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I met EarthDance during the Spring of 2020. It was a time that felt very uncertain in regards to the direction of our local, national, and global food network.

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Fall 2017 at a volunteer happy hour on the farm. 

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Fall 2017 at a volunteer happy hour on the farm. 

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2010 Via a website called localharvest.org. I was looking for a CSA farm when I would move back to STL from Chicago. I was so excited that this was happening in my hometown of Ferguson! about 4 months later I applied for an Americorps position.

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2010 Via a website called localharvest.org. I was looking for a CSA farm when I would move back to STL from Chicago. I was so excited that this was happening in my hometown of Ferguson! about 4 months later I applied for an Americorps position.

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I formally met EarthDance in April of 2021 when I was hired.

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In 2018 I first met Molly when I applied for the position of Executive Assistant.

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In 2018 I first met Molly when I applied for the position of Executive Assistant.

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2017 Farmer's formal and on farm in 2018

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2017 Farmer's formal and on farm in 2018

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Apprenticeship 2020

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Sometimes the algorithm is kinda alright - I got a Linkedin alert that EarthDance was hiring while I was seeking development work upon my return to Saint Louis in Apri
l of 2021!

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I met Earthdance at the Farmer’s Formal around 2016

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meaningful work
joy
DELICIOUS NUTRITION
challenges
network

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We met in the spring of 2014. It was a gunshot wedding unlike the yearlong engagement with my husband.

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We met in the spring of 2014. It was a gunshot wedding unlike the yearlong engagement with my husband.

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I met Molly in 2009, I didn't meet EarthDance until 2021.

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I met Molly in 2009, I didn't meet EarthDance until 2021.

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First heard about ED on the radio with an interview with Molly about 2010 I think, then I did the 2012 and 2013 apprenticeship

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First heard about ED on the radio with an interview with Molly about 2010 I think, then I did the 2012 and 2013 apprenticeship

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It was love at first sight and I have given it my all.

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It was love at first sight and I have given it my all.

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ED has given me a sense of purpose and community.

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ED has given me a sense of purpose and community.

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My first impression of EarthDance was how awesome everything was.

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My first impression of EarthDance was how awesome everything was.

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Loved the idea of healthy food and healthy eating and bringing it to our community

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farmers formal - fun, food centric and down to earth vibe!

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farmers formal - fun, food centric and down to earth vibe!

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Before applying to work at EarthDance, I thoroughly investigated the website and was really sold after watching the 'Rooted in Ferguson' video and exploring what was published about restructuring ED programs based on JEDI principles

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2018 when I helped out on a project for EarthDance.

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2018 when I helped out on a project for EarthDance.

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Attended farmers formal in 2015, purchased feast on the farm in the auction which gave first experience on the farm. 

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Attended farmers formal in 2015, purchased feast on the farm in the auction which gave first experience on the farm. 

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I was breathless at the opportunity to be part of something that was such an expression of what I was all about. 

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I was breathless at the opportunity to be part of something that was such an expression of what I was all about. 

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It looked identical to all of the farming practices I sought to learn in my personal studies of self improvement. All of their beds are raised, closely planted crops, and proper usage of keyline design.

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This year, I have volunteered over 400 hours.

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This year, I have volunteered over 400 hours.

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ED is privileged to receive my care, time, and creativity.

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ED is privileged to receive my care, time, and creativity.

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It was an instant connection -- I knew I wanted to know it better.

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It was an instant connection -- I knew I wanted to know it better.

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Working at EarthDance has transformed my relationship with food!

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I met EarthDance about 6 years ago, as a volunteer!

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A caring energy and sense of organization

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A caring energy and sense of organization

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I was so excited the first time I set foot on the farm and met the staff and volunteers. I remember thinking "this is so cool that this is going on in st. louis" 

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I was so excited the first time I set foot on the farm and met the staff and volunteers. I remember thinking "this is so cool that this is going on in st. louis" 

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It has made me a conscious steward of the land and deepened my love for nature.

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It has made me a conscious steward of the land and deepened my love for nature.

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My contributions to EarthDance include 10 years of Non Profit experience.

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My contributions to EarthDance include 10 years of Non Profit experience.

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First met Earthdance through Steve Lawler, a friend of my family, in my late high school years (around 2014). In college, I admired ED's impact on the Ferguson community and tracked its growth from afar year over year

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First met Earthdance through Steve Lawler, a friend of my family, in my late high school years (around 2014). In college, I admired ED's impact on the Ferguson community and tracked its growth from afar year over year

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I loved the farm from the time I arrived.

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I loved the farm from the time I arrived.

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I felt that it was an awesome place and an area to just be yourself!

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I met ED 7 yrs. ago, when I came for a Tuesday evening tour with Matt L.

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I met ED 7 yrs. ago, when I came for a Tuesday evening tour with Matt L.

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Wow! What a fantastic organization in St. Louis. I want to be a part of it and I am grateful to be.

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Wow! What a fantastic organization in St. Louis. I want to be a part of it and I am grateful to be.

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Because I was so excited about what Earthdance was doing I started inviting others to Earthdance events to spread the word of the exciting work going on in Ferguson.

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I could't believe it existed in St. Louis! It changed how I felt about my hometown in a pretty significant way

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An amazing story, powerful mission and great people.

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An amazing story, powerful mission and great people.

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I've now contributed the last 11 years of my full-time effort, some of my best writing, lots of sleepless nights, cold sweat, laughter, and lots of my fermentation skills.

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I've now contributed the last 11 years of my full-time effort, some of my best writing, lots of sleepless nights, cold sweat, laughter, and lots of my fermentation skills.

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relationships and relationship-building skills
organizational skills
passion

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I saw the job posting and what really got me interested was learning how to farm organically, the spring training program, the Ferguson Farmers Market, and all the nice people I met during my interview process.

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volunteer in the field for several years, assist with farmers formal, and now on the board

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volunteer in the field for several years, assist with farmers formal, and now on the board

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Hard work and a positive, optimistic attitude!

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I've contributed leadership and attention to detail and an understanding of the challenges of nonprofit work. 

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I've contributed leadership and attention to detail and an understanding of the challenges of nonprofit work. 

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Inspiration

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My association with ED so far has been: 

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My association with ED so far has been: 

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1) meeting and learning from really wonderful people, 2) taught me about how a nonprofit operates and drives value for the community it inhabits, 3) think about how to prioritize goals and budgets and think creatively to support a mission that really matters to me 4) Has reminded me to think about others, understand how to grow nutritious food sustainably, and serve the Ferguson community

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Co-Chair of 2016 farmers formal, former Board member 17-18. Advocate.

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Co-Chair of 2016 farmers formal, former Board member 17-18. Advocate.

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my connections, network, skills, time, & resources

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my connections, network, skills, time, & resources

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i've invited a lot of people to Earthdance.
I've helped design the farm stand
I've helped fund the orchard

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Don't ask what it is your country can do for you,

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Don't ask what it is your country can do for you,

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but what you can do for your country. I attempt to give everything I can for our family.

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An organization devoted to helping others learn and succeed, providing budget-friendly fruits and veggies to STL, a place very dear to my heart, concern for a sustainable world, and making St. Louis a happier and more beautiful place to live

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An organization devoted to helping others learn and succeed, providing budget-friendly fruits and veggies to STL, a place very dear to my heart, concern for a sustainable world, and making St. Louis a happier and more beautiful place to live

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EarthDance has made my life so much better by the people I've met along the way and the healthy food I have access to!

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EarthDance has made my life so much better by the people I've met along the way and the healthy food I have access to!

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Amazed to find this hidden gem that I had never heard about.  I was blown away by the people of EarthDance and their passion for the farm and the community.

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Amazed to find this hidden gem that I had never heard about.  I was blown away by the people of EarthDance and their passion for the farm and the community.

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It has provided me with a work community that I treasure!

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EarthDance has inspired me to work hard, dig deep, transcend my insecurities time and again, and it has brought me countless wonderful people. 

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EarthDance has inspired me to work hard, dig deep, transcend my insecurities time and again, and it has brought me countless wonderful people. 

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Working at EarthDance has helped me to understand the difference between an "all or nothing" mentality vs. a "continuous improvement" mentality. 

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Working at EarthDance has helped me to understand the difference between an "all or nothing" mentality vs. a "continuous improvement" mentality. 

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I am now the Farm-to-School Coordinator at ED. ED has taught me how to grow organically and also gave me resources to others to help me develop my own community garden.

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I've learned to embrace the suck, and maintain a positive mindset through adversity.

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love how i can see how the vision has been made concrete, a reality

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The beautiful farm is what got me excited. I came when the wildflowers were at peak bloom and I immediately wanted to start working.

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Volunteer time at ED during my apprenticeship.

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Inspiration and a route to support the growth of an equity and inclusiveness. 

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Inspiration and a route to support the growth of an equity and inclusiveness. 

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Have learned a lot about growing food sustainably; and have met so many people from all walks of life and have had the priveledge of hearing their stories=which has been fascinating! Last but def not least, each time I am on the farm I am reminded how critical my connection to nature is for my physical, emotional, and spiritual health! I love love love being part of the sustainable food movement

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Have learned a lot about growing food sustainably; and have met so many people from all walks of life and have had the priveledge of hearing their stories=which has been fascinating! Last but def not least, each time I am on the farm I am reminded how critical my connection to nature is for my physical, emotional, and spiritual health! I love love love being part of the sustainable food movement

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My care and attention.

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It has made me happier and a nicer person.