I recently discovered the Green Parent Association after a visit to Vitality Wellness Day Spa. After talking to the Marketing Director about my Wellness Coaching practice, she mentioned how she knew a group of moms from the Park Maitland School who started “The Green Parent Association”. After checking out the website I emailed the Founder, Joy Ashlock, with some questions.
What is the cost to join your association and how many members are there?
At this time we are not charging a membership fee or a cost to attend programs as we hope to reach all families in all communities regardless of demographics. Our database is growing everyday and include interested individuals around the US , local media, politicians, green businesses, etc. We have close to 200 “fans” on Facebook and it seems to grow every day.
Are you planning to stay local or become a national organization?
National! We have a national presence. Two of our upcoming events will be occurring simultaneously in other cities. For example, the Healthy Home Parties on Earth Day, Thursday April 22 will occur in Orlando , Charlotte , Dallas , Houston , Salem (OR), and San Diego . We are hopeful these will be our first cities to launch GPA’s in their cities. Additionally, the event with the Society of St. Andrew on May 8 we hope will also be a national effort and have GPA volunteers in a variety of other cities.
Tell me about any projects you have been a part of that have been successful?
We feel that the momentum of our efforts is very successful. Our facebook fan base, from the US and Canada , grew tremendously before the web site was ever launched. Our first program in November 2009 was “FOOD ADDITIVES 101” held at Café 118 in Winter Park and was a resounding success based on the attendance and information provided to our attendees who told us they loved the program. Our speaker was Tracy Neely, owner of Nourish & Flourish Healthy Living. Additionally, our first silent auction fund raiser in February was hugely successful and helped become financially solid and able to pay our own bills (web design, lawyer bills, educational material, items for fundraising, etc.) So, we are thrilled with the efforts to date and feel that moving forward things will continue to improve.
For more information about the Green Parent Association, go to greenparentassociation.org.
Melita Franzen
