This is a curated collection of AGO resources from our members designed to assist experienced gleaners seeking to engage the broader community. Under each section, there are both recommended and optional resources. This learning path contains the following sections – Gleaning Networks, Advocacy, Story Telling, Broaden Community Impact and Systems Change.
Audience: Experienced gleaning organization leaders, community partners and funders.
This learning path addresses the question – “How Do I Grow the Gleaning Movement?”
Gleaning Networks
Networks help lobby for changes in local policies, share ideas and support and help funders understand the mission and importance of gleaning. Learn more about regional gleaning networks and how AGO can support your region in establishing a network.
Building a Regional Gleaning Networks This panel discussion which explores the democratic, relationship focused process used to build the Washington State Gleaning Network. Panelists review the timeline, the Network Assessment and provide insight as to their vision of how network participation will impact their organizations as the WSGN moves forward. With David Bobabick of Harvest Against Hunger, Rachel Bishop of Upper Valley MEND and Benji Astrachan of WSU Clallam Extension Program. (Recommended)
Models for Regional Networks – Association of Gleaning Organizations A networked gleaning operation can reap benefits of scale through shared expertise and more efficient use of fundraising and administration personnel and services. Lynette Johnson of the Society of Saint Andrew will provide a look inside the organizational and program structure of SOSA, the geographically most widespread gleaning organization in the country. Hillary Bailey of Salvation Farms will share the experience of the Vermont Gleaning Collective, a network of six autonomous organizations that collaborate to support farmers, residents and the food system. (Recommended)
Advocacy
Food Justice Advocacy. Learn how gleaning organizations can be a part of larger food justice movements. A presentation by Morgan Curry, Executive Director of Skagit Gleaners. Morgan outlines the role that 501 (c)(3) organizations can play in educating the public and elected officials. (Recommended)
Federal Policies, Local Food Impacts – Association of Gleaning Organizations An overview of how federal legislation impacts gleaning, this presentation by Erin McKee of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade policy was given at a Coffee Chat in 2025. (Optional)
Storytelling
What Stories Are Gleaners Telling Shawn Peterson on “what stories are gleaners telling” and their true effect in the community. This is a session from the Symposium 2026 track on Storytelling & Ripple Effects. (Recommended)
Moving Beyond Numbers Cara Michelle Silverberg of Rachel’s table and Lisa DeSantis of Kokua Harvest facilitated a conversation about what success looks like in gleaning and how we might share stories of impact that help to shift the narrative and funding paradigm beyond numbers. (Recommended)
Broaden Community Impact
Community Food Mentorship Program Pauline Howard of Price Edward Island Food Exchange, shared the details of the Community Food Mentorship Program which provides a structured train-the-trainer model for gleaning volunteers to become community leaders. (Recommended)
Membership Model. Brandy Collier of Eugene Area Gleaners and Morgan Curry of Skagit Gleaners discuss how membership models are not only a source of raising revenue for gleaning programs but also a tool to create community. (Recommended)
Sharing Programs. Giselle Bandley of the Utah State University Glean Team and LeAnn Baran of Skagit Gleaners discussed how their organizations are participating in the circular economy and serving their communities with innovative sharing programs. (Optional)
Systems Change
Systems Change. Shawn Peterson discusses a framework for large scale change and how gleaners working together can bring about systems change. (Recommended)