KEO SAMNANG
Touchstone 1.2
21/06/2024
Establishing a Community Garden in an Urban Neighborhood
Reason for Topic Choice: I am passionate about community-building and sustainability. I believe
that a community garden can improve the quality of life in our neighborhood by providing fresh
produce, enhancing social connections, and promoting environmental awareness.
Step 2: Determine Research Question and Working Thesis Statement
Research Question: How will establishing a community garden benefit our urban neighborhood?
Working Thesis Statement: Implementing a community garden in our urban neighborhood will
enhance residents' quality of life by providing fresh produce, fostering social connections, and
promoting environmental sustainability.
Step 3: Create Detailed Outline
I. Introduction
- A. Hook: Brief anecdote or statistic about urban food deserts and lack of green spaces.
- B. Background: Explanation of the current state of the neighborhood and the absence of
green spaces or communal areas.
- C. Research Question: How will establishing a community garden benefit our urban
neighborhood?
- D. Thesis Statement: Implementing a community garden in our urban neighborhood will
enhance residents' quality of life by providing fresh produce, fostering social connections, and
promoting environmental sustainability.
II. Benefits of Providing Fresh Produce
- A. Access to healthy food
- 1. Explanation of food deserts and their impact on health.
- 2. Evidence: Statistics on health improvements linked to access to fresh produce.
- B. Cost savings for residents
- 1. Comparison of costs between store-bought and garden-grown produce.
- 2. Evidence: Case studies of other urban community gardens and their economic impact.
- C. Educational opportunities
- 1. Learning about gardening and nutrition.
- 2. Evidence: Examples of educational programs linked to community gardens.
III. Fostering Social Connections
- A. Community engagement
- 1. Spaces for socializing and events.
- 2. Evidence: Testimonials from other community garden participants.
- B. Intergenerational interactions
- 1. Bridging the gap between older and younger residents.
- 2. Evidence: Studies on social benefits of community gardens.
- C. Volunteerism and civic pride
- 1. Opportunities for residents to contribute to the community.
- 2. Evidence: Data on increased volunteerism and community pride in areas with
community gardens.
IV. Promoting Environmental Sustainability
- A. Green space creation
- 1. Benefits of urban green spaces on mental health and well-being.
- 2. Evidence: Research on the positive impact of green spaces.
- B. Waste reduction through composting
- 1. Using organic waste to enrich garden soil.
- 2. Evidence: Statistics on waste reduction in communities with gardens.
- C. Urban biodiversity
- 1. Creating habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
- 2. Evidence: Studies on increased urban biodiversity due to community gardens.
V. Implementation Plan
- A. Securing funding and resources
- 1. Possible grants, donations, and community fundraisers.
- 2. Evidence: Examples of successful funding models for community gardens.
- B. Community involvement and support
- 1. Forming a committee and involving residents in planning.
- 2. Evidence: Case studies of community involvement in successful projects.
- C. Long-term sustainability
- 1. Maintenance plans and volunteer schedules.
- 2. Evidence: Examples of long-term successful community gardens.
VI. Conclusion
- A. Restate thesis: Reiterate the benefits of a community garden for the neighborhood.
- B. Summary of key points: Highlight the main arguments and supporting evidence.
- C. Call to action: Encourage community members to support the project and get involved.
Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. What was the most challenging aspect of the research process for you?
The most challenging aspect of the research process was narrowing down a specific topic that
is both impactful and feasible. I had to balance my passion for several community issues with
the practicality of addressing them in a 6–8-page essay.
2. Analyze the effectiveness of your working thesis statement.
My working thesis statement is effective because it clearly identifies the problem (lack of a
community garden) and presents a solution (establishing a community garden) along with the
benefits (enhancing residents' quality of life). It is concise, actionable, and takes a clear position
on the issue.
3. Review your detailed outline and summarize the argument you've presented.
My argument presents a well-rounded case for establishing a community garden in our urban
neighborhood. It highlights the benefits of providing fresh produce, fostering social connections,
and promoting environmental sustainability. The outline also includes a practical implementation
plan, showing that the proposal is not only beneficial but also feasible.
4. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you? What are specific questions you might have
as you go deeper into the research process?
Feedback on the clarity and persuasiveness of my thesis statement and main points would be
helpful. Additionally, advice on finding and integrating strong evidence to support my arguments
would be beneficial. Specific questions I have include: Are there any potential counterarguments
I should address? What are the best strategies for engaging the community and gaining their
support for the project?
