CONFLUENCE AMERICORPS PROGRAM

The Confluence AmeriCorps Program advances environmental equity through innovative partnerships with local organizations in the Portland metropolitan area. We offer life changing service opportunities that engage Members at the intersection of environmentalism and social justice while promoting individual leadership and development. This position is a dynamic combination of serving with a Project Partner on a dedicated project (80%) and engaging in professional and leadership development opportunities, alongside a 22 Member cohort (20%). www.confluencecenter.org

 

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Confluence does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, expression, pregnancy, parents/guardians with children, or veteran status. Confluence is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our Members and staff with ongoing equity trainings and career development opportunities. Confluence, like many environmental programs, is a predominantly white space, and in an effort to decolonize dominant structures of oppression, we encourage people of color to apply.

 

Confluence provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation and/or alternative formats at any point in the employment process.

 

DATES OF SERVICE

September 9, 2020 – July 30, 2021 (11 months – 1700 hours)

 

POSITION TITLE

PCC Food Systems Outreach Coordinator

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Portland Community College- Sylvania Campus, Environmental Center

http://www.pcc.edu/about/sustainability/sylvania/

 

POSITION SUMMARY

In Partnership with the Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and PCC Sylvania, the goal is to Member will establish and support institutional systems to get healthy food, including fresh produce, to low-income students and their families. Additionally, they will serve to bring awareness of food insecurity and develop leadership to address these systemic conditions. The Member’s time at PCC will be split into 3 components, all related to food insecurity for PCC students. The first component is the Learning Garden focusing on both food production and food growing education. The Member will assess previous work and further develop and lead educational activities that utilize Sylvania Campus’s well established Learning Garden (25%). Second, is supporting students in need through collaboration with PCC resources, and external resources like Oregon Food Bank, Partners for Hunger Free Oregon (30%). Additionally, they will address underlying components of systemic food insecurity at PCC (25%). The latter can happen through helping instructors to integrate food security topics into curriculum, developing educational programs, and supporting student initiatives. By growing student leaders and supporting developing PCC systems around food insecurity, this AmeriCorps Member will continue to create meaningful change that endures long after the service term ends. Lastly, the Member will participate in Confluence led professional development activities which include: Professional Development Series, completing a Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):

  • Run daily Learning Garden activities such as propagation, planting, maintenance, harvesting food, other work parties, and
  • Lead education of growing food, healthy eating, and personal health by leading outreach activities such as tours and educational garden workshops with special emphasis on engaging populations in need and underrepresented groups.
  • Serve to create a more accessible garden
  • Design and create outreach materials and weekly newsletter items to market and publicize Learning Garden events and
  • Recruit a diverse community of faculty and students to become leaders and change agents for their PCC communities around food
  • Collaborate with PCC stakeholders including PCC faculty, Childcare Center, the Associated Students of PCC, Women’s Resource Center, and Multicultural Center to engage and serve nontraditional and underserved student populations on campus in the Learning Garden in terms of providing and growing healthy
  • Manage, coordinate, and track ongoing data related to food production, compost, volunteer hours and other projects.
  • Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Strong organization skills and the ability to serve independently; enjoys working with diverse groups of people, both in the office and outside (rain or shine).
  • Ability and willingness to communicate in a positive, professional manner with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, and college
  • Joyfully work in the inclement weather; ability to dig, kneel, and lift 40
  • Willingness/openness to learn about and discuss racial equity and social justice
  • A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse
  • Regular and reliable attendance and
  • AmeriCorps Members must be: 18 years of age or older; U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident; able to commit to the full term of service; able to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Attendance at a community college and an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is
  • Hands-on experience growing food in a medium-scale garden environment and a sustainability
  • Experience working with issues of food insecurity, diverse cultural populations, people of color, immigrant or refugee populations, or those with limited economic
  • Skills with college level lesson and curriculum

 

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

  • $14,279 living allowance paid over the 11-month term of service (approx. $1,298 monthly, before taxes).
  • $6,195 education award (qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
  • Loan Forbearance
  • Health Care Insurance
  • Child Care Reimbursement
  • $100 Training Fund
  • Professional Leadership Certificate, Trainings and Networking
  • May be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Serving at the largest higher educational institution in Oregon provides a large range of networking and social connections.

 

PROJECT LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

  • 12000 SE 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97229
  • PCC provides free shuttle service and the campus is accessible by City bus
  • Personal vehicle is not required for the

 

HOW TO APPLY

STEP 1: Apply to Confluence:

 

STEP 2:      Apply to Project Supervisor: (Conducts first round interviews and recommends top candidates to Confluence)

Email the following items to Peter Ritson at peter.ritson@pcc.edu, 360-936-1649:

  • Résumé
  • Cover letter (1 page)

Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email & phone)

QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLUENCE OR AMERICORPS?

Ashlie Tainer | Operations Coordinator | 503-349-0935 | atainer@confluencecenter.org