I thought I knew… but in light of recent events and 10 years of Deeds, Not Words, I think it’s time to take a moment to reflect on what Acta Non Verba’s work is now, and what it will be in the future.
Acta Non Verba does not, as a rule, run “dark”, we look for the light. In our newsletters, you won't read about how many acts of random violence and trauma we’ve encountered or where sadness persists, but these experiences are here in our community. We prefer instead to shine a light on our youth, and community. We choose to uplift hard work, dedication and love. Our desire to find joy daily is one of the reasons we believe you support our work.
I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how the hard work of our farmers, Aaron and Marisa, has kept two of our farms producing throughout the Shelter-In-Place orders. Their dedication has led to new partnerships with hard-hit farms in the Central Valley and Central Coast. And in a very short time, their commitment has grown our tiny, 7-10 person Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to over 300 families and individuals being served weekly.
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LEFT: Farmer Aaron organizing our BeetBox weekly CSA bags. RIGHT: Farmer Marisa working with a youth camper at our Tassafaronga park farm. Photos by Chance Acuna.
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I am constantly finding joy in the strength and skill of staff members, Breanna, Rachel, Haley and Liliana, who utilized their training and understanding of Trauma Informed Care and Restorative Justice this year at camp to navigate bringing campers together and showing that we all have so much more in common than differences.
I am uplifted by the love of the Bereola family, who, understanding that quarantine would not allow their beautiful, brilliant children to attend camp in-person this year, reached out to see how we were going to make our award-winning program safe for the summer. They heard our plan and took a leap of faith, and for the second summer in a row, signed Adanya and Kaden up!
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You can see through our work how committed we are to listening to and acting on the strengths, truths and concerns of our community to positively impact the lives of the children and families we serve.
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Will you support Acta Non Verba and show our communities your commitment to uplifting the best in all of us? Go to: anvfarm.org/donate.
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During this pandemic we’ve been able to keep all of our staff here at Acta Non Verba and what’s more, expand some of our programs, like our new BeetBox CSA which has grown 900% since August. This is because supporters like you believe in what we are doing and help us continue to grow in our mission.
It is through the hard work of our staff and your generosity that it is possible for our vision to grow and succeed. Our team is full of folx SERVING our communities, and standing up for our youth and families. I am humbled by their work ethic, as well as proud and honored to have them on our team.
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To quote Paul Brandt: “Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” I believe in the brilliance of our children and know that the future has no limit. And so, Per Aspera Ad Astra - From Adversity to the Stars- and further for our children and community members at large.
This organization has been built on blood, sweat, tears and sheer willpower. Acta Non Verba has given me the privilege to serve the East Oakland community and beyond for 10 years. I am honored to help produce and provide food, show children the power they wield in the world, and watch their energy and engagement with the natural world. I believe in our strength and that together as a community we will spend the next 10 years continuing to fulfill our mission and much, much MORE. Please join us and support this next leg of Acta Non Verba’s fantastic journey.
- Kelly D. Carlisle
Founder and Executive Director
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Join us in celebrating a decade of ANV at Per Aspera Ad Astra: From Adversity to the Stars Benefit Concert, scheduled to live stream on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 4pm-7pm. Event proceeds will benefit our 2021 programs.
The evening will feature an exclusive performance by Billboard Chart topping strings duo, Black Violin. Awards will be presented to our 2020 Victory V. Lee Award for Excellence recipients, a few of ANV's participating youth with share their impactful stories, and of course, we'll have a fabulous silent auction.
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Get a sneak peek of Black Violin in action!
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We're especially excited about our VIP tickets! Not only will you have access to all our event perks, you will also receive a special swag box featuring custom ANV socks, a limited edition sweatshirt, a Klean Kantine tumbler, air plant holders, and more to be announced!
This is going to be an incredibly special event. We are so looking forward to celebrating all that the ANV community has accomplished these past ten years!
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