Common Threads connects kids to healthy food in the garden, in the kitchen, and at the table. We want kids to grow up making food choices that are good for their bodies, their communities, and the environment. Founded in 2006 and based in Bellingham, Washington, Common Threads is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes a “seed to table” approach to food production, good nutrition, and environmental stewardship.  Most of our programs take place on public school grounds, during the school day.  Additionally, Common Threads runs after-school gardening and cooking programs and spring/summer camps in our school gardens and at our urban farm site.

All AmeriCorps Food Educators lead garden and cooking based education in our  partner schools. Each member of the team also takes a lead role in some aspect of our programming (garden/agricultural specialist, social media specialist, cooking with kids specialist, after school program specialist, etc.

Responsibilities

Each Food Educator will serve as the lead educator at one or more of Common Threads’ partner school sites, and will also collaborate with the entire Food Education team (staff and AmeriCorps service members) to:

• Lead garden lessons during Spring and Fall
• Lead cooking lessons during Winter
• Lead or support after school gardening and/or cooking clubs
• Lead camp-style programs during Spring Break and Summer camps
• Lead efforts to maintain/improve school gardens at your assigned school(s)
• Assist with the recruitment, supervision, and appreciation of program volunteers
• Collect and track data (e.g. attendance, pre- and post-tests to track impact of programming, volunteer hours)
• Support special events and other relevant food education opportunities for families as they arise

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will

• Be passionate, committed and creative
• Have a solid background working with kids/teaching
• Have experience gardening or farming
• We also look for members who can play “specialist” roles within the team.  We work to build a team that represents a diversity of talents: teaching, strong agricultural background, strong nutritional background, experience with social media, etc.  Successful applicants will speak to how they might fill these roles.

Previous service members have asked that we please say up front that this is an intense and rewarding position. You must love long hours, being outside in all weather, and be ready for curve balls from kids and adults!

A car, though not necessary, is certainly helpful.  If not a car, then a bike – counting on public transportation is not a realistic option.