“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
A few weeks ago, we had the immense pleasure of introducing you to our 2023 Ambassador scholarship recipients - the first members of this year’s Ambassador team, and today we are thrilled to share the whole team with you!
You may recall, from the previous post, that some words that came to mind, as we reflected on that first group of applications we reviewed, were brave, generous, resilient, inspiring. Friends, these words soar as a banner over the entire 2023 team. This group, after heartbreak, loss, and so much unknown, are not only ready for change - they have already begun. In their small (big!) ways, in their homes & communities, in their mindsets, choices, and actions, they have begun to make & be the change they want to see ripple out…and they want to do it together with others.
“As we give, share, and spread kindness, one of the most powerful things we can do is to fight against stagnancy and apathy by inviting others to join in this with us!” - Emily K
“I want to be part of a community of service and giving. I want to be part of bringing light to the world.” - Jodi L
“Up unto this point, I have traveled this gardening path mostly alone. … As a full time teacher, coach, wife, & mother of three, it is hard to find connection with those who share my passions. I am excited at the potential opportunity to be part of such a community.” - Brittany S
The eyes and hearts that these amazing people have for their communities reflects the deep desire they have to bring beauty and connection. They are inspired by their own healing, by family legacies, by being the recipients of kindness and intentionality. When they see brokenness, hurt, and pain, they honor it and are moved to act. Not as a quick fix or fast answer but as a way of saying, “I see you; you’re not alone.”
Here are a few of the things they shared and inspiration they are nurturing:
“Having my hands in the dirt and watching things grow kept me moving forward. It allowed joy and color in, when everything seemed grey. I know how much it meant to me when people brought me flowers in a super tough time. I want to bring others joy by giving flowers.” - Shana C
“Teaching my sons the art of growing, patience and giving back is what I aim to do.” - Francesca N
“I believe flowers are a simple yet profound way to make someone feel loved and cared for and can even be used as a step towards building relationship.” - Heidi R
“Even the smallest act of kindness from a loved one or a stranger can have a momentous effect on our mental health. I would love to be the reason someone smiles or feels better about the world, even if it just lasts a minute.” - Tiffany B
“I love my city, yet there are spaces where the light doesn't always reach. Those spaces are in the most need of kindness.” - Terra P
“When I was a child, my mother had a small sign hanging at the entrance to the garden that read “when she grew tired of the world she found peace in her garden.” Like many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic left me feeling weary and my heart heavy.” -Sam L
“My daily goal is to be in the business of restoration - to restore goodness - for myself and for others.” - Jessica K
“I want giving to be the forethought not the afterthought.” - Nicole C
“My heart aches for how our world is viewed these days and the pain and suffering that is witnessed. Flowers truly are Love, I've known this forever and know too that they can't fix problems but they can make someone feel happy and special. It's self-motivated too, I love teaching about flowers and growing them and selfishly, the smile that people get when seeing and then receiving them is worth every minute it took to grow them -Marian L
We learned early on to have a fresh box of tissues nearby as we read applications, and this year was no different. But also…this year felt like the swell of a rally cry of sorts - a choir of voices, one applicant’s voice at a time, rising up. From the loss of loved ones and longing for babies; as teachers, artists, activists, scientists; overcoming trauma, navigating cancer treatment, celebrating new life; from 15 to 78 years young (!!), this year’s ambassador team has the softest, most generous hearts. Together, with voices quiet and bold and brave and sometimes-quivering-but-oh-so-brave, their resounding message is, “We are better together.”
In 32 states and provinces across Canada and the United States, seeds have already been started, and beauty, kindness, and connection will continue to radiate. With each seed sown, plant nurtured, and bloom shared, this team is committed to using flowers as a catalyst to bring hope, build bridges, and harness the goodness in their communities. The kindness they’ll share this year will reach across the United States...and inspiring and encouraging kind hearts around the world.
So, without further ado, it is our great honor to introduce you to the 2023 Growing Kindness Ambassador team!
Click on each Ambassador’s image below to:
follow along (on Instagram), learn how they’re growing
and giving flowers, and cheer them on in kindness this year!
