SEEDS OF SOLIDARITY EDUCATION CENTER 165 Chestnut Hill Rd, Orange, MA 01364 • (978) 544-9023 Seeds of Solidarity Education Center Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. November, 2019 Dear Seeds of Solidarity Supporters, Creating and sending this annual mailing is our favorite part of fundraising. We are honored that you believe in our mission and programs, and rely deeply on your support. We are a small and richly experienced organization that uses each and every gift received with vision and efficiency to awaken the power to grow food everywhere, inspire wellness and happiness where there is despair, and educate for climate change resilience. Your tax-deductible contribution provides essential nourishment, and makes so much possible. We are hopeful you will give generously this year. And we have a gift for you! In these times, sharing do-able ideas for resilient and loving lives and communities is essential. We designed an uplifting, colorful card for you to have and hold. And we include a second one for you to send to someone who will benefit from the inspiring messages and ideas. Spreading ideas, methods, and programs that are both practical and visionary has always been at the heart of our mission and work at Seeds of Solidarity. This year, a major effort to share our work widely came to fruition. Our book, Making Love While Farming: A Field Guide to a Life of Passion and Purpose was released in April by worker-owned Levellers Press. The feedback on the stories and how-to field guides within has been fabulous. Well-received book events and workshops at many venues including libraries, colleges, galleries, farms, eateries and festivals are another way we are spreading seeds of solidarity far and wide. Meanwhile, more great stories blossom through our diverse, impactful programs. In 2019 we: • Partnered with a jail and community college to teach organic gardening to men and to women incarcerated for which they received credit, and initiated a self-care class series for women to support stress reduction, healing, and creativity. • Provided our new Craft Your Own Life program for young adults & teenagers; • Supported gardens at a community health center, childcare programs, food pantry, co-op, library, converted factory and rehab center that provide free fresh food; • Gave public and group tours of our site to teach energy efficient & self-sufficient living; • Taught workshops and spread articles, videos and podcasts that promote food and energy resilience, and social and environmental justice (find all of our past newsletters, rich with ideas on our website); • Proposed a fresh food and self-sufficiency series for low-income families that will launch in partnership with local Quabbin Harvest food coop come spring. • Organized, with our neighbors, the 21st Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival that unites and inspires thousands; models zero-waste and includes ample climate resilience workshops, plus a new and beautiful garden of peace and non-violence. In 2020, widespread practical and replicable climate education and food justice solutions are critical. This is what Seeds of Solidarity does best, on our beautiful farm site and through innovative programs and partnerships that shape stronger lives and communities. Your support will enable us to reach and teach thousands in the coming year and well beyond. (over)