YOUTH SEED STEWARDSHIP
2024/2025
The Youth Seed Stewardship pilot is underway!
The Youth Seed Stewards (YSS) are the co-creators and carers of the brand new inter-school seed library that allows schools across Waterloo Region to access free seeds and support. Seed Stewards connect with each other and adult allies around seeds and local food. They are leaders in school-based food production efforts in the Region by enabling these very important inputs – seeds! – to be collected, nurtured, and distributed each year.
During this pilot year of the project, the Youth Seed Stewards are meeting with their fellow Stewards once a month at the Seeds of Diversity office in Uptown Waterloo and other local sites, for workshops, discussions, and activities. They have opportunities to lead and troubleshoot seedy initiatives as key players in developing the inter-school seed library, and take part in fun community field trips alongside the Youth Food Market team.
What is the Inter-School Seed Library?
A new initiative for 2024-2025 with a goal to increase access to open pollinated, heirloom, and regionally adapted seeds for school based food production, and to support stronger school ground ecosystems through native plants and pollinator support – all while engaging young people as leaders and changemakers in our local food systems. Join us at the table in building and managing this valuable resource for schools and the community.
Want to stay in the loop with this project?
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our goal is for the Youth Seed Stewardship project to include youth from various cultural & socioeconomic groups in Waterloo Region.
WHY JOIN AS A SEED STEWARD?
There are many reasons to join the YSS project, including but not limited to:
- Build leadership and collaboration skills;
- Meet and work with like-minded peers and adult allies;
- Learn about seed and food security, urban agriculture, and local food systems;
- Work on special projects alongside youth with similar interests;
- Join an organization with 40 years of leadership in seed stewardship;
- Attend fun community-based events and field trips;
- Build your resume and university applications;
- Fulfil your required community service hours;
- Have fun!
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
- Youth between the ages of 14 and 19 at the start of the YSS in October 2024;
- Individuals who are interested in local food & sustainability, and want to learn from some great local folks in the sector;
- Those who are interested in becoming environmental leaders;
- Those who are keen to work within a small organization to develop and improve upon programs, processes, and outcomes;
- Those who can attend seed workshops on Tuesday, October 1st and 8th;
- Those who can commit to regular monthly meetings on Thursday evenings from November 2024 to April 2025;
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Ability to commit up to two hours per week between October 2024 and early May 2025 (for a total of up to 60 hours of involvement);
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A willingness to join and engage using Circle
Signups for the 2024-2025 Seed Steward team are now closed. Stay tuned via Instagram or our newsletter for news of other opportunities, and to see what’s happening with the project. You can also email info@youthinfoodsystems.ca if you have questions, concerns, or would like to express interest in joining the next cohort of Seed Stewards!
We’re curently looking for Adult Allies to join the project on a volunteer basis (with honorarium)! Are you a knowledgeable adult interested in co-facilitating or supporting a Steward Session between January and April? Get in touch with us with any questions or to access the full role description: info@youthinfoodsystems.ca