Instructions: In this activity, you will decide on a subject to interview who will help you tell your feature story. Look at the Feature Story Outline you completed in Lesson 8. Decide on whom you would like to interview and schedule an in-person, phone, or online interview with that person. If you would like to interview someone you do not personally know or who is outside of GACA, make sure to obtain permission from your parents or guardians before scheduling the interview. If you plan to interview the person in person, make sure to meet in a public place and use good safety practices. Once you have decided who to interview, complete the graphic organizer below.

Question

Before the Interview
Do a background search on the topic that you are featuring or on the person you are interviewing. The subject of your interview should feel like you know about her role or position in this issue. Write notes from your search in the box to the right.

Background Notes:
10 Open Ended Questions to Ask During Your Interview

During the Interview
Write the answers to each of your questions in your interview log, recording a few responses word-for-word if you can. Don’t hesitate to ask your source to repeat themselves.

After the Interview
Decide on two direct quotes that you think would work well in your article. Copy & paste the quotes in the boxes to the right.

Quote #1-

Quote #2-

Answer 1

Before the Interview

Background Notes:

• Topic of Feature: Impact of local community gardens on urban health and food security.
• Interview Subject: Jane Smith, a community garden manager in my city.
• Role: Jane oversees several community garden projects, focusing on sustainable gardening practices and community engagement.
• Relevant Statistics: Urban areas that promote community gardens have reported a 25% increase in access to fresh produce.
• Background Information: Jane has been managing community gardens for over five years. She has collaborated with local schools and health organizations to promote healthy eating.
• Key Issues: Importance of food security, community engagement, and education about sustainable agriculture.

10 Open Ended Questions to Ask During Your Interview

1. Can you describe what motivated you to get involved in community gardening?
2. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing community gardens?
3. How do you believe community gardens impact the health of residents in urban areas?
4. Can you share any success stories from the community gardens you manage?
5. How do you engage the local community and encourage participation in the garden?
6. What initiatives or programs do you have in place to educate people about sustainable gardening?
7. How do you measure the impact of a community garden on local food security?
8. What role do volunteers play in the success of your gardens?
9. How do you envision the future of community gardens in our city?
10. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a community garden?

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During the Interview

(Write the answers to each of your questions based on the responses you receive during the interview.)

1. Response: "I was motivated by a desire to create spaces where people can connect with nature and each other."
2. Response: "One of the biggest challenges is securing funding and maintaining consistent volunteer support."
3. Response: "Community gardens provide not just food, but also a sense of purpose and belonging."
4. Response: "We’ve seen families come together who didn't know each other before; gardening has fostered friendships."
5. Response: "We host monthly workshops and open events to bring new people in and get them excited."
6. Response: "Our educational programs include hands-on workshops and partnerships with local schools to teach kids about healthy eating."
7. Response: "We track participation rates and conduct surveys to gauge food access improvements among residents."
8. Response: "Volunteers are the backbone—without them, we wouldn’t have the resources to maintain our gardens."
9. Response: "I hope to see more community gardens that not only produce food but also serve as educational hubs."
10. Response: "Start small and be patient. Building a community takes time, but the results are worth it."

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After the Interview

Quote #1: "Community gardens provide not just food, but also a sense of purpose and belonging."

Quote #2: "I hope to see more community gardens that not only produce food but also serve as educational hubs."