Volunteering with the People's Food Policy Project
The PFPP is an exciting new project that currently has over 50 active volunteers committed to its vision across the country. By participating in the PFPP, you will contribute to shaping the future of your local and Canadian food systems.
Here are some of the ways you can get involved
Food Policy Research and Writing
We are in the process of developing 10 different teams that will take policy recommendations from members of civil society and transform them into policy recommendations aimed at the federal government. These teams need researchers and writers to help in this monumental task. (There is a special needs for the chapters 7-8-9)
Skills / background / requirements sought:
- A demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for food, food systems or the food movement
- Pertinent experience (volunteer or other) and / or education in a related field
- A demonstrated ability to work autonomously
- Good writing skills in either French or English
- Some supervision from another institution (i.e. a teacher/ school) an asset (ex: students may want to do this research for a final paper)
Organizational structure research
We would like to learn more about how other projects like ours, here and abroad, did what they did. How did they structure their network? How did they make decisions? What was the key to their success? What can we learn from them?
Skills / background / requirements sought:
- A demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for food, food systems or the food movement
- Pertinent experience (volunteer or other) and / or education in a related field
- A demonstrated ability to work autonomously
- Good writing skills in either French or English
- Some supervision from another institution (i.e. a teacher/ school) an asset (ex: students may want to do this research for a final paper)
International Food Policy Research
Internationally, there are a number of countries, including Scotland, that have developed (or are developing) a national food policy. We would like a series of papers that summarize how these were developed, who was involved in developing them, what their scope is, how they are being institutionalized, etc.
Skills / background / requirements sought:
- A demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for food, food systems or the food movement
- Pertinent experience (volunteer or other) and / or education in a related field
- A demonstrated ability to work autonomously
- Good writing skills in either French or English
- Some supervision from another institution (i.e. a teacher/ school) an asset (ex: students may want to do this research for a final paper)
Support for Regional Animators
There are currently 26 animators carrying out meetings and conversations for phase I of the PFPP. In phase II (starting in April 2010) they will be hosting larger meetings and public events. Some of them may require logistical support and assistance, and if not, they can certainly direct you to organizations in your area that need volunteers in order to build the local food system.
Contact your closest animator.
Administrative Support
The National Coordinator of the PFPP, based in Montreal, needs some administrative support. Possible tasks could include (depending on your interests and your skills): communicating with volunteers and various teams; coordinating meetings; translation (English to French); website content management and development; researching potential funding sources; coordinating logistics for the upcoming policy retreat; and more.
Skills / background / requirements sought:
- A demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for food, food systems or the food movement
- Pertinent experience (volunteer or other) and / or education in a related field
- Eligible candidates must be based in Montreal
- Excellent French language skills (written and spoken)
- Understanding of English
- Seeking: 5-10 hours per week of volunteer time, up to 3 volunteers
Please contact Amanda at peoplesfoodpolicy@gmail.com to find out more about any of these opportunities.