About Us
The Dandelion
Why the Dandelion? An explanation of the Engaged University’s symbol:
We think that the dandelion is an appropriate image to convey the goals and objectives of the Engaged University. We hope the dandelion metaphor will help you better understand our work.
- A conventional view is that the dandelion is a weed to be destroyed. We are taught to value a uniform grass lawn rather than a diverse landscape that includes the beautiful yellow dandelion flowers. The Engaged University actively challenges this preference for sameness, whether in the landscape of a lawn or the landscape of a community. We celebrate differences in people and culture in our work to challenge what society considers a ”weed.“
- Like seeds being blown into the wind, we spread programs through collaboration, engagement, hope, and possibility. Our ”seeds,“ whether through a grant opportunity, school program, or community event, are designed to take root and sustain themselves through university and community commitment.
- Like the dandelion, the Engaged University and its partners and programs are resilient. Dandelions grow out of sidewalk cracks, edges of roads, and corners of buildings-- almost anywhere the tiny seeds land. Similarly, we don’t restrict ourselves to places that are familiar, where it’s easy to establish ourselves, and where others have already found success.
- The Engaged University is housed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, within the University of Maryland’s Cooperative Extension. We honor our institution's deep roots in agriculture, through our programming and our chosen symbol. The dandelion is a metaphor that aligns us with nature and the agricultural foundations and people-serving mission of our college.
- The dandelion is one of the many amazing, under-estimated, under-appreciated resources that exist right under our noses. While not commonly eaten, dandelion leaves are completely edible and very nutritious. Instead of rooting out dandelions, we should be harvesting them. Likewise, instead of ignoring or actively disrupting the unsung assets of our community or the university, we should cultivate them.
- Dandelions are often planted by farmers because their strong taproot breaks up compact layers of subsoil that otherwise inhibit the growth of other crops. We see our work as breaking the barriers that inhibit the growth of community and the development of enduring collaborations.
- Finally, the dandelion is a symbol of hope. When we blow away its seeds, we make a wish for something better. The Engaged University offers hope for better neighborhoods, a better university, and a more united community.