by Birgitt Evans, ABG Volunteer Coordinator
Last year was a watershed year for ABG with more than 7,000 pounds of gleaned fruit donated to the Alameda Food Bank, an expanded Plant Sale, packed Zoom classes, information packed e-Newsletters and our second annual Plant Swap. In addition, we added five new Free Seed Libraries (bringing our total to six) and packed and distributed 17,000 packets of free seeds. Plus we received a grant from StopWaste to create a training and manual so that others can replicate Project Pick and rescue unwanted fruit in their own communities.
We were busy! And we did it all with a skeleton pandemic crew. Thanks to the generosity of many, we have some funding to expand our programs and reach even more people this year. To do this we will need additional volunteers. While our programs will be guided by the pandemic, we have many exciting opportunities in 2022.
If you are interested in any of the following Volunteer Opportunities, please email me – Birgitt Evans – at ABG.Grow.Food@gmail.com and I will connect you with the project lead. Please let me know if you need any accommodations to enable you to volunteer.
Volunteer Positions
Outreach
Outreach Event Helper
May involve setting up displays, greeting event attendees, and/or engaging with passers-by at an ABG booth or table as part of a team. Some gardening knowledge would be helpful, but is not strictly necessary (there will be experienced gardeners on hand to answer questions). Estimated time expenditure is variable, but often lasts 1 to 2 hours per event. In 2022, ABG expects to have at least 5 outreach events outdoors around Alameda.
Standby Outreach Event Helper
Involves all the same tasks as the above, but on stand-by in case ABG needs a last-minute fill-in and you can be at the event within 15 – 20 minutes in most cases (sometimes there might be same-day advance notice, e.g. 1-2 hours beforehand). Requires remaining free and nearby enough to come help if needed.
Outreach Event Set-up and/or Break-down Helper
Involves having the strength and coordination to help erect a 10′ x 10′ event canopy (“Easy-Up”), help unload folding tables, chairs and various display items from the back of an SUV at the assigned site at an event. This only entails being present before the event (usually 1 hour before an event opens) and at the end of the event (the last 15 minutes of a scheduled event) to help break down the table/canopy and load it into the back of an SUV driven close to the site. Count on spending about 30 minutes helping to set up; breaking down and loading equipment would take about the same. No need to stay for the entire event! In 2022, ABG expects to have at least 5 outreach events outdoors around Alameda.
Standby Outreach Event Set-up and/or Break-down Helper
Same job description as above, but only on stand-by in case ABG needs an extra hand before or at the end of an event and you can be there within 15 – 20 minutes to assist. Requires remaining free and nearby enough to come help if needed.
Newsletter
Newsletter Writer
Write short articles on food gardening or related topics for ABG e-newsletter. When possible, source photos to accompany articles.
Fundraising
Grant/Fundraising Support Volunteer
Works with the Treasurer and Finance/Fundraising Committee to identify, pursue, develop and monitor individuals, organizations, philanthropic entities and other sources of potential funding that will assist the Board in fulfilling our Mission.
Free Seed Libraries
Seed Packer
Help us with packing and labeling seeds for our six Free Seed Libraries. We hope to have regular seed packing days, probably at an East End location, or you can pack at home in your spare time.
Education
Education Committee Volunteer
The Education Committee will be planning, promoting and hosting five or six education events in 2022, including an advanced composting class. We also write monthly articles for the Alameda Sun. We can use additional help in envisioning, promoting and hosting our education events. We meet via Zoom right now, so Zoom capability is required.
Fruit Gleaning with Project Pick
Project Pick Fruit Gleaners
We are always looking for volunteer gleaners to work at weekend picks lasting about 1-2 hours, once per month if possible. Prior to volunteering, gleaners need to watch a training video and sign a waiver. Volunteers should be able to reach up into trees, use a fruit picker, and lift crates of harvested fruit weighing 30 – 50 lbs (this should be done with a partner), as well as work in a team. ABG provides gardening gloves and other equipment as needed.