TL;DR: A queer gardening club in Detroit that’s semi-anarchal, anti-capitalist, and run on Discord—think workshops, projects, and produce-sharing with zero leadership vibes. Bring your tomatoes and your spreadsheets, not your hierarchy. 🌱

Overview

A bunch of humans—and a couple of aliens—came together in Barb’s backyard while Cody was installing a mini meadow and drainage area.

The result? A semi-anarchal queer social group within the city of Detroit, designed to create a low-hierarchy, decentralized collective with solid organizational structure to accommodate all members, including our neurodivergent friends.

The group will primarily operate through Discord, with an organizer's board focused on planning events and encouraging “members” to share knowledge rather than providing traditional leadership.

Our approach emphasizes connection, learning, and giving back to the community in a post-late-stage capitalist framework.

Calendar

We've moved the calendar to our Discord Server so it can be equally available by all folks.

Feel free to join the email list for weekly(ish) summaries if Discord is not your vibe.

Organizational Structure

• Decentralized: As low-hierarchy as possible while maintaining clarity for autistic members.
• Organizer's Board: Focused on event logistics, not leadership roles.
• Communication:
• Primary: Discord
• Secondary: Email updates and peer-to-peer communication
• Third: Social media (minimal presence for awareness, not engagement)
• Tech:
• Discord: Primary platform for communication.
• Google Docs: Community resource sharing.
• Website: Basic landing page with information.
• Social Media: Minimal accounts for top-of-funnel awareness.

Meetings

One meeting per monthish, with zero pressure or expectations to attend if you're having an off day—rotating among four types:

1. Workshops: Learning sessions on topics like Michigan native plants, rain gardens, and wreath building.
2. Projects: Hands-on activities supporting fellow members, non-profits, or community gardens.
3. Tours: Visits to properties to learn about gardening and related topics.
4. Outings: Social events like trips to farmers markets.

Remember, we're practicing anarchy here — so there are no formal leaders or organizers. We're self-organizing and inviting everyone to participate.

Membership

• There is no cost and no formal membership.
• This is a network of humans who engage how, when, and to the level at which they would like.
• There are small costs to operate in the world, but we figure those out when they come up.

Future Vision

• Decentralized Cooperative Gardening:
• Members grow different produce and share within the group.
• Resource sharing, such as tools and project help.
• Community contributions: Sharing surplus produce at farmers markets or with soup kitchens.
• No Permanent Physical Location: Meetings held at various sites across Detroit.

Legal and Financial Structure

We are exploring stewardship of our funds and legal framework under the Michigan Gardening Club (District 1).

Leadership and Organization

• Burning Man Style Camp: Groups of people networking together to lead projects organized through Discord.
• OG'ers: The First Camp, started by Spencer and Cody, is ensuring that Year 1 (2025) has events happening
• Open Roles: We welcome other organizers to join, especially for administrative tasks like managing spreadsheets, calendars, and other backend support.

Community Agreements

Still in development, but the emphasis is on:

• Keeping things low-key.
• Encouraging peer-to-peer connections.
• Focusing on being a connective organization without an income-generating focus.

Join Us!

We’re planning an initial meeting for Spring 2025, likely in March. If you’re interested in helping with logistics, spreadsheets, and planning—not public leadership—indicate your interest on the registration form, and we’ll be in touch.

We look forward to building something amazing together!

Spencer Field: - Hello@Spencerfield.me

Cody Williams: detdrip@gmail.com