It's hard to believe we've reached the final month of 2022. What a year it's been, across the coalition and beyond! One of growth, learning, connecting, and expanding — all things that multiply when in community with a common purpose.
As we settle collectively into what can be a busy time of year (holidays, family time, travel), I find myself thinking about contentedness. With constant exposure to the idea of more — more stuff, more prestige, more money — it's a radical act in our culture to decide that already we have enough.
This is not to dismiss the very real need for our basic needs to be met. It's simply to say that many of us, if we really look, have (and are) enough already, without needing to outsource our contentedness to the next thing we can buy or achieve.
The decision to be content — which I, for one, make over and over again — helps illuminate the many things I have already that bring me joy, fulfillment, and connection. I won't list them all here (I simply don't have space) but you can be sure that this beautiful, wide community is on there — right at the top.
Thanks for being here, Hope Kelley
Manager of Communications & Development
Boston Food Forest Coalition
UPCOMING EVENTS
Final Work Day at BNC
Saturday, December 3rd, 10-12pm Boston Nature Center Food Forest 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan MA 02126
Join the stewards of the Boston Nature Center Food Forest for the final volunteer work day of the 2022 season. Help put the food forest to rest for the winter, while getting together outside and reflecting on the past season as it comes to a close.
No registration necessary. All are welcome.
Resting of the Food Forest Work Day
Saturday, December 10th, 11-1pm Old West Church Food Forest 131 Cambridge Street, Boston MA 02114
Join the Old West Church Food Forest stewards for the final volunteer work day of the 2022 season. Help put the food forest to rest for the winter, while getting together outside and reflecting on the past season as it comes to a close.
No registration necessary. All are welcome.
Luminaria Winter Solstice Celebration
Wednesday, December 21st Old West Church Food Forest 131 Cambridge Street, Boston MA 02114
Join the community at the Leland Cooperative Garden for their annual winter solstice celebration. Spend time outdoors and with community on this auspicious day of the year. There will be lights, warm drinks, and good conversation.
Event time is TBD. For more information, reach out to lelandgardeninfo@gmail.com.
WHAT'S NEW?!
BFFC Launches New 'Friends of the Food Forest' Network
In October, BFFC launched our new fundraising network, Friends of the Food Forest.
A grassroots network of individual supporters dedicated to local climate activism, Friends of the Food Forest iscomposed of supporters at every level and is representative of the broad diversity of Boston neighborhoods. Our hope is that this network provides an avenue for our community members to take action toward a more climate-ready Boston.
A huge thanks to everyone who has joined the network already — you are truly stewarding change in Boston!
BFFC Named a Finalist in 2023 Social Innovation Accelerator Cohort
Social Innovation Forum (SIF) has been building networks and capacity to accelerate social change in greater Boston since 2003. Each year, SIF brings together eight carefully-selected innovative nonprofit organizations and social impact businesses through their Social Innovation Accelerator program, providing support, mentorship, and connections to help these organizations increase their impact. Past organizations supported by this program include the Urban Farming Institute, Chinatown Community Land Trust, CitySprouts, Fresh Food Generation, and many more.
Of the 18 finalists for the 2023 cohort, BFFC is one of three finalists in the Environmental Sustainability track. We're honored to be recognized by SIF, and are excited for the other 17 finalists doing innovative, impactful work in our communities.
Food Forests Slow for the Winter, but Stewards Stay Active
While winter means bare branches, snowfall, and a quiet hush over food forests across the coalition, BFFC stewards stay active throughout the winter months. This cold, dark season is a fruitful time for teams to connect and plan for the season ahead — to order seeds, dream up projects, begin planning spring work days, and assemble new volunteers. Just as the roots underground are quietly preparing for a strong emergence in spring, stewards are stirring and continuing to work toward the future.
If you've considered becoming a food forest steward, reach out to hope@bostonfoodforest.org to learn more, or fill out a form on our website.
By: Aria Florant & Venneikia Williams
Source: Nonprofit Quarterly
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