Interview with Dagmar Beyerlein, CR Volunteer and Donor

CR: How have you contributed to Collective Roots?

Dagmar: In a couple of ways; through direct monetary donations, and through volunteering on community garden work days, Collective Roots Spring Tea, etc. I have donated funds to support the Giant Green dome and to generally support the programs of Collective Roots.

CR: Why is this important to you?

Dagmar: The key thing that I see about your organization is that you are building a better society and community… through providing rich learning opportunities, and engaging students and parents in ways that are both educational and fun. Through the programs and activities of Collective Roots, parents have the opportunity to get more involved in taking ownership of their children’s education and the successes of the school, and actually change the educational environment…moving outside of the traditional classroom space.

CR: Do you consider this an ‘investment’? If so, how so?

Dagmar: Investment decisions are obviously different in non-profit versus for-profit settings… An investment in Collective Roots is not driven by a ‘bottom line’ value such as making money…it involves values that are distinctly different from traditional business interests, such as people working together to create a beautiful garden. Honestly, I believe it is an obligation to contribute time and money toward creating a better society. My reasons for investing and the expected ‘return on my investment’ are fueled and measured by the successes and achievements of the organization. For example, the garden at East Palo Alto Charter School has been transformed over the last year by hundreds of volunteers and students into a flagship garden. I am excited to see how the kids are involved in it, excited by it, and all the attention that is being drawn to their work and accomplishments. This is the kind of success that should elicit people to make similar investments in this work that translates into children being more motivated to come to school and to strive for continued academic achievement. There is also the success of Collective Roots in establishing a community based farmers’ market in a city that has lacked a major source of fruits and vegetables for over two decades.

As someone who is fortunate to have received an advanced science education, I also recognize the potential of Collective Roots as a catalyst for exposing children to science and environment, addressing the critical issue of science education in public schools—an area that is unfortunately suffering greatly in the Bay Area, according to a recent study. I was fortunate and blessed to have an incredible science education and I want other children to have the opportunity to be inspired or interested in science and technology—this is particularly important in the Silicon Valley region. Collective Roots programs provide creative hands-on and practical potential to show students the fruits of their labor…my schooling was often abstract and sometimes uninspiring…one benefit of Collective Roots’ work is that the school gardens they create provide a laboratory for applied science.

CR: Collective Roots receives a hefty percentage of in-kind donations of products and services (typically up to 40% of the annual budget). What is your perspective regarding in-kind donations?

Dagmar: In-kind donations enhance the donation pool and available resources, and cash donations can be extended further. More importantly, in-kind donations open up more opportunities for giving that are not just financial. This is an avenue for giving that allows companies to give to Collective Roots in various ways.  If you make a financial donation, your connection sometimes isn’t as strong as giving in-kind. In-kind giving can create strong ties with the companies or donors involved—it can be more engaging than simply writing a check. Also, in-kind donors have the opportunity to see the organization up close, understanding needs and challenges better.  When pro-bono support is provided, it is possible to directly view the fruits of one’s labor--this can be a more intimate way of giving.

CR: What do you have to say to others that might be considering making an investment in Collective Roots? What are the dividends or Return on the investment?

Dagmar: I encourage people to go and work in their amazing garden, and see the kids learning and making things grow in the garden...see what goes on there and how the resources are being used. I suggest that Collective Roots hold more open house events, because I believe that people will be inspired, and better understand your needs, and see where the resources are going, and the results that are being delivered. Visit the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market, started by Collective Roots. I have been blessed to grow up in communities where I have always had access to healthy, fresh food…I can only imagine what is like to live in a community where access to food is a challenge.  I think every community should have a farmers’ market…we all deserve to have access to fresh local foods. Collective Roots has established a market that promotes community, and residents no longer have to drive 5 miles outside the community to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dagmar Beyerlein grew up in Silicon Valley, and is a mechanical engineer specializing in bio-medical technology. She holds two masters degrees in engineering and business administration.