involved, Cantaloupe Alone's Naomi Donabedian said it's not just for those with green thumbs.

"Speakers will discuss organizing, motivating, and evaluating grass roots organizations," she said.

Unlike the previous two events in the series, this session will focus more on producing results than growing produce.

"There will not be much gardening crossover this time," said Donabedian. "It is about organizing to get that done with the power of community."

This talk will also have a specific focus on the Brooklyn neighborhoods like Ditmas Park where the groups have their roots.

"In fact this night is mostly a nod to our hood," Donabedian said. "So far this year Brooklyn Dirt Talk has included speakers from around the tri-state, and (we) wanted a night to focus on what's happening in our neighborhood, because its pretty excellent and always worth talking about. It makes it more special to hold the event at Sycamore which offers more than just drinks to the neighborhood and is a great place to hang out."


About The Event

"Brooklyn Dirt Talk Three"

When: Tuesday April 17th, 2012, 8 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Downstairs @ Sycamore Bar and Flowershop,
1118 Cortelyou RD, BK
Ages: 21 and up
Price: Free