Photo above: James and fellow alum Meara volunteering at the 2025 sale
What is your role at the plant sale and how long have you been volunteering?
My role at the Plant Sale is as one of the coordinators of our Welcome Tent area, which also supports the Welcome Ambassador team. After I’m done in the Welcome area, I transition to the Information Desk for the afternoon/evening and then I am usually on the closing team, which means I’m one of the last two people to walk out of the building each night.
I’ve been volunteering ever since I was a student at FSMN. I graduated in 2012, and was the first student representative on the Plant Sale Committee in November of 2010!
What draws you to continue your work with the Plant Sale each year?
The Plant Sale is a great way to stay connected with FSMN and give back/support the school. I actually have no personal interest in gardening. I’m an events and logsistics person so I like being able to contribute that skillset towards this event.
What is one of your favorite memories of being a student at FSMN?
One of my favorite memories is the 8th grade capstone project my class did, which was related to the 2012 marriage amendment on the ballot in Minnesota. We produced a video showcasing the diverse array of families at FSMN, under the tagline “Love is Love”. We entered it into a film festival and also received an award from Outfront Minnesota for our advocacy. We also did work in the campaign office of Minnesotans United for All Families, which was foundational to my interest in politics and advocacy.
Is there a quaker value you particularly still connect to in your adult life?
Community. I always say that was the strongest value that still resonates with me today. We need it more than ever right now.
