Roberto Fantauzzi Strategies 10/19

Hypothesis:

The participation in an urban agricultural program involving the process of actively growing trees and/or plant is a tool for a program for healing for 18 to 25 year olds who have suffered from an abused past.

In order to confirm my hypothesis I need to reach out to: people on the mental health care industry who specialize in programs using objects as rituals for psychological and emotional betterment; 2) those who have knowledge in horticultural activities; and 3) groups who are involved in promoting urban development. I need knowledge and understanding of the process for psychological healing, the art and practice of garden cultivation and management.

Plan of Action:

Psychological

• Psychological effects of people who have suffered from abuse.
• Learning about steps towards overcoming psychological pain/scars.
• Guidance towards emotional betterment.
• Understanding and process of use of symbolic items as a function to access feelings caused by being abused.
• What objects usually work better and how are these used.
• Insight in how young adults are affected by years of repressed feelings due to scars caused by being abused as children.
• Information on how people are affected emotionally (positively and negatively) by restoring, revitalizing and developing under-resourced parks and community gardens throughout NYC.
• Strategies with regards to reaching inner city neighborhoods and how green spaces affect the community in an emotional, financial and spiritual level.

Horticultural

• Deeper understanding of growing plant life.
• Knowledge and expertise in botany, soil sciences, landscape design and plant propagation with regards to creating and casting products made plant and vegetable seeds.
• Insight in how the public takes pride in and responsibility for the care and maintenance of green spaces in their neighborhoods and citywide.

People who have an interest in the issues addressed:

1) Psychologists, Therapists, Social Workers: people in the mental health industry

2) 18 to 25 year olds who were or are victims of child abuse: healing program

3) Urban initiatives: New York Restoration Project, Million Trees NYC, New York Botanical Gardens, The Horticultural Society of New York.

4) The City of New York: urban spaces, health initiatives, etc.