NextGen Green stitch Program by Cory van Gelder
Amanda Gilbert
I was fortunate to be a part of Greenstitch from Fall of 2020 through early 2024. I am now attending Sonoma State University studying Geography, Environment and Planning with a concentration in Environmental Systems, a decision I attri- bute to Greenstitch. I have always cared about the Earth, I believe, because I grew up in the beautiful West Marin. I feel an innate urge to protect our environment. In Greenstitch, I was able to be in a space with like-minded youth, all passionate about protecting the health of our planet and sharing our own forms of activ- ism with the community we were engaged with. I learned about environmental issues, and gained positive ideas and hope. We shared knowledge and a place for discussion about the daunting crisis with people of all ages. Through Greenstitch I found my love for community, care, and activism. My activist streak has found a home at Sonoma State, where I have joined the Young Democrats at Sonoma State University, to join the fight including and beyond the climate crisis, combating wealth inequality and exploitation of human rights. Greenstitch laid a foundation for a lifetime of involvement in environmental and social justice issues, something I am eternally grateful for.
Reflections from Greenstitch Alumni
Each summer, when college students return home to visit their families, I often get a text from a former Greenstitch intern wanting to reconnect. I love these visits that give us a chance to catch up. This gave me the idea to have some alumni write about how Greenstitch has influenced the paths they have chosen. Their responses have been moving and reassuring that what I hoped to give them through being part of Greenstitch has happened. All six of the alumni that I reached out to responded, and so I’ve decided to feature two in each of the next several Stone Soup issues. The Greenstitch Internship offers something unique: a space where young people can work together, and feel hopeful and empowered while learning about climate change. We focus on producing community climate education events and incorpo- rate art and hands-on experiences. Their words speak to the power of community- based programs and to the lasting impact of what we can grow together.
Samantha Podoll
Greenstitch has shaped more than just the goals for my education and career, but has changed how I interact with the people and world around me. Connecting with other young people with a drive to advocate for the environment and for social justice issues has made me feel empowered and hopeful for my future amidst the uncertainty of these times. I am now a junior at UC Santa Barbara pursuing a degree in Aquatic Biology and becoming involved in marine research that I hope to manifest into a career of environmental conservation. Beyond my education and career goals, the way that Cory allowed me to step into a leadership role with Greenstitch has given me the tools to advocate for myself and for issues I care about, from personal needs to government policy changes. The kinship I felt being a part of Greenstitch is something I hope to find again in my adult life. I believe that the recipe for positive change in our world begins with deep connec- tion and safety within our community, a feeling I carry with me at times when the weight of the world seems too heavy to hold on my own.
Greenstitch street mural at the Woodacre Improvement Club, July 4, 2025
I am grateful to be able to continue to offer this Greenstitch Internship. Let’s keep building the kind of community that brings people back, keeps them connected, and reminds us all that change doesn’t start in faraway places, it starts right here, with taking care of each other and the planet in any way we can.
Community Response Team by Poko Giacomini, West Marin CRT
• Indigenous and holistic healing • Basic medical services • Mental health support • Disaster preparedness and home hardening resources • Calfresh sign-ups • Marin County Public Defender’s Clean Slate Program • Legal/Immigration Sevices • Transportation Resources • Suicide Prevention & Loss Support • Family-friendly activities and nutritious food served
One Community. One Cause. Countless Lives Changed. West Marin’s Fall Health Fairs Are Back and This Year, We’re Saving Lives Every fall, West Marin comes together to celebrate health, wellness, and the power of community. This year, we’re taking that commitment even further by offering a chance to save lives. In addition to our beloved Annual Health Fairs, we’re proud to introduce a Blood Drive at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center , giving each of us the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact. Why donate blood? Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood trans- fusion yet less than 10% of eligible donors give. Just one donation can save up to three lives. By participating in this year’s blood drive, you’re not only helping neighbors in need, you’re helping strengthen our entire community. We’re also excited to launch a new Pediatric Health & Wellness component at this year’s fair. Encouraging healthy habits early helps set our children on the path to lifelong well-being. There will be engaging children’s activities designed to make the fair both fun and educational for families as well as tons of health and wellness resources for your children. Organized by the West Marin Community Resiliency Team (CRT) , in partner- ship with West Marin Health and Human Services , our 2025 Fall Health Fairs continue the proud tradition of bringing free, accessible health and wellness ser- vices to the heart of our rural communities. Inspired by the San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s 20+ year legacy of hosting health fairs, the West Marin CRT expanded this model three years ago. Today, we bring fairs to four towns creating local hubs for care, resources, and connection. Timed with the start of the school year and the beginning of flu season, our fairs provide vital services including: • Free flu and Covid vaccines • Vision screenings • Pediatric care and wellness
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, local worker, teen, or senior, these fairs are for you. Come for the care, stay for the connections. Let’s celebrate health, give back, and grow stronger together. One blood donation, one child’s smile, one resilient community at a time.
2025 Fall Health Fair Schedule:
San Geronimo Valley Community Gym Thursday, October 16 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM • Vaccines for school staff, students, and families: 2:00 – 3:00 pm • Blood Drive: Onsite at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center
The Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station Monday October 20, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Bolinas Community Center Friday October 3, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Tomales Town Hall Thursday October 9, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Let’s keep building a healthier, more connected West Marin. One fair, one family, and one blood donation at the time.
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 5
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