How to start an area group or a private yardsharing pod

To start a group for my geographic area:

first use the Search feature on the PODS/GROUPS page.(Look for the little magnifying glass icon) to see a list of groups in your area. You can search by city, state or zip.
if there is no group in your area then select Add a group link at the top right of the PODS/GROUP page.
set the title of the group for example: Seeking Yard share -San Mateo, CA.
set image for new group and make it interesting so we can feature your group!
set location (Town or City and State or Province, Country for new group. If its a large area use your neighborhood too...
save group (scroll to bottom of the screen if you cannot see the SAVE button)

Note - please do not make large area groups private.
If you would like a private group create a "pod." Private groups are reserved for established yardsharing groups.

To create a private yard sharing pod:

click on the pods/groups tab
on the next screen select Add a group link.
set title for new group. Please put "pod" in the title. For example: East Palo Alto - Main Street Pod, Yellow Submarine Pod... (You can name it anything you want so long as you keep it clean and put pod in the title.)
set image for new pod/group - again make it interesting!
set location for new pod/group
save group (at bottom of the screen)

Yard sharing is a really new idea and we really need help getting the idea out into the world. Once you've done these things consider a few ways you can let your community know that you are here looking to start a yard share group:

Post to craigslist community in your area with a link to your area page or your pod page.
Flier in your neighborhood with a link to your area page
Use the INVITE FRIENDS feature to let your friends, family and neighbors know even if they are not in the same town - other hyperlocavores might live near them.
Give a talk in your faith community and let them know about hyperlocavore.com and link to your area page
Blog about yard sharing and link to your area page
Flier your college campus with a link to your area page
If it is appropriate send an email at work with yard sharing information and a link to your area page
tweet about yard sharing and hyperlocavore.com on twitter!

The more peas we have signed up, the sooner we can find you a yard share, or some happy to help gardeners!

Here are a few questions to get your pod started talking about your own yard share.

Here are some fliers to help you get going:
You will need to write in your own contact information, meeting times etc. with a black sharpie.
Be sure to print clearly!

Neighborhood General Flier
Tabling Sign Up Sheet "Learn More About Yard Sharing"
Meeting Flier
Little Card With Web Address
That last flier needs to be cut up, and you need to add any information that would be helpful such as your group name or your phone number. These are for people who might be tabling at an event and need something to write on. Let me know if you need other forms or fliers. I am happy to create anything which you think will help you get going. Just mail me at hyperlocavore@gmail.com. You also may want to use a "url shortener" to make the web address a little easier to convey in the small space of a flier. There are many tools out there that can help.
Here is some more information on url shortening tools.

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Comment by Karen Bergeron on February 28, 2011 at 11:54pm: Hi Susan. I sent my email and a friend request. Wasn't sure how else to go about it. Nice challenge. We won't be doing any gardening here in NH until after Memorial Day.

Comment by Susan L. Miller on February 26, 2011 at 9:53am: Hi Karen~sure. Please send me your email address and I will forward it.

Happy Gardening!

PS Here's a new project I'm working on- check it out:

http://www.maringardenchallenge.org

Comment by Karen Bergeron on February 25, 2011 at 9:21pm: Susan, would you be comfortable passing on that agreement to me also?

Comment by Susan L. Miller on October 27, 2010 at 5:28pm: Hi Wayne- please send me your email and I will forward a copy.

Comment by Wayne Thomas on October 27, 2010 at 11:59am: Susan, are you comfortable passing on that agreement of which your spoke?

Comment by Cheryl Brady on October 27, 2010 at 11:22am: Looking for anyone active in Tampa Florida....

Comment by Susan L. Miller on October 19, 2010 at 4:19pm: Hi~ I consulted an attorney who drafted a simple liability waiver that ALL persons working in the gardens must sign ( anyone under 18 has to have parent's or guardians consent). Plus a general agreement between the landowners and gardeners, and a list of gardener guidelines for working on shared land. So far it's working great!

Comment by Janettee McCrary on June 3, 2010 at 2:01am: Thanks Liz:) I'll take a look at it for sure:)

Comment by LizM - Site Moderator on June 3, 2010 at 12:47am: Hey Janette!

A reference you might be interested in is a book called The Sharing Solution - by Nolo Press. I don't give out any legal advise - as I am not a lawyer. A Ms. Orsi is the author and a lawyer that specifically tackles issues in this emerging topic of sharing resources.

Best of luck!

Comment by Janettee McCrary on June 2, 2010 at 8:59pm: I'm curious to know the answer to Molly's question, as well. This is definately something my husband will ask. Does anyone have the answer?

Comment by LizM - Site Moderator on February 4, 2010 at 8:05pm: That's amazing Wayne - we're still under four feet of snow!

Comment by Wayne Thomas on February 4, 2010 at 6:38am: I'm glad to see the fliers. Our broccoli and chard are still growing. The garden is green while the grass is brown.

Comment by Molly Stuart on August 6, 2009 at 9:21am: How have people delt with liability issues for having "visitors" on your land, working, accidents, food sickness, etc? Does anyone have a draft contract or agreement that they sign with people to help articulate their agreements, rights. etc?

Comment by LizM - Site Moderator on July 15, 2009 at 6:32pm: I've re-written the instructions. Please contact me if you are still having trouble creating public or private groups. I am happy to walk you through it!

Comment by Michele Gonzalez on April 29, 2009 at 10:07pm: You have to click the actual tab, not just move the mouse over it. It will bring up a new page and within that page with will say (+add group) and you should be able to add all your info in there.

Comment by Bruce Bills on April 29, 2009 at 9:27pm: Site very hard to navigate. Can't sart goup. all I get is a link to this comment section.

Comment by MP Tomei on April 6, 2009 at 6:48am: Hi again Liz,

I too am having difficulty trying to add a Pod/Group. When I click on Add Group it jjust takes me to the instructions again.