When people talk about supporting an organization like Forterra, they often assume it means writing a check. The truth is messier, richer, and more human. I’ve worked with over 365 volunteers this year, and I’ve seen people give in wildly different ways — a few hours here, a full day there, skills offered when needed, financial support that keeps the lights on. All of it matters. All of them are essential.

Sometimes, giving is just the energy you bring when you arrive. Sometimes, it’s the conversations you spark or the ideas you plant that help someone else see their own potential differently. And sometimes, it’s all of that, plus the fact that you keep coming back — month after month, week after week, rain or shine.

One such example is ‘super volunteer’ Michelle – upbeat, thoughtful, and the kind of person who brings genuine enthusiasm without ever forcing it. Michelle spent the last 30 years in a classroom. She understands that every student learns differently, that curiosity matters more than compliance, and that a student-driven classroom is where real learning happens. But after three decades, she needed something new. She found Forterra’s Evergreen Restoration Program last July.

Since then, she’s shown up to nearly every volunteer event. She arrives early. She stays late. She helps with the setup and teardown. At one event, she brought over 20 jars of homemade pickles to share with everyone. Every small action — a joke, a thoughtful question, a careful observation — lifts the people around her and makes the work lighter.

Volunteer events can be unpredictable. On one such day, the tarp we needed for blackberry removal just wouldn’t stay down — it was sitting on tall invasive grasses, and the wind kept catching it. I was tense, watching a handful of volunteers navigating a hard quarter-mile hike and thick grass. Then Michelle leapt onto the tarp, giggling as she flattened it out. In that instant, my stress melted — suddenly, the day felt possible, even fun. That’s the kind of giving that doesn’t fit neatly into a category. 

After another recent volunteer event, Michelle stayed late and had a conversation with someone I work with about teaching, learning, and what it means to engage people in their own growth. The next day, that person told me they felt passionate about environmental education again — they couldn’t wait to go home and read more. Michelle didn’t set out to inspire anyone; she simply brought her genuine curiosity, care, and energy to the work.

That’s the kind of giving that can’t be measured in hours or dollars. It’s the kind of giving that reminds me why I do this work and keeps me motivated when the week feels long. It’s what keeps organizations like ours alive — not just surviving but thriving.

There’s no single right way to give. You might be like Michelle — showing up consistently, bringing infectious energy, and sparking growth in the people around you, but you might have only a few hours to commit to a project, or prefer contributing financially to make programs possible. The truth is you don’t need to be an expert or a super volunteer, you just need to show up as yourself. Your presence, your care, and your willingness to be part of something bigger are inherently valuable. All of it matters. All of it builds Forterra.

I hope our paths cross at a Forterra event — in whatever way feels right to you. There’s no perfect version of showing up; there’s just you choosing to be part of it.