ABOUT US

Seeds of Diversity is a nationally-incorporated charity that engages Canadians to secure the future of food production and adapt Canadian food systems to new challenges of the next century. Through education and hands-on skills training, gardeners young and old preserve the  biodiversity and sustainability of our agricultural food systems.

Youth in Food Systems is a program of Seeds of Diversity that works to support youth in food systems learning, skills development, and agri-food career exploration through several in-person and remote projects across Ontario. 

THE ROLE

Our social media is one of our primary communication platforms, and we’re looking for youth interested in helping us to grow it with fun, relevant, and informational content! You will be able to co-lead our Instagram page (@youthinfoodsystems) by conducting research, creating posts, and (optional) interacting with our audience. 

Time commitment: 3 month minimum, 2+ post designs / month on a self-selected schedule

ABOUT US 

Seeds of Diversity is a nationally-incorporated charity that engages Canadians to secure the future of food production and adapt Canadian food systems to new challenges of the next century. Through education and hands-on skills training, gardeners young and old preserve the  biodiversity and sustainability of our agricultural food systems.

Youth in Food Systems is a program of Seeds of Diversity that works to support youth in food systems learning, skills development, and agri-food career exploration through several in-person and remote projects across Ontario. 

THE ROLES

We are bringing youth on for each role within the youth-led blog team this year! Visit the blog to see it in action.

The roles within the blog team include Writers, Editors, Designers, and Publishers. Youth are invited to join in up to two roles at a time. 

WRITERS
Do you have a way with words, or just an interest in writing? We have an opportunity for you to write about food- and sustainability-related topics for the blog! It’s written for young people, by young people, to educate and inspire your peers. 

EDITORS
The essence of the blog lies in having high quality content, and that shouldn’t fall solely on the blog writers. Our editors are responsible for reviewing each post and providing suggestions and feedback before the posts get published. 

DESIGNERS & PUBLISHERS
The aesthetic of the blog is important for capturing readers’ attention. This means having a featured image for each and every blog post created; and publishing each post in a way that is user friendly and appealing. If you have a creative eye and want to produce final pieces that are inviting, this role could be the perfect fit for you! 

Animal care * lead animals to pasture, feeding, watering * groom animals * keep all buckets and dishes clean 
 
Barn work * muck out stalls, replace straw, dump wheelbarrows * keep equipment clean and sweep barn floors 
 
Administration * maintain daily logs and animal care records * communicate with Barn Manager about concerns * advocate for Pegasus to attract sponsors and volunteers

Our in-person summer-fall Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) events are starting up!

What is the Conservation Youth Corps Program?

Take action with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and earn high school volunteer hours at home and in your community by participating in environmental stewardship activities! 

Visit: Upcoming Events - TRCA Conservation Youth Corps

NEW FOR 2024:

Participants in the Virtual CYC program will gain access to our new CYC Virtual Hub: an exclusive online classroom that provides multiple opportunities for high school students to earn over 20 community service hours, both at home and in your neighbourhood!

Virtual Program Dates

Orientation #5: July 10 | Orientation #6: July 14 – Register for July Orientation Sessions by July 2, 2024

The CYC virtual program consists of:

•                  A mandatory virtual orientation session

•                  Three self-paced modules, linked to themes of biodiversity, invasive species, and microplastics

•                  Fun and interesting extra credit assignments

•                  Additional opportunities to get outside and support stewardship projects

•                  And even more ways to get involved!

Participants will have the freedom to customize their experience in the program, earning as few or as many community service hours as they like prior to November 1, 2024.

We are seeking volunteers to help out at the adoption centre in Pickering at Petsmart .  Duties include:

• cleaning cat cages, litter pans, ensuring cats have fresh food and water
• keeping centre clean
• brushing, socializing and playing with cats 
• Spending time interacting and socializing shyer cats
• talking to public about cats, and potential adopters about adoptable cats 
• assisting with the adoption process for cats approved for adoption 
• communicating with fellow volunteers about any information needed and arranging coverage for any absences

Our weekly event requires:  A Marshall - to help direct the runners at turnpoionts

A Timer - will need a smartphone and be able to download the timing app which will be used to time the prticipants for their 5K wlak/run/jog

A scanner - will need a smartphone to use the app to scan barcodes at the end of the event

A tailwalker - will be walking the course, following the last participant. Will act as course 'sweep' as well as pick up signage.

Looking for volunteers to assist with the workshops and edible garden installations at schools

Organize and deliver tours at WindReach Farm * wagon ride, farm and/or stable tour * sensory trail, wool demonstrations and more

·       Interacting with the public while providing great customer service. Merchandising and staging of furniture donations.

·       eCommerce: product research for price and key selling points, measure dimensions, photography, and minor touch up of items to support our new online platform.

·       Tasks may include customer service, product display, pricing, assembly, and repair

• Due to the physical nature of some of the tasks required, ReStore volunteers may be asked to lift heavy objects (bathroom fixtures, windows, doors, etc.)
• Assembling furniture and some restoration of various donations.
• Able to lift 10-20 pounds and be on your feet for several hours at a time.
• Volunteers are required to wear CSA approved green label safety shoes, some at store to borrow for volunteer shift

·       Come with a willingness to learn from experienced volunteers and staff and to work as part of a team. A positive attitude, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a sense of humour is always key! Tasks are not always glamorous, so be prepared to do a variety of things.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has volunteer and non-paid work experience opportunities for a variety of volunteers such as secondary and post-secondary students,  corporate opportunities,  festival events (Durham Children's Watershed Festival and Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival) and the Conservation Area Trail Stewards (CATS) program.