If you have a question that is not answered here, feel free to contact us.
What is the Community Seed Movement?
The community seed movement is expanding and evolving all the time, and in many ways still defining itself. This website talks about the “community seed movement” with reference to everyone who is engaging with seed in a non-commercial way – growing seed, conserving it, sharing it, and/or educating about it. Whether you are part of a formal seed organization or project (like a seed library, seed bank, Seedy Saturday), or an individual, you may be part of this inspiring and blossoming movement.
Who can participate in the Community Seed Network?
The CSN is designed for anyone who wants to save seeds and/or connect with their “seedy” community. Any individual or organization who agrees to use the CSN website, resources, and contact information solely for non-commercial purposes can participate.
I’m not part of a program but I love seeds! Can I join?
Yes, absolutely! The CSN is for individuals as well as organizations. As an individual, you can utilize seed saving resources, connect to other seed saving individuals and organizations, search for or become a mentor, share and request seeds through the Exchange (online seed swap facilitated by Seed Savers Exchange), and join our Facebook group.
Can seed companies participate?
The CSN is intended to be used only for non-commercial purposes. If a seed company is also involved in seed banking, seed swaps, seed libraries, or a related community seed initiative, or would like to serve as a mentor to educate others about seed saving and sharing, they are welcome to join.
How do I become a member of the Community Seed Network?
By creating a profile on the CSN, you automatically become a member of the network, and you will be searchable on the CSN map and directory. This is a great way to let others know where you are, what you are doing in the seed world, and how they can connect with you. Additional benefits of this free membership include the ability to share and request seeds on the Exchange and join our CSN Facebook group.
What is the cost of becoming a member of the CSN?
Membership is free! We want all interested community seed organizations and individuals to join without barrier. The aim of the CSN is to provide a platform for organizations and individuals to connect with one another.
Do I need to be a member of the Community Seed Network in order to list myself on the CSN map and directory?
Yes. By creating a profile and listing yourself on the CSN map and directory, you automatically become a member of the network. Anyone may browse the map and directory, but you must create a profile in order to be listed on the map as a member.
Do I need to be a member of the Community Seed Network in order to share seeds on the Exchange?
No. Anyone can create an account to share seeds on the Exchange, an online seed swap facilitated by Seed Savers Exchange. To do that, please click here, and then click “join/sign in” at the top right of that webpage.
Do I need to be a member of the Community Seed Network in order to join the CSN Facebook group?
Yes. The CSN Facebook group is only for CSN members. The CSN Facebook group is a great place to share your regional seed-related events and programs, discuss your challenges, ask one another forum-style questions, and celebrate your successes.
Do I need to be a member of the Community Seed Network in order to use the downloadable CSN resources?
No. CSN resources are free for all non-commercial use.
Can I turn my CSN profile off?
Yes. You have the ability to hide your profile. If you do so, your profile is not searchable on the directory or the map. Website admin will still be able to see your profile unless it is deleted.
Will my profile ever expire?
No.
How can I share seeds or request seeds from others through the Exchange?
Visit Using the Exchange to learn how to share and request seeds through the Exchange.
Do I need to be a member of either SeedChange or Seed Savers Exchange in order to participate in the Community Seed Network?
No. We want all interested community seed organizations and individuals to join without barrier. The aim of the CSN it so provide a platform for organizations and individuals to connect to one another. Of course, both organizations always welcome new members! Follow these links to learn more about how to support Seed Savers Exchange and SeedChange.
Can I reach out to other CSN members?
Yes. We hope you do. The map and directory are also searchable to the public and each profile includes contact information.
How can I identify a mentor for my program?
When searching the map or directory, you can specify your search by language, geographic region, and program type. One of the filter options includes “mentor.” To find a mentor near you, select your state or province and select “mentor” under “Search by Category.” Click here for more information on mentorship.
Can I serve as a mentor for others?
Yes. One of the great benefits of the CSN is the ability to connect with others in a mentorship capacity. If you are able to serve as a mentor, make sure to indicate this when creating your profile so you are searchable as a mentor in our directory and map. The terms of mentorship are always up to you. Click here for more information on mentorship.
May I share other resources or suggest new areas of content? If so, how?
Once you become a CSN member by creating a profile, we hope you will join the CSN Facebook group. The CSN Facebook group is a great place to share additional resources with the larger community. If you feel there is a gap in CSN website resources or if you would like to suggest new areas of website content, please use our contact us form to make these suggestions.
How do I list seed-related events or programs in my community?
Once you become a CSN member by creating a profile, we hope you will join the CSN Facebook group. The CSN Facebook group is a great place to share your regional seed-related events and programs, discuss your challenges, ask questions, and celebrate your successes! To list your seed-related event in the Facebook group, select ‘Events’ on the left hand side of the page, and then select ‘+ Create Event’. After filling out the relevant information, the event will be added to the group calendar. Only members of the group will be able to see your event.
