NextGen Green stitch Program by Cory van Gelder Reflections from Greenstitch Alumni (Part II) The Greenstitch Internship offers a place where young people can come together, learn about climate change, and feel hopeful and empowered in the process. We focus on creating community events that bring climate education to life through art, creativity, and hands-on experiences. The stories shared by our interns show just how powerful it can be when people work and grow together. I’m so excited to share Part II of our three-part series featuring Greenstitch Alumni, who reflect on how their time with Greenstitch has shaped their lives and inspired their paths forward. Also… be sure to stop by the Greenstitch table at the Holiday Art Fair on December 6th. We will be sharing information about climate and the clothing industry and offering hands-on natural dyeing of wool ornaments from plants harvested at Gina Smith’s Red Twig Farm in Lagunitas.
Greenstitch interns learning from Gina Smith at her Red Twig Farm
Buddy Faure, Greenstitch Alumni:
“Greenstitch has had a massive impact on my life and my outlook on the world. It was the first time I ever did climate activism with people my own age and gave me hope when the world felt like it was unraveling with Covid. It gave me a perspective that I carry with me in both my day to day life and my journey of navigating the more complex issues in the world. The perspective of engaging my local community and honoring the land I spend my days on. Without Greenstitch I doubt I would have the courage or knowledge to engage as effectively as I have with my community here in West Marin. I also wouldn’t have nearly as much confidence in trying to make the future a better place. Cory and Greenstitch as a whole showed me a frame- work for action that I carry with me everywhere. Whether it’s running for the local school board, serving as an active board member of the community center, helping out at the food bank, or even making music with themes of nature, community, and equality, I’ve been able to do these things not only because of what Greenstitch has taught me, but also because of the friends I’ve made along the way. I think that’s really what makes Greenstitch great: the intersections between activism, community, learning and having a lot of fun. Without working with Greenstitch I’m not sure I would have made the connection between all those things let alone realize you really can’t have one without the other. The fact that every one of us is connected to each other and the environment is perhaps the thing I carry with me most from my time in Greenstitch and for that I’m truly lucky.”
Mural painting at the Peace Fest exploring themes of the connection between climate, war and peace.
Community Response Team by Poko Giacomini, West Marin CRT Community Resilience in Action across West Marin
made sauces and chips—and to Madeline Hope , who provided beautiful napkins, reusable dishes, silverware, and supported our Zero Waste efforts. During the San Geronimo Health Fair, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center also hosted a Blood Drive in partnership with the Red Cross , reaching its target goal of 28 units of blood collected. These donations will help save many lives—possibly those of friends, neighbors, or family members right here in our community.
For many, CalFresh/SNAP has been a vital lifeline—supporting approximately 15,500 families in Marin County who rely on it to put a food on the table every single day. Recently, our communities faced immediate hardship as these food services were cut due to the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history. Families had to make the difficult choices between groceries, rent, and medica- tions, creating deep emotional and financial strain. The seniors who helped build this community, the parents who work tirelessly to provide, and the children who deserve stability are all are feeling the weight of this crisis. Through collaboration with local nonprofits and Food Banks across West Marin, the CRT’s are working to ensure that every resident has access to nourishing food at our local food pantries in Point Reyes, Tomales, Bolinas, and San Geronimo , each serving with dignity, care, and love. Despite the challenges we face and the many uncertainties ahead, the West Marin Community Resiliency Team (CRT) proudly held its Annual Health and Well- ness Fairs last month in all four zones—Bolinas, Tomales, San Geronimo, and Point Reyes—welcoming over 1,500 attendees. The event brought together local businesses, county agencies, and healthcare providers for a day of free resources, wellness education, and connection. Pediatric resources were also available this year to support families in having access to services right here in their community. County-supported programs such as Clean Slate have played a vital role in assisting individuals with record expungement, enabling greater access to stable and higher- paying employment opportunities. Similarly, the Lions Club has contributed to community well-being by providing vision screenings and essential eye care refer- rals to residents in need. A special thank-you goes to Rosa Rodriguez , who once again delighted everyone with her delicious vegetarian, pork, and chicken burritos—complete with home-
Supervisor Rodoni and members of the Community Center team
Together, we are stronger despite the ongoing challenges, we continue to strengthen and build connections for all residents. The West Marin Community Resiliency Team (CRT) will continue to stand with the people of West Marin, ensuring access to essential services and raising awareness of the resources available in every zone.
SGV Community Center Stone Soup Page 5
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