AmeriCorps Featured Member - Ruby

Ruby Meyer is a member of MACOG’s second AmeriCorps cohort serving with MACOG at Green Bridge Growers. Ruby collaborates with the farm team to grow sustainable vegetable crops that nourish the local community, especially individuals and families facing food insecurity. She is learning about the intricacies and benefits of aquaponics as a sustainable growing method, and enjoys sharing about agricultural sustainability with visitors of all ages and abilities. In the coming months, she will be helping to facilitate a farm to preschool education program. As part of Green Bridge’s mission to empower individuals on the autism spectrum, Ruby also supports the farm’s efforts to be a welcoming, accommodating, and compassionate workplace for all individuals.

How did you find out about AmeriCorps and what led you to this role?

I learned about AmeriCorps through information sent to Goshen College, and was interested in a gap-year service opportunity relatively close to home. I was excited about the sustainability focus of the potential service sites.

Why did you select Green Bridge Growers as your AmeriCorps service site?

I selected Green Bridge Growers because I grew up on a farm and was interested in learning more about sustainable vegetable production. I was also interested in the farm’s mission to empower folks with autism.

What AmeriCorps activities have been most meaningful to you?

One meaningful activity was a seminar I attended at the Serve Indiana conference regarding trauma-informed practices. I appreciated the techniques and considerations that were discussed, and found it useful for thinking about my own experiences and those of my colleagues and people I serve. The daily process of building relationships is also a meaningful activity, as is the farm to preschool project I am beginning to assist with.

How has service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in our region impacted your career aspirations?

Service with AmeriCorps has cemented my desire to work in the sustainability field, likely in some way related to food systems. I grew up in northeast Indiana, so I continue to feel connected to the northern Indiana region and appreciate increasing my contacts within the sustainability community.

What continues to inspire you to serve in this role?

I am inspired when I see visiting learners get excited about aquaponics and

sustainable agriculture, and when I see our food delivered to local stores, food banks, and food pantries.

What’s next after your AmeriCorps service is completed?

I am not yet sure what is next, but eventually I would like to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in the sustainability/environmental field, possibly environmental education or public health. Also, I am interested in applying what I learn at Green Bridge Growers to the operation of my own family’s farm.

“Being on the farm levels the playing field for people of all ages and abilities. I love being part of a team that supports everyone’s strengths, while also productively growing local food for our community.”