Episode Two: Amanda Gallegos and Janelle Astorga-Ramos
The second episode of SWOP’s 40th Anniversary Podcast features a conversation between the fierce and hardworking Amanda Gallegos and Janelle Astorga-Ramos. They talk about haunted hotels, out of town conference shenanigans and how proud they are to be a part of the SWOP family.
About the hosts:
FOOD JUSTICE
Project Feed the Hood is a food literacy and community gardening initiative of SWOP that aims to improve community health through education and revival of traditional growing methods.
Across the globe, exploitive food systems undermine health, dignity, democracy and human rights. Low-income communities of color face daily obstacles to provide quality meals for their families. Project Feed the Hood’s goal is to engage people in an alternative food system steeped in history, tradition and sustainable agriculture that empowers them to improve their community health.
PFTH Job Opportunity
Garden Apprentice
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The Project Feed the Hood Apprentice is a youth-oriented, part-time position that will assist the Garden Manager in cultivating and tending to the Project Feed the Hood Agroecology Center.
We are looking for someone who is highly motivated to grow food for the community. Mentorship and training will be provided. Youth are highly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: September 22nd
Starting date: October 2023
Hours: Up to 25 hours a week, flexible schedule
Pay: $16.00 an hour
Email an updated resume and cover letter to:
FEEDTHEHOOD@SWOP.NET
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Job Description: Project Feed the Hood Garden Apprentice
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Feed the Hood Apprentice is a part-time position that will assist the Garden Manager in cultivating and tending to the Project Feed the Hood Agroecology Center
We are looking for someone who is highly motivated to grow food for the community. Mentorship and training will be provided. Youth are highly encouraged to apply. The Apprentice will report directly to the garden manager and Food Justice Organizer.
Application Deadline: September 22nd
Starting date: October 2023
Hours: Up to 25 hours a week, flexible schedule
Pay: $16.00 an hour
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GENERAL DUTIES
1. Ensure all activities are carried out in line with the SWOP Mission Statement and with the involvement of membership.
2. Adhere to Staff Responsibilities Statement.
3. Work with the garden staff and community to develop Project Feed the Hood’s campaigns and program efforts.
4. Involvement in overall SWOP campaigns and program efforts.
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SPECIFIC DUTIES
Cultivate Project Feed the Hood’s Agroecology Center: Under the direction of the garden manager, cultivate and curate the garden.
Direct in-field volunteer management: Project Feed the Hood hosts a plethora of volunteers and community groups. Garden Apprentices are required to facilitate, guide, and host large groups of people in working in the garden. Apprentices should be able to clearly communicate goals and teach basic gardening to groups of visitors.
Community Liaison: As an apprentice at Feed the Hood you will be consistently present at the garden. Community members and volunteers come to the garden frequently and apprentices are expected to interact and engage with them. Apprentices are expected to be able to describe our work, mission, and purposeto those that they interact with.
Neighborhood Liaison: The Garden Manager is the most present position in the Agroecology Center. The Garden Manager is expected to be the lead liaison for relationships between Project Feed the Hood and the immediate neighborhood.The Garden Manager is not responsible for coordinating visits with outside community group to interact with the space. The Food Justice Organizer is responsible for scheduling with organizational and institutional stakeholders.
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OTHER DUTIES
Provide Tours: Apprentices are expected to be able to provide garden tours for visitors. These vary from informal visits to large formal group visits.
Engage in Media: As a campaign of SWOP, we work closely with other work area which include our communications. We also receive requests to be interviewed about the work we do. Apprentices should be able to convey our work during these requests if asked to do so.
Assist at larger SWOP events: At various times during the year, SWOP hosts major events that require many hands. Apprentices must be able to assist when needed at these events.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in agriculture and/or landscaping
Ability to work outside for long periods of time
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Flexible Availability
Self-motivated and willing to take initiative
Great communication skills
Bilingual preferred
Some experience in facilitation preferred
Team Player