November 2010 Corpsmember of the Month

Amelia Corbett-Green

Supervisor: John Fragale, AmeriCorsp Coordinator

Crew: Youth in Environmental Servicce

Length of time at CCNB: 4 months

Reason corpsmember was selected: Amelia was selected due to the amazing work she had done serving the MLK, Bayside and Willow Creek school gardens. This year the placement added Willow Creek to their work schedule and Amelia has managed to serve all 3 of these gardens with skill and grace providing an amazing learning opportunity for the students at theses schools. In addition, Amelia planned a executed a excellent Youth in Environmental Service All Team Day that motivated CCNB staff and AmeriCorps members to complete some much needed work at the MLK School Garden.

Skills training received at CCNB: CPR, First-Aid, Mindful Communication, Class B (permit).

Leadership roles at CCNB: Garden Manager for the Sausalito/Marin City School District

Favorite project: Joining the Natural Resources Crew for a day of trail maintenance in Muir Woods.

Favorite educational component: She is continuously learning about the many, many ways garden enhanced education can be incorporated into California state standards. So cool!

Favorite aspect of working at CCNB: Having the opportunity to explore the North Bay through service projects. Being able to work at Bioneers!

Future plans: She'd like to continue to pursue work and education related to fostering connection with the natural world.

Prior to CCNB: After graduating from Mills College, Amelia sliced meat at a grocery store deli in Eugene, worked on farms in New Zealand, and music festivals in Australia, temporarily resided in a tent in a Los Angeles backyard, helped construct large scrap-metal sculptures in Oakland, and walked dogs in San Francisco whilst inhabiting a 3 ft. wide closet.

Why they joined CCNB: To venture toward stability, gain leadership experience, and explore work related to her interest in education, and passion for food gardening.

How CCNB has changed their life: It’s an amazingly liberating sensation to feel like she's on the right track.

Life lessons learned: Ongoing! Being in the moment keeps her on her toes, working with plants keeps her grounded. It’s all about finding the balance, I suppose.

Advice for young people: A great opportunity to explore new, exciting, and sometimes challenging opportunities – with a solid support network, and resources to assist you along the way.

Most important thing learned: It's totally worth it to push yourself beyond the uncertainty of new experiences.