Site Coordinator for Food Warriors Youth Development Program at Barack Obama Leadership Academy 

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The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) is seeking a site coordinator for its Food Warriors Youth Development Program at Barack Obama Leadership Academy (formerly Timbuktu Academy of Science & Technology).  

DBCFSN is a dynamic non-profit organization that works to build food sovereignty in Detroit’s Black community. Widely considered a leader in the field, DBCFSN works in food policy, urban agriculture, youth development, public education, and food co-op development.  

ABOUT FOOD WARRIORS

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The Food Warriors program teaches children ages 5 to 12 about food—what it is, where it comes from, how to grow and prepare it, as well as the relationship between food and culture.  Participants are taught the importance of healthy eating, as well as the relationship between healthy food and physical activity for the maintenance of optimal health and well-being.  Another important aspect of the Food Warriors program is to destigmatize the relationship between people of African descent and agriculture.  The Food Warriors program works to revision agriculture away from a lens of oppression to a tool of self-reliance and self-determination.  Our work is rooted in the values of the Nguzo Saba also referenced as the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
 
Summary

This is a 12-month full-time contractual position.  Food Warriors site coordinators are employees of DBCFSN and will be paid $15.00 per hour.  Full-time employees are eligible for benefits.  Site coordinators must support DBCFSN’s mission and Black community self-determination approach to food system change. Knowledge of African American history and culture is essential.  

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The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, loves getting their hands dirty, doesn’t mind pulling up weeds and touching bugs and has an infectious love of nature, is socially conscious, and is passionately committed to justice work and the uplift and advancement of people of African descent. 

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Site-Coordinators report to the DBCFSN Education and Outreach Director. 

Responsibilities

•    The coordination and implementation of after-school programming at designated Food Warriors school and Saturday program sites which include.
o    Teaching weekly lessons in health, nutrition, and gardening
o    Leading youth in food preparation demonstrations
•    Engaging youth in garden activities that include but are not limited to:
o    Planting
o    Harvesting
o    Watering
o    Garden safety protocols
o    Respectful interaction with the natural environment
•    Providing some push-in lessons and activities to classrooms at school sites.
•    Lead monthly family night activities. 
•    Maintain inventory of tools and equipment at each site.
•    Attend weekly Food Warriors team meeting
•    Research and develop lessons plans that align with the Food Warriors curriculum
•    Effective and timely communications with education and outreach director and other Food Warriors staff members.
•    Develop and maintain positive relationships with school staff, Saturday volunteers, and Food Warriors families.
•    Maintain the upkeep of the Food Warriors gardens at each site during the school year as well as throughout the summer.
o    Sustain integrity of raised beds—minor repairs, replacements, etc.
o    Monitor operating condition of tools and equipment.
o    Planting and harvesting crops.
•    Co-coordination of 16-week Food N’ Flava Youth Entrepreneur Program
o    Provide food systems education to 10 youth ages 14-16.
o    Provide leadership in the development of value-added products with youth entrepreneurs.
o    Coordinate youth workshops with Detroit area food educators and entrepreneurs.
o    Assist youth in the development of a marketable value-added product.
•    Other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications
•    Submit to a state and federal background check.
•    Demonstrated experience in some capacity working with youth.
•    A commitment to the holistic development of children of African descent.
•    Comprehensive understanding of African-centered culture and history.
•    Ability to employ a culturally responsive approach to teaching and youth engagement.
•    Available on Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm.
•    Some knowledge of urban gardening and concepts of food sovereignty.
•    Ability to lift and maneuver moderately heavy equipment, for example, a wheelbarrow filled with compost.
•    A strong desire and willingness to learn about the work of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network.
•    Must have access to reliable transportation.
•    Must be reliable, consistent, and dependable.
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•    Some knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel preferred.

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How to apply:

Send resume and cover letter to hadjuman@dbcfsn.org by 5:00 pm, Monday, April 3, 2023.
In your cover letter please answer the following questions:

1.    Why do you want to be a Food Warriors site coordinator?
2.    What makes you an ideal candidate for the position?
3.    How do your values align with the values of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network?

Download here  Food Warriors Site Coordinator Posting 2023