Catalyst
Catalyst alternative spring break trips "use direct service to investigate questions of justice and community."
My first semester at Hamline I attended the food justice catalyst trip that went to Milwaukee. I learned a lot about food scarcity and the intersections with race and poverty.
My first semester at Hamline I attended the food justice catalyst trip that went to Milwaukee. I learned a lot about food scarcity and the intersections with race and poverty.
On the first day, we went to the Milwaukee Public Market. We talked about the contrast between the Milwaukee Public Market and Aldi, where we had brought our groceries for the week. The Milwaukee Public Market was a space for white people to buy a lot of "ethnic" items and to feel comfortable in.
The next day we went to Growing Power (I discuss this in my influential texts page), where we volunteered. This was lots of work and it was a cold day. I remember being very sore the next day. We went there two days in a row which was tough work. I have more appreciation for the people who grow my food now.
On night two and three we went to St. Ben's where they were doing a food kitchen. The first night we sat with people who were experiencing homelessness. This was an amazing experience because it made these people all the more real. We heard their stories and really were connecting with them. On the second night, we served them. I think that was one of my favorite experiences.
We also worked with Victory Garden Initiatives. They work to put gardens in peoples backyards. We helped them advertise for their garden blitz. They were trying to get 1000 gardens in peoples yards by a certain time. With the help of how many flyers we put in peoples doors, they were successful!
The trip was a great time for helping the community, talking about an issue that impacts so many people and making new friends!
The next day we went to Growing Power (I discuss this in my influential texts page), where we volunteered. This was lots of work and it was a cold day. I remember being very sore the next day. We went there two days in a row which was tough work. I have more appreciation for the people who grow my food now.
On night two and three we went to St. Ben's where they were doing a food kitchen. The first night we sat with people who were experiencing homelessness. This was an amazing experience because it made these people all the more real. We heard their stories and really were connecting with them. On the second night, we served them. I think that was one of my favorite experiences.
We also worked with Victory Garden Initiatives. They work to put gardens in peoples backyards. We helped them advertise for their garden blitz. They were trying to get 1000 gardens in peoples yards by a certain time. With the help of how many flyers we put in peoples doors, they were successful!
The trip was a great time for helping the community, talking about an issue that impacts so many people and making new friends!