Youth Agriculture Intern

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. New Roots is a program of the IRC that connects refugees with community gardens and farm sites so that they can feed themselves and their communities through market and wholesale opportunities.

About The Yall Program

Started in 2021, YALL stands for Youth, Agriculture, Learning and Leadership. It is a New Roots program at the International Rescue Committee focused on supporting and educating refugee and new American youth on topics related to food justice, agriculture, leadership, and more.

Scope Of Peer Leader Work

The YALL Peer Leader will play a central role in the successful implementation of YALL programming. They will assist the New Roots Program Specialist in the planning YALL activities for the week, lead activities and groups, and serve as a peer mentor to the enrolled youth. The YALL program meets for 4 hours on Fridays and Saturdays from the beginning of May to mid-October. This position will be primarily supporting the facilitation of YALL programming days at Redwood Farm and Sunnyvale Farmers Market along with a planning day at the IRC office.

COMMITMENT: May 3rd – Mid-October (exact date TBD), 10-20 hours per week

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Y’ALL team to deliver educational workshops and facilitate activities in agriculture fieldwork, team building, leadership skills, food justice, community service and other program activities.
• Lead youth program participants in their roles in facilitating the Sunnyvale Farmers Market, providing a safe space to ask questions, providing direction and guidance, and feedback.
• Act as a peer mentor to a diverse group of youth in the YALL cohort and provide support in their personal development.
• Act as a positive role model to the youth, including modelling community values and giving weekly feedback to the youth.
• Participate in Y’ALL program meetings and development activities, including weekly check-ins.
• Regularly communicate with Y’ALL participants to coordinate participation in activities.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the youth during programming.
• Assist in the management of YALL farm plots & farm infrastructure.
• Other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Learning Objectives

• The Peer Leader will demonstrate knowledge of how to lead and facilitate activities for a cohort of youth, including developing skills around public speaking, team building, troubleshooting, and peer mentorship.
• The Peer Leader will demonstrate knowledge of community food systems in Salt Lake City.
• The Peer Leader will show an increase in knowledge of small farms techniques including how to plant, cultivate, harvest, pack and wash produce.
• The Peer Leader will be able to demonstrate knowledge of how to operate a farmers’ market, including how to operate a food pantry at the market and SNAP/EBT incentive programs.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Interest in gardening, farming, local food systems and/or serving as a mentor to youth.
• Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.
• Experience working with English as a Second Language learners and communicating with the aid of an interpreter is preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work in variable outdoor conditions.
• Motivated, creative, reliable and able to work independently
• Background check is required
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to encourage and support youth in their growth while building a sense of community
  
  

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

IRC leading the way from harm to home.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.