By Karla Seijas, Graduate Student Researcher, “Our Interwoven Futures” Mellon Foundation Grant, UC Merced

With her book The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer shares methods that are important for a community to thrive. Communities can thrive when neighbors gather together to create unity, support one another and create lasting relationships. The book travels through topics of nature, gardening, economy, values and love.

Different types of gift economies are discussed in the book. The earth provides an abundance of natural gifts and in our own communities, we regularly participate in gift economies. Neighbors exchanging fruit is an example of this that Kimmerer provides. Instead of buying fruit at the grocery store for a dessert, one neighbor can bake a blueberry pie with the gift of blueberries they receive from their neighbor. The pie is more than food or a simple dessert. It is a gift that has meaning. It is tied to a relationship and is made with intention and love. The ingredients used are from the earth and have more value than if they were purchased from a store. Such gift economies can generate happiness and a sense of comfort that is priceless.

Kimmerer discusses the web of mutual relationships that exists to ensure that everyone in our communities is supported. I have witnessed similar webs of existence in my community through little free libraries, food sharing sites, community cleanups and free fitness groups. People of all ages can participate. There are many such examples of neighbors helping neighbors in communities across our world.

The Serviceberry is a straight-forward, relatable read that keeps the reader engaged with each turn of the page. This book allows for a deep reflection on our own communities. It will encourage you to evaluate what exists in your community and analyze areas that need more involvement to ensure our communities are thriving. Not only does Kimmerer provide examples of what works but she allows for one to imagine the potential of what could be.