Eastside Community Meeting

DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED!

The McFarland-YWCA is currently under construction to become the new NWIAA Agriculture and Science Academy!

Donations and assistance with obtaining sponsorships and volunteers are needed to help restore the former McFarland-YWCA branch into the new NWIAA Agriculture and Science Academy. The building and property have been in the community since 1965.  There is approximately 14,000 square feet and sits on 10 acres of land. The facility also includes a community garden, 21 raised beds, flower beds, a compose area and other environmental healthy items. The academy will be located at the same location as the former McFarland-YWCA at 1701 North Martin Luther King Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73111.

What is the NWIAA? The NWIAA stands for the National Women in Agriculture Association. We are a non-profit organization that has been serving the United States through agricultural outreach since 2008. The NWIAA holds a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, which provides more available funds for charitable purposes. The organization will be recognized by the White House for its genuine service towards the communities that it serves this upcoming February 2014.

The goal of the NWIAA Agriculture and Science Academy is to educate individuals and families about locally grown healthy food. Our main focus is the combat at risk youth, generational health and economic poverty issues through agriculture and health education. Educational training will gear towards how to grow and cook healthy foods. Participants will also gain knowledge on how to protect and conserve our environment, maintain physical health and fitness, and how to gain income from the land.

The academy is a part of the USDA initiative which helps to aid towards community-wide poverty issues. We are currently in the process of partnering with neighboring schools and churches in an effort to save our youth through educational outreach. On-site offices will also be available to help with assistance towards job placement, horticulture training, notary public, and after-school math and science tutoring.

For more information please contact our office at 405-424-4624 or 405-317-8110 or email us at womeninag@gmail.com. For additional information about our organization, please visit our website at www.nwiaa.org.

 

Great Health Education Info

Myths About Black Women & Heart Disease
http://blackdoctor.org/39/myths-about-black-women-heart-disease/

Urban Agriculture Ordinance

Here is a summary of the proposed changes to the Municipal Code: 

 

1. Vegetable gardens would be allowed in front, back, and side yards.

2. Community gardens and urban farming would be allowed.

3. Up to 6 hens (not roosters) would be allowed in backyards.

4. Greenhouses, rainwater harvesting, and roof gardens would be allowed.

5. Backyard composting would be allowed.

This ordinance was passed unanimously by the Planning Commission.  Now it moves on to City Council.  Here are the three ways your organization can help:

 

1.   Encourage everyone to contact the Mayor and their City Council member!  To reach the Mayor, call 297-2424 or email mayor@okc.gov.  For Ward 7, call John A. Pettis Jr. at 297-2402 or email ward7@okc.gov.  This is by far the best way for everyone to make a big difference on whether this ordinance gets passed by City Council!  We will send out an email, post on facebook and market through National Women In Ag. Association's electronic communication tools.   

 

2.  Attend the December 17 meeting of City Council.  These meetings tend to be long and boring, but for anyone who has the time and interest, your presence is very welcome.  This is the meeting at which the public will be invited to comment on the ordinance.  As we discussed on the phone, it would be wonderful if you would be willing to address the Council on behalf of your organization.  Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele plans to attend the council meeting on and speak on December 17, 2013, to support this much needed health ordinance.  

 

3.  Several organizations around the city are endorsing our effort to support this ordinance.  If Women in Agriculture would like to endorse us, please reply with an official endorsement, contact name and number, and a .jpg or .png of your logo, as soon as is possible.  Our official title of the organization is:  National Women In Ag. Association ("NWIAA"), contact person:  Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele, Executive Director, (405) 317-8110 - business cell number; email address: womeninag@gmail.com. 

Fresh Roots Market

INCREASE Oklahoma Agriculturalist and Farmers

Good Afternoon and Happy Holidays to All:

As soon as possible, we are encouraging everyone to contact the Mayor and their City Council member!  To reach the Mayor, call 297-2424 or email mayor@okc.gov.  For Ward 7, call John A. Pettis Jr. at 297-2402 or email ward7@okc.gov.  This is by far the best way for everyone to make a big difference on whether this ordinance gets passed by City Council!

Here is a summary of the proposed changes to the Municipal Code: 

1. Vegetable gardens would be allowed in front, back, and side yards.

2. Community gardens and urban farming would be allowed.

3. Up to 6 hens (not roosters) would be allowed in backyards.

4. Greenhouses, rainwater harvesting, and roof gardens would be allowed.

5. Backyard composting would be allowed.

This ordinance was passed unanimously by the Planning Commission.  Now it moves on to City Council.  By you helping contact the above referenced individual(s); (telephone numbers and email addresses were provided above), these are ways you can help.  

Thank you in advance for helping making a difference, in agriculture and ultimately a difference for healthy lifestyles for many...

Respectfully, 

Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele

(405) 317-8110