About the Role
To volunteer with Grinding Stone Collective, individuals must have an interest in Indigenous food sovereignty and be committed to supporting Indigenous communities. Volunteers are expected to be reliable, responsible, and respectful of Indigenous traditions and culture. Depending on your volunteer role, certain skills or qualifications may be required.
All volunteers are expected to follow the organization's code of conduct and adhere to the mission and values of Grinding Stone Collective. This is an inter-tribal approach to food sovereignty built by natives for natives and our allies. The three core tenets of our organization are education, reciprocity and stewardship.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with in-person and virtual programs including
Assisting with event setup, including tables, chairs, and equipment
Greeting and registering attendees
Assisting with food preparation and serving
Assisting with the distribution of supplies and/or materials
Supporting event speakers and performers as necessary
Helping with event cleanup and breakdown
Providing technical assistance for virtual events, such as managing audio and video equipment and troubleshooting technical issues
Engaging with attendees and answering questions about the event or First Foods Programming
Sharing information about First Foods Programming on social media platforms or other communication channels
Assisting with event evaluations or surveys
Participating in pre-event meetings or training sessions to prepare for the event
Additional volunteer possibilities include:
Delivery (pick up & drop off of pantry/stewards items)
Help with community outreach and engagement efforts
Support fundraising and grant writing efforts
Provide assistance with administrative tasks such as data entry, record keeping, and scheduling
Assist with research and program evaluation
Participate in trainings and workshops to develop skills and knowledge related to GSC's mission and work
Attend meetings and communicate regularly with GSC staff and other volunteers
Requirements and Qualifications
The specific requirements and qualifications to be a First Foods Program volunteer may vary depending on the needs of the program.
Requirements:
Completion of the volunteer application form below
Completion of required training
Background check clearance
Availability to volunteer for a specific time period (8hrs minimum for full program days)
Qualifications:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge and interest in Indigenous foodways and traditional ecological knowledge
Ability to work collaboratively with a team and community partners
Willingness to learn and take direction from program coordinators
Experience with event planning or food preparation (depending on the volunteer role)
Physical ability to perform the tasks required for the volunteer role (e.g., lifting, standing for extended periods, etc.)
About Us
Grinding Stone Collective Inc. strives to uplift Indigenous communities through community education, reciprocity and stewardship. We cultivate inter-tribal knowledge sharing online and in person, creating jobs and increasing visibility for native communities and the issues that impact us most. Our digital spaces allow Natives to showcase their knowledge and skills while simultaneously growing in the community. Grinding Stone culminates from years of building networks across cultural boundaries. Through innovative use of technology for educational platforms, Grinding Stone Collective creates space for Indigenous peoples to build community, combat erasure, and ensures that future generations will recognize native technology as the worlds oldest database of knowledge.