Gartenpolylog – the network is the key

In the current era of social media, we are becoming more and more familiar with the idea of “Networking”; we are slowly starting to understand the importance of social network as a way of fixing some of our problems. The social capital is a great wealth, as theorized by sociologists like Coleman, Fukuyama or Bauman. This idea has also been understood by the creators of the association called “Gartenpolylog”. It is an open group of people of different origins and professional backgrounds, who have been brought together by their interest in intercultural community gardens since 2007.

The headquarters of the group is situated in Vienna. However, “Gartenpolylog” connects different community gardens from all over Austria. All the gardens involved are organic and the gardeners participate in a networking process by several events.

The title of the association well summarizes its founding idea. In fact, “Garten” in German means “Garden”, “Polylog” is a speech delivered by several people, accordingly “Gartenpolylog” means to discuss environmental issues. Inspired by the Austrian philosopher Franz Martin Wimmer, the idea of interconnection between the cultures is encouraged by different meetings and an annual community garden conference. Moreover, on the website of the project, there is also an electronic platform where is possible to exchange interesting ideas, tips, and distribute information.

“Gartenpolylog” focuses a lot on an online communication. For example, they have a specific online magazine focused on ecological issues. Furthermore, they created a virtual map of community gardens in Austria where everyone can find garden projects or insert own community garden. There is also a specific webpage where you can exchange, buy or sale gardening tools.

Different social institutions are involved in the networking process. Therefore, they can contribute to the growth of “Gartenpolylog” with various kinds of contributions or donations. New volunteers are always welcomed and the support to individual proposals is promoted. 

The association “Gartenpolylog” for a period of time also guarantees an assistance to the groups in certain critical stages of establishing a community garden such as setting up specific garden regulations or founding registered societies.

Special attention is paid to the Community Supported Agriculture projects, an alternative socio-economic model of agriculture and food distribution based on the idea of connection between producers and consumers. The latter can also participate in the production process to become a “Prosumer”. "Prosumer" is a person who at the same time consumes and produces a product. “Gartenpolylog” encourages these practices, favors the exchange of knowledge and proposes new ideas.

The sense of community is the cornerstone of the Gartenpolylog’s initiatives; the interaction is the linchpin in fighting against the actual atomized society and recreating a sense of belonging to the only existing race in the world: the human race. 

By Francesco Morra