Urban Farming Apprenticeship in Indianapolis

Urban Farming Apprenticeship: Growing Places Indy's 2015 Summer Program

TO APPLY:  Applications are due March 1,  2015; download the application and full program details here. Please send applications or any questions you may have to Christie, operations manager, at christie@growingplacesindy.org. Growing Places Indy is a nonprofit organization cultivating transformation in Indianapolis through urban agriculture, food access and awareness and practices for healthy living and sustainable communities. Our vision is to empower individuals and communities to Grow well, Eat well, Live well and Be well. Our apprenticeship empowers participants to do just that and both challenges and encourages them to be the change they want to see in the world. The apprenticeship program immerses participants in the work of Growing Places Indy,  from hands-on farm work to community engagement to fundraising to youth education. Participants are challenged to consider what change they want to see in the world and are trained in skills they can employ to take action. Participants build a strong team relationship within their cohort and have the opportunity to meet many leaders doing transformational work in the Indianapolis area. Watch this video to learn more about the Summer Apprenticeship Program.

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Apprentices will:

• Learn about urban agriculture through hands-on experiences and educational lessons, obtaining information and skills to teach others. This includes general farming activities (planning, planting,transplanting, cultivation, weeding, etc.) and sales/marketing/distribution activities (CSA, farm stands and restaurant sales). Physical work is a major part of the program,  with daily outdoor tasks on Growing Places Indy farm sites and farms, gardens and organizations across the Indianapolis area.
• Engage in the Indianapolis area food system as producers, consumers, advocates and educators, connecting into a network of relationships and opportunities. This includes attending presentations and leading workshops,  speaking engagements and tours for community members.
• Explore and apply practices for personal empowerment, including yoga, self-study, cooking, gardening and mindfulness activities. Participants enjoy a daily yoga practice and explore the philosophy of yoga beyond the mat exercises.
• Develop an integrated understanding of how food access and awareness, agricultural systems and individual and collective lifestyles (or lifestyle choices) impact personal and community wellness, as well as economic and environmental sustainability.
• Investigate how community-based food systems support community development. This will include site visits and guest lectures, as well as recommended readings.
• Explore leadership and teamwork concepts by working as part of a small team of apprentices and program leaders to accomplish daily, weekly and season-long tasks and goals.
• Learn to comfortably and safely navigate Indianapolis by bicycle. Bicycling is the primary mode of group transit between farm sites, restaurant deliveries and visits to downtown area locations.
• Each apprentice will have an additional role he or she will play to accomplish our collective goals and gain valuable experience. Examples include, but are not limited to, farm stand manager, speaker coordinator, photographer, CSA/veggie share leader, after school program leader, restaurant harvest coordinator and fundraising project coordinator.

Qualifications

Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older and have at least one year of post-high school work experience or continuing education. To be accepted, a candidate must be able to fully commit to the weekly schedule for the entire eight-week program, be willing to work hard, have a sincere interest in the subject matter and activities, desire to take on leadership roles and to grow personally. Prior experience in gardening, farm product sales, educational programming and/or the practice of yoga is not required.

Hours per week:  Approximately 25-30

Compensation:  $500 stipend, a weekly share of vegetables and yoga classes.