VCGN Accepting Applications for Board of Directors

Are you passionate about food access and positive social connections? Do you have nonprofit board and/or management experience? Are you interested in being part of the evolution of a statewide organization dedicated to growing healthy and connected communities? The Vermont Community Garden Network has openings on the board for 2018.

The Vermont Community Garden Network (VCGN) is accepting applications for its board of directors. We are looking for skilled professionals who want to help create healthier Vermont communities with a high level of food security, food justice, and positive community development and social connections. Desirable skills and experience for potential board members include fundraising, marketing, communications, legal, business, and/or strategic planning.

The VCGN board is responsible for guiding the mission and purpose of the organization, strategic planning, fiduciary oversight, and selecting and evaluating the performance of the Executive Director. All board members play an active role in fundraising. The full board meets seven times a year in Burlington (with phone/video conferencing available) and each board member participates on at least one working committee. The current committees are finance, fundraising, human resources, and program development.

The state’s nearly 400 community-based gardens nourish tens of thousands of people in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, housing sites, senior centers, food shelves, early care and education sites, and more. VCGN’s comprehensive resources, expert technical assistance, small grants, and high-impact trainings provide these local groups with tools to make positive change in our communities, and our hands-on food and garden education programs teach people of all ages how to grow their own food.

VCGN’s programs and partnerships help children and adults realize their full potential and play an active role in their local food system and family success. The impact of this work is clear. Children who grow their own food are more likely to eat – and like – fruits and vegetables and to show higher levels of knowledge about nutrition. Having access to space to grow food at affordable housing sites increases food security and self-sufficiency. Gardens at workplaces provide unique wellness opportunities. Seniors and veterans gain physical and psychological benefits from gardening. And all of these groups have increased access to healthy food and positive social connections.

If our work inspires you and you are interested in being considered for the VCGN board, please send a letter of interest and resume to Executive Director Jess Hyman at jess@vcgn.org. Call 802-861-4769 with questions.

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