SOUL BranchesSince its foundation in 2003, SOUL has enjoyed a slow but steady increase in membership numbers. Starting up with a core group of about a dozen Victoria, B.C. based landscape professionals and gardeners, SOUL evolved into a nationwide society now exceeding 100 members. While the bulk of present day members reside and work on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, others are joining SOUL from as far away as Ontario and the Northwestern United States. At the same time, it has become clear that non-professional members of the public, such as home gardeners or policy makers, are increasingly interested in the information and services provided by SOUL. In turn, our professional members feel the urge to share their unique knowledge. This development prompted, in 2004/05, a restructuring initiative aimed at integrating the needs of a very diverse membership. This process continues into the year 2006. The base and foundation of SOUL remains based in Victoria, in the form of SOUL Central's President and Board Of Directors. Think of this as the root and trunk of the tree that is SOUL! From this tree trunk, branches fan out that represent clusters of local SOUL members all across Canada and North America. After obviously starting out with a Victoria Branch, there now is also a Branch and a Vancouver Branch. This is an exciting development that brings together some of the most visionary and motivated individuals, who are taking initiative to promote the concept of Organic Land Care. SOUL Central has prepared a Branch Support document that outlines the recommended steps in forming a new branch. You can find the contact information for existing branches at their respective web pages. Within a branch, the formation of special interest groups is encouraged. This can be a professional development group, an organic garden club, an educators' group, and/or any other grouping that makes sense. SOUL strives to support branches and groups on their journey towards a diverse and self-sustaining organic horticulture community - a truly organic concept!
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