Build Community with a Crop Mob

A crop mob is a work party focused on working the land. It’s a powerful way to develop meaningful relationships while tending to work that feels overwhelming when faced alone.

The idea of coming together to work is not new.  Collective action was commonplace in rural America in the 18th and 19th centuries, think Amish barn raising. Still, the idea of gathering a group of interested individuals to help a farmer was dubbed a Crop Mob in 2008 when a group of young farmers in North Carolina’s Triangle region met to discuss challenges they face as farmers. One farmer suggested that they get together to work while they talked, and the first official Crop Mob began.

Taking the crop mob idea to the homestead is a way to build not only gardens but friendships. It turns out those young farmers in North Carolina were on to something. Working side by side while talking about things that matter builds deeper relationships than just sitting around a table talking.

To start a crop mob in your community, It’s as simple as this:

1. Invite several people to come together at regular intervals.
   • When deciding on how many households to include, consider:
     • How many workdays would you like to have each season?
     • How many people can you accommodate?
     • How many people can you effectively manage?
   • Make sure each household commits to the entire season.
     • This shared work arrangement thrives on mutual commitment.
   • It works well to have the host prepare a meal to share after the crop mob.
2. Before the season starts, hold a calendar meeting, and schedule at least one crop mob at each household.
3. Be well prepared for each crop mob.
   • The host emails the group a few days ahead of time with a project list.
     • Consider large projects that would take one person days to accomplish, such as digging and shaping new garden beds, weeding the entire garden, putting up a garden fence, mulching, planting trees, etc. 
     • Be ambitious in your list-making. It’s better to run out of time than to run out of work before the time is up.
   • The host prepares the workspace so that the group can get right to work upon arrival.
   • Upon arrival, hold a quick meeting wherein the host gives an overview of the day’s goals and delegates tasks.
4. Work hard and have fun!

Work is so much more fun when shared, and the momentum is inspiring, causing everyone to work harder than when alone. Try it for yourself. You’ll be investing yourself in your community, and the results will astound you.

Simply,
Hari
P.S.
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