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 2007 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 at schools and low-income apartment complexes, and spring/summer camps in our school gardens and at our urban farm site.

Common Threads celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers and employees. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can people at Common Threads achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the organization.

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 school-based garden lessons during spring and fall and cooking lessons during winter
• Lead or support after school gardening and/or cooking clubs (school-based and low-income apartments)
• Lead camp-style programs during spring break and summer camps
• Lead efforts to maintain/improve school gardens at assigned school(s)
• Manage the recruitment, supervision, and appreciation of program volunteers
• Manage administrative tasks, including email communications, collecting and tracking data
• Support community events and other relevant food education opportunities for families as they arise
• Complete a minimum of 1700 hours within a 11.5-month service term from August 24, 2020-August 15, 2021

Compensation

• Living allowance totaling $15,000 during the term of service ($1304.35 per month x 11.5 months)
• Education Award from the National Service Trust in the amount of $6,095 upon successful completion of service
• Health care coverage including dental and vision
• Child care allowance for qualified members
• Food stamp eligibility
• Opportunity to learn and grow in the company of other passionate service members
• Professional development including classroom management, farming, nutrition, trauma-informed education, etc.

Skills and Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• Must be at least 17 years old  and a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
• Basic computer skills
• Willing and able to travel to multiple service sites (via personal vehicle, Common Threads vehicle, bike, etc.)
• Willing to serve long hours outside in all weather
• Passionate, committed, creative, flexible, detail-oriented, capable of working both independently and as a team

The ideal candidate will also:

• Have a solid background working with kids
• Have experience gardening or farming
• Speak to what special skills, personal experiences or perspectives they will bring to the team