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Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
April 22, 2009

A small, but mighty organization, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is an example of how a small group of people can have major impacts. Apart from the fact that there are only three full time employees, this organization seeks to bring advocacy and awareness about issues surrounding the environment and public planning. Each year they host a number of events: Pumpkins in the Park brings young families out into the park for some autumn fun while inviting local organizations to provide information and activities about the river and local resources. In the Spring, garden enthusiasts and greenies alike come out for Spring in Guadalupe where they can recycle e-waste, learn about composting, or purchase garden related items all while enjoying this gem of a park along the river. If your under the age of 12, you can join the fun with some great educational programs or discover the importance of keeping our local watersheds clean at the annual Water Wizard Festival. Aspiring to become a green business, the staff and volunteers are taking steps to minimize their impact on the environment, even if it means biking to work everyday for the bike to work challenge - and as many may know this can be life threatening on the streets of San Jose. This organization just goes to show you that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

their ability to make an impact on the lives of citizens while having a small and limited staff. They have learned how to do a lot with limited resources and are taking steps to improve their own awareness along with those of the local community.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

put most of my efforts in the educational aspect, particularly childrens education.

More feedback

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

the staff is very friendly and committed to the work which they do. They are honestly trying to make improvements and have heart while doing so. They do not feel fake.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

diverse - there are many people from different backgrounds, experiences and interests. The organization doesn't just attract one type of person. The park itself has so many unique elements that you have people concerned with making the park more accessible for bikes, runners, children, groups...

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

change the face of San Jose. They would be able to work with other agencies to make the park more accessible and friendly to visitors. They would be able to hire more staff to run the education program, reach the public in more creative ways and have a larger overall impact.

Ways to make it better...

there was better access to the river for educational programs and more elements of the park that facilitated large group educational programs.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

having to work with many other agencies and groups to manage the park - it makes it difficult to get things done.

One thing I'd also say is that...

this organization is small, but mighty!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2008

MY ROLE:
General Member of the Public & I worked as an educational assistant and volunteer.