This past year has been a blast and the TYFPC is now looking for five (5) new council members to join our team for 2014-2015!
We are a Toronto-based social organization that seeks to engage and mobilize youth to create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system for all. We do this by building community, raising awareness, and advocating for policy change. We also throw great potlucks and picnics!
If you are an enthusiastic and motivated youth (age 16-30) who is interested in activating positive change within Ontario’s food system, considering applying your strengths and skills to one of the available positions below:
Available Positions (5):
Network Committee Co-Lead (1)
Education Committee Co-Lead (1)
Advocacy Committee Co-Lead (1)
Communications Lead (formerly Social Media & IT Lead) (1)
Operations Lead (1)
Application Process:
Interested candidates should first, view the TYFPC Position Descriptions below (and attached as a PDF to this post). Next, fill out the TYFPC Application Form and email applications@tyfpc.ca the completed form along with an up-to-date resume. The submission deadline is Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11:59PM EST.
Please be sure to read the position description(s) you are applying for thoroughly for further instructions. All questions pertaining to applications can be directed to applications@tyfpc.ca.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
TYFPC Position Descriptions
Description for Council Membership: Network Committee Co-Lead
The Network Committee Co-Lead is responsible for the following:
- Collaboration: building partnerships with other youth and food organizations in the city, and identifying and following through on projects that meet our mandate.
- Promotions and Events: attending a variety of community events across the city to network with other groups and promote the TYFPC.
- Organization: maintaining a record of communications and outreach efforts, and documenting organizational partnerships and network connections.
A person in this role should:
- Be comfortable talking to new people.
- Have a keen interest in local food initiatives.
- Have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Be friendly, outgoing, and approachable.
Other requirements:
- Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews in mid-August.
- All applicants selected for council positions must attend a mandatory strategic planning retreat from September 26-28, 2014.
- All council members are required to attend monthly council and committee meetings.
Checklist:
- Deadline: Send a completed application and resume to applications@tyfpc.ca by August 8, 2014, 11:59PM.
- Submission Email Subject Line: ‘Network Committee Application – Your Name’.
- Content (2): Complete application form and a copy of an up-to-date resume.
—
Description for Council Membership: Education Committee Co-Lead
The Education Committee Co-Lead is responsible for the following:
- The Journal “Gathering”: lead selection process, liaise with contributors and potential contributors, coordinate peer review.
- Workshop facilitation: gather resources for education toolkit and update workshop content for participatory activities, coordinate workshop materials (printing etc.), coordinate and connect with the groups to engage workshop, and liaise with volunteers and co-facilitators.
- Council functions: co-coordinate one community meeting, liaise with fellow committees.
A person in this role should:
- Have strong organizational capabilities.
- Be self-motivated.
- Be comfortable speaking and reaching out to the public (or want to learn public speaking and facilitation skills).
- Be attentive to detail and being comfortable with WordPress is an asset (Journal especially).
Other requirements:
- Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews in mid-August.
- All applicants selected for council positions must attend a mandatory strategic planning retreat from September 26-28, 2014.
- All council members are required to attend monthly council and committee meetings.
Checklist:
- Deadline: Send a completed application and resume to applications@tyfpc.ca by August 8, 2014, 11:59PM.
- Submission Email Subject Line: ‘Education Committee Application – Your Name’.
- Content (2): Complete application form and a copy of an up-to-date resume.
—
Description for Council Membership: Advocacy Committee Co-Lead
The Advocacy Committee Co-Lead is responsible for the following:
- Research: Offer a youth and food ‘lens’ on municipal-level policies; perform and practice activities such as preparing policy briefs, scans of other jurisdictions, etc.
- Advocacy: Participate in public engagement opportunities, such as public deputations, attending meetings, or speaking at forums.
- Outreach: Engage with TYFPC community members and other advocacy groups by identifying and coordinating opportunities to research and/or participate in current events.
- Other opportunities you may wish to pursue related to your specific interests.
A person in this role should:
- Be passionate about participating in the municipal policy process.
- Have a natural ability to engage others in current issues.
- Demonstrate an ability to take initiative and responsibility for projects.
- Be comfortable in both a research and advocacy capacity.
Other requirements:
- Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews in mid-August.
- All applicants selected for council positions must attend a mandatory strategic planning retreat from September 26-28, 2014.
- All council members are required to attend monthly council and committee meetings.
Checklist:
- Deadline: Send a completed application and resume to applications@tyfpc.ca by August 8, 2014, 11:59PM.
- Submission Email Subject Line: ‘Advocacy Committee Application – Your Name’.
- Content (2): Complete application form and a copy of an up-to-date resume.
—
Description for Council Membership: Communications Lead
The Communications Lead is responsible for the following:
- Finding and sharing content for our social media channels.
- Promoting community events relevant to the TYFPC community.
- Creating, collecting, and curating content for our bi-monthly email newsletter.
- Work with the networking committee to find and connect with complimentary organizations and businesses online.
- Monitor social media and web traffic (Google Analytics).
- Write and encourage other council members to write blog entries for our website.
- Act as support for any technical issues council and community experience using our website, Google groups, email, or related channels.
A person in this role should:
- Be familiar with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Google apps, WordPress, & Mailchimp.
- Be self-motivated.
- Comfortable with basic HTML/CSS or more.
- Connected with the local food community online (or interested in it).
- Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or other design applications would be an asset.
Other requirements:
- Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews in mid-August.
- All applicants selected for council positions must attend a mandatory strategic planning retreat from September 26-28, 2014.
- All council members are required to attend monthly council and committee meetings.
Checklist:
- Deadline: Send a completed application and resume to applications@tyfpc.ca by August 8, 2014, 11:59PM.
- Submission Email Subject Line: ‘Communications Application – Your Name’.
- Content (2): Complete application form and a copy of an up-to-date resume.
—
Description for Council Membership: Operations Lead
The Operations Lead is responsible for the following:
- Operations: You will be in charge of maintaining and responding to the general TYFPC email account (info@tyfpc.ca); organizing the logistics & administration of each monthly meeting; improving Council processes and making strategic recommendations to the Chairs.
- Events: Research, update and maintain the Events Calendar.
- Volunteer Management: Assess, place with committees, and keep track of applicants.
- Other opportunities you may wish to pursue related to your specific interests.
A person in this role should:
- Have strong organizational and time-management capabilities.
- Have excellent interpersonal and strategic planning skills.
- Web-based skills are a plus (WordPress, administering Google email accounts et al.).
Other requirements:
- Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews in mid-August.
- All applicants selected for council positions must attend a mandatory strategic planning retreat from September 26-28, 2014.
- All council members are required to attend monthly council and committee meetings.
Checklist:
- Deadline: Send completed applications to applications@tyfpc.ca by August 8, 2014, 11:59PM.
- Submission Email Subject Line: ‘Operations Application – Your Name’.
- Content (2): Complete application form and a copy of an up-to-date resume.
—
The TYFPC welcomes applications from all interested food passionate youth, regardless of experience or background, between the ages of 16 and 30. We encourage applications from diverse communities, including Indigenous, racialised, disabled, queer, and trans* youth. We welcome all experiences (i.e. lived and academic), and encourage applicants to note this in their application.
TYFPC Application Form for All Council Positions
First Name:
Last Name:
Phone Number:
Email:
Are you under the age of 30?
Why are you interesting in becoming a TYFPC member? (Max. 100 words)
What makes you a great candidate for the role you are applying for? (Max. 250 words)
Tell us about a memorable food experience or why food is important to you. (Max. 250 words)
PDF Versions
June 21, 2014
by Martina Marsic
0 comments
TYFPC Participates in U.S.-led Global Food Waste Documentary
Waste Not: Breaking Down the Food Equation is a documentary by the award-winning filmmakers of MediaLab at Pacific Lutheran University (Washington, U.S.A.) on the dissection of issues of food waste around the world. According to a recent United Nations special report (2013), an estimated one-third of global food production is wasted each year, resulting in astronomical environmental, economic and human costs. The filmmakers are travelling across North America and just recently landed in Europe to document their findings from farm and production/processing site visits, and in-person industry, academic and NGO interviews. The original production is set to premiere Fall 2014.
On June 10th, Martina Marsic and Jessica Reeve, current TYFPC Members, as well as Heather Lee (past member) were interviewed on issues of food waste in Toronto. Each member contributed their specific experience, working with food issues, locally and globally. Martina spoke to her background in both the small-scale and corporate food industry and current work in social entrepreneurship and software development, where innovative solutions are leveraging technology to implement lean methods that cut food waste. Jessica contributed her research and findings on therapeutic and institutional horticulture, with a particular focus on prison farms in the U.S. and Canada, which serve(d) to rehabilitate prisoners and produce food in sustainable and efficient ways. Heather featured her consulting work with the Toronto Food Policy Council on food waste reduction and diversion for the city. Her research identifies opportunities for the City of Toronto to incorporate food waste as a priority in its Long Term Waste Management Strategy. Such findings are additionally relevant to other jurisdictions in Ontario.
More information on the documentary can be found at the project’s website.
Photo (in order of appearance from left to right): Amanda Brasgalla, Martina Marsic, Jessica Reeve, Olivia Ash, Taylor Lunka, Heather Lee. Thank you to Robert Marshall Wells for the photo.
June 20, 2014
by Kaylen Fredrickson
0 comments
Picnics and Politics in Don Valley East: Food and the Municipal Election
Monday, July 14 at 6pm.
Come and chat about food and the upcoming municipal election and eat some watermelon at the Dallington Pollinators Community Garden, 39 Glentworth Road (map and directions below). If it is raining, we have a second, indoor location: Oriole Food Space (2975 Don Mills Rd W).
The TYFPC is hosting its first picnic discussion group to talk about what is happening in Don Valley East (Ward 33) and how to get involved in food projects, the local community, and the upcoming municipal election. Meet some community members and learn about your neighbourhood!
This event will include a few informal presentations from local leaders, as well as opportunities to discuss what interests you.
Some snacks will be provided. If you are able, please bring a snack to share! You may also want a blanket to sit on.
Please note: There is no washroom at the garden.
RSVP on our Facebook event! If you have questions or would like to know more about this event, please contact Kaylen, Advocacy Committee Co-lead, at kfredrickson@tyfpc.ca. We are also hoping to host more political potluck picnics in other communities! If you would like to have one in your community, please contact us!
June 6, 2014
by MeShell
0 comments
100 in 1 day Toronto – Food and Urban Gardening
100 in 1 Day Toronto is happening tomorrow and is part of a growing global movement that is changing how people interact with their cities.
Originating in Bogotá, Colombia in 2012, it has encouraged hundreds of one-day community-based interventions in cities around the world with things like street art, urban gardens, beautification projects, social events, and improvements in city infrastructure all being profiled in a city-wide festival on June 7, 2014.
There are so many different exciting interventions happening in the city tomorrow, so we wanted to highlight some of the ones focused on food issues and urban gardening. Be sure to check out the whole list to see what might spark your interest.
June 4, 2014
by Martina Marsic
0 comments
Notes from TYFPC Food & Mental Health Community Meeting
Thanks everyone who attended the June 2014 Toronto Youth Food Policy Community Meeting! This month’s topic was Food & Mental Health. We looked at the intersection of food and mental health from a variety of perspectives. The meeting featured Fat Girl Food Squad, Houselink, one of our very own Council Members, and the Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre.
This was our final session of the 2013-2014 TYFPC year and that means in the next few months we will be refreshing the TYFPC Council with new members. Connect with us on facebook or sign up for our newsletter to receive notice of meetings, events, and to find out how to join the 2014-2015 TYFPC Council.
If you have any comments or questions, please email us at info@tyfpc.ca.
___
FOOD & MENTAL HEALTH
TYFPC Community Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 2, 2014 6:00-8:00PM
PARC, Toronto