Do you or someone you know like getting your hands in the soil, learning about different plants and bugs, and meeting new people? Do you or someone you know need a bit of training and experience before jumping into volunteering on a farm regularly? Then consider being a part of this fall cohort of the Volunteer-in-Training program at Red Wiggler Community Farm, a program designed specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities who are interested in becoming regular field volunteers in the future.
The volunteer-in-training program provides an environment where individuals with limitations or developmental disabilities learn the basic tasks required to be an individual volunteer at Red Wiggler with a goal of fully integrating into the individual volunteer group by the end of the program. Volunteers-in-training will work on learning farming tasks like weeding, watering, planting, and deadheading, building endurance both in physical work and attention span, following directions, working independently with appropriate instruction and supervision, working well with others and working safely and comfortably in a large group setting.
The ultimate goal is to have this individual feel equipped and excited to join the full field team in future seasons as a volunteer.
If you or someone you know is interested, contact volunteer@redwiggler.org or call (301) 916-2216.
The fall VIT program starts 9/23!
COVID information: At the moment, Red Wiggler does not require mask wearing outdoors, but we are still enforcing social distancing at all times and requiring masks indoors for all individuals. We are also limiting our indoor capacity and almost never do indoor activities with the Volunteer-in-Training program participants. We have many hand-washing stations throughout the farm as well as an outdoor port-a-john for individuals who want to avoid indoor spaces. Our COVID response is constantly evolving, so check in with us directly if you have concerns or questions.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.
