We are collaborating with Women In Business to volunteer with one another at Mission of Mary! We have 15 volunteer slots so make sure to sign up because they require a headcount. Sign up under link with a slot that says Alpha Phi Omega (scroll down a little bit): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Nf-Y3AG69FJgBQv77tCHSLBwyX6SJ8vn/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104932305518739138645&rtpof=true&sd=true Message from Dan Lombardo Parking at our farm is VERY limited - on a given day we only have 1 or 2 spaces available, so carpooling is strongly suggested. Limited street parking can usually be found nearby on Andrews Street, St. Paul, and Nassau Street. Full-size buses will not fit down Silver Lane, and must find street parking nearby. What to Expect the Day of Your Volunteer Shift: All volunteers will start their shift by signing in. You must sign in with one of the senior staff (Dan, Andy, or Natalie) at the beginning of your shift, before starting work. New volunteers will then get a tour and orientation, and learn about Mission of Mary's work and history, before we begin our field work. Our gardens do not have restrooms, so make sure to fill your water bottles and take care of any bathroom needs at our headquarters before we begin working. Depending on the farm's needs, we may be planting, transplanting, harvesting, weeding, cultivating, removing trash, or even repairing equipment and infrastructure at any of our five gardens throughout the neighborhood. There's a lot to do, and every visit will be different. In all of our fields we will be working outdoors, rain or shine. Expect to get dirty, possibly muddy. Be ready for whatever the weather brings - extreme heat, cold, rain, etc... If there's a thunderstorm or Tornado watch/warning, we'll cancel the volunteer event, but otherwise, we all work in all weather. Please make sure you are physically and emotionally prepared for whatever that means to you on the day of your shift. We will either walk or drive to our worksite, and as we move through the neighborhood we are always courteous, respectful, and friendly to our neighbors and community members. We've worked hard to gain the trust of our neighbors, and we intend to keep it. At our field site there will certainly be bugs, worms, spiders, and all kinds of living things in our gardens that share the space with us. Unless otherwise indicated, these critters are our friends and coworkers, and should be treated as such. Harming or killing beneficial critters in our fields will not be tolerated. If there's a critter that frightens you or makes you uncomfortable, just stay away from it, or better yet, go find Dan and ask him about it - he loves to teach people about them and how they help our farms and communities. We take water breaks individually or as a team at least once every hour, and often more frequently than that the hotter it gets. Dan or Andrea may try to get you to eat some kind of wild plant. If this occurs, keep an open mind and maybe give it a try! Many wild plants are better tasting and more nutritious than even our sustainable crops. If wild plants don't excite you, we hope you'll try some of the produce we are growing: As we pick peppers, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, etc. we often snack on them as well. This is encouraged, within reason, and is good for morale. When your shift ends, put your tools away, drop your work gloves in the dirty glove basket, and let a senior staff member know before you leave. If you'll be returning soon, talk to Dan and schedule your next visit before you go. On the Day of Your Volunteer Shift You will need: 1. To dress for the weather - Mid-April is usually pretty chilly, and often windy, and rain or shine, we'll be working outdoors. So please make sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress appropriately. This includes at minimum closed-toed, sturdy shoes or boots, and an outer layer of clothing that can get dirty/muddy. Do not wear new or fancy clothes - they will get dirty, and you will be sad. 2. A reusable water container to carry with you in the field. I recommend at least 32oz. I also recommend hydration tablets or powders if it's going to be over 75 degrees that day. 3. To be on time for the start of your shift. If you're more than a few minutes late, we'll likely already be out in the field. 4. A can-do attitude and a deep desire to do some good in the community. We can provide work gloves, insect repellent, and sunscreen, but if you have your own feel free to bring them.