Personal Connection & Reflection by Mary Ferguson https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26 Our EDF narratives en-us 2021-11-12 18:17:38 UTC 2021-11-12 20:43:33 UTC hello@padlet.com Meeting EarthDance Farm School https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887465906 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. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:34:58 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887465906 Fall 2017 at a volunteer happy hour on the farm. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887466663 2021-11-12 20:35:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887466663 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. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887466978 2021-11-12 20:35:55 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887466978 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467008 I formally met EarthDance in April of 2021 when I was hired.]]> 2021-11-12 20:35:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467008 In 2018 I first met Molly when I applied for the position of Executive Assistant. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467157 2021-11-12 20:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467157 2017 Farmer's formal and on farm in 2018 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467233 2021-11-12 20:36:10 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467233 Meeting EarthDance https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467270 Apprenticeship 2020]]> 2021-11-12 20:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467270 How I met EarthDance https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467319 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!]]> 2021-11-12 20:36:15 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467319 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467383 I met Earthdance at the Farmer’s Formal around 2016]]> 2021-11-12 20:36:19 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467383 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467419 meaningful work
joy
DELICIOUS NUTRITION
challenges
network]]> 2021-11-12 20:36:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467419 We met in the spring of 2014. It was a gunshot wedding unlike the yearlong engagement with my husband. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467493 2021-11-12 20:36:24 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467493 I met Molly in 2009, I didn't meet EarthDance until 2021. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467635 2021-11-12 20:36:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467635 First heard about ED on the radio with an interview with Molly about 2010 I think, then I did the 2012 and 2013 apprenticeship https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467770 2021-11-12 20:36:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467770 It was love at first sight and I have given it my all. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467970 2021-11-12 20:36:52 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887467970 ED has given me a sense of purpose and community. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468068 2021-11-12 20:36:59 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468068 joy and fulfillment https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468178 2021-11-12 20:37:06 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468178 My first impression of EarthDance was how awesome everything was. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468236 2021-11-12 20:37:10 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468236 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468354 Loved the idea of healthy food and healthy eating and bringing it to our community]]> 2021-11-12 20:37:17 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468354 farmers formal - fun, food centric and down to earth vibe! https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468434 2021-11-12 20:37:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468434 'Rooted in Ferguson' video https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468466 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]]> 2021-11-12 20:37:23 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468466 2018 when I helped out on a project for EarthDance. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468590 2021-11-12 20:37:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468590 Attended farmers formal in 2015, purchased feast on the farm in the auction which gave first experience on the farm. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468610 2021-11-12 20:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468610 What I thought of EarthDance https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468616 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.]]> 2021-11-12 20:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468616 I was breathless at the opportunity to be part of something that was such an expression of what I was all about. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468618 2021-11-12 20:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468618 This year, I have volunteered over 400 hours. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468672 2021-11-12 20:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468672 ED is privileged to receive my care, time, and creativity. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468715 2021-11-12 20:37:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468715 It was an instant connection -- I knew I wanted to know it better. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468796 2021-11-12 20:37:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468796 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468907 Working at EarthDance has transformed my relationship with food!]]> 2021-11-12 20:37:48 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887468907 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469023 I met EarthDance about 6 years ago, as a volunteer!]]> 2021-11-12 20:37:55 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469023 A caring energy and sense of organization https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469059 2021-11-12 20:37:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469059 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" https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469235 2021-11-12 20:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469235 It has made me a conscious steward of the land and deepened my love for nature. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469251 2021-11-12 20:38:08 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469251 My contributions to EarthDance include 10 years of Non Profit experience. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469332 2021-11-12 20:38:13 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469332 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 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469459 2021-11-12 20:38:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469459 I loved the farm from the time I arrived. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469471 2021-11-12 20:38:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469471 First Impression of EarthDance https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469532 I felt that it was an awesome place and an area to just be yourself! 

]]> 2021-11-12 20:38:24 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469532 I met ED 7 yrs. ago, when I came for a Tuesday evening tour with Matt L. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469557 2021-11-12 20:38:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469557 Wow! What a fantastic organization in St. Louis. I want to be a part of it and I am grateful to be. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469629 2021-11-12 20:38:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469629 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469634 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. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:38:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469634 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469646 I could't believe it existed in St. Louis! It changed how I felt about my hometown in a pretty significant way]]> 2021-11-12 20:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469646 An amazing story, powerful mission and great people. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469817 2021-11-12 20:38:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469817 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. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469903 2021-11-12 20:38:45 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887469903 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470063 relationships and relationship-building skills
organizational skills
passion

]]> 2021-11-12 20:38:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470063 Will Delacey: July 2021 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470112 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. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:38:57 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470112 volunteer in the field for several years, assist with farmers formal, and now on the board https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470192 2021-11-12 20:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470192 I've contributed leadership and attention to detail and an understanding of the challenges of nonprofit work. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470285 2021-11-12 20:39:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470285 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470289 Hard work and a positive, optimistic attitude!]]> 2021-11-12 20:39:08 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470289 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470440 Inspiration]]> 2021-11-12 20:39:16 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470440 Co-Chair of 2016 farmers formal, former Board member 17-18. Advocate. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470478 2021-11-12 20:39:17 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470478 my connections, network, skills, time, & resources https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470542 i've invited a lot of people to Earthdance.
I've helped design the farm stand
I've helped fund the orchard

]]> 2021-11-12 20:39:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470542 Don't ask what it is your country can do for you, https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470644 but what you can do for your country. I attempt to give everything I can for our family. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:39:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470644 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 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470679 2021-11-12 20:39:28 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470679 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! https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470728 2021-11-12 20:39:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470728 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. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470866 2021-11-12 20:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470866 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470900 It has provided me with a work community that I treasure!]]> 2021-11-12 20:39:43 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887470900 EarthDance has inspired me to work hard, dig deep, transcend my insecurities time and again, and it has brought me countless wonderful people. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471027 2021-11-12 20:39:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471027 Working at EarthDance has helped me to understand the difference between an "all or nothing" mentality vs. a "continuous improvement" mentality. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471303 2021-11-12 20:40:08 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471303 Association with EDF https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471750 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. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:40:33 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887471750 Molded Me and Tempered My Will https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472019 I've learned to embrace the suck, and maintain a positive mindset through adversity.]]> 2021-11-12 20:40:46 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472019 pride and purpose https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472085 love how i can see how the vision has been made concrete, a reality ]]> 2021-11-12 20:40:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472085 Will- My Impression https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472163 The beautiful farm is what got me excited. I came when the wildflowers were at peak bloom and I immediately wanted to start working. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:40:55 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472163 Contributions https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472783 Volunteer time at ED during my apprenticeship. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:41:34 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472783 Inspiration and a route to support the growth of an equity and inclusiveness. https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472801 2021-11-12 20:41:35 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472801 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 https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472957 2021-11-12 20:41:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887472957 EarthDance https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887473143 My care and attention. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887473143 What it has done for me https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887474070 It has made me happier and a nicer person. ]]> 2021-11-12 20:42:46 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887474070 My association with ED so far has been: https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887474353 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]]> 2021-11-12 20:43:02 UTC https://padlet.com/mferguson108/ryhzri9hbgdlzg26/wish/1887474353