Humanists in Action: Gardening With Open Arms

Have you always wanted to garden but never had the time or space? Would you like to work the soil with others, developing your horticultural skills while making new friends? Or maybe, after our long Minnesota winter, you'd just like to spend some time doing mild physical labor out-of-doors? If any of these reasons apply, we've got an event--indeed, a series of events--for you.

HumanistsMN is partnering with Open Arms, a Twin Cities-based non-profit that provides healthy meals to critically ill Minnesotans and their families. In the news two years ago when they opened their St. Paul Kitchen and Campus, Open Arms encompasses Open Farms, five metro-area locations where they grow produce to include in their meals. As at their kitchens, much of the work done in Open Farms' gardens is performed by volunteers. This is where we come in: HumanistsMN is helping out with the Open Arms' "Abundance Farm" at 668 Victoria Street in St. Paul by recruiting volunteer gardeners. This Meetup announcement is for our second event in the 2025 gardening season, which will run through October. Other events in this season will be announced several weeks before they occur.

Each event is a two hour shift involving from six to twelve volunteers supervised by a master gardener from Open Arms. Over the course of the growing season, volunteers will perform such tasks as weeding, prepping beds, planting, harvesting, and mulching. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footgear. They should bring a refillable water bottle and anything else they need to feel comfortable working outdoors. A water jug and treats will be provided, as well as tools, gloves, and materials needed for required tasks; a portable restroom is on site. This event will be held unless weather conditions--high heat, heavy rain--are prohibitive.

Children aged six and above can participate if accompanied by a parent. Use the following link to learn about child participation: https://www.openarmsmn.org/volunteer/volunteer-youth/.

To participate in this event, you will need to sign up through Open Arms' Volunteer Site by following these instructions:

1. Follow this link which is specific to our group: https://vhub.at/humanistsfarm2025
2. If you are already an Open Arms Volunteer, click "Sign In." If you are a new Open Arms volunteer, click “Create Account” in the upper-right corner.
3. When prompted, enter the following “JOIN CODE”: Humanistsmnfarm2025
4. You will be prompted to acknowledge Open Arms' Safety & Liability Waiver. This done, scroll to the bottom and check the box to acknowledge that you have read and understand the waiver. Click "Finish" and your account is all set.
5. Once you’ve created your account, click “Next” to sign up for your group’s event: Humanist Group Farm Shift - St. Paul

Be not dismayed if you have difficulty signing up on Open Arms' site. You can still participate in our gardening event by showing up, at which time, if you're a new volunteer, you will be asked to complete a waiver form.

This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted. Donate or join here.