This resource provides a sample agenda from an Edible Schoolyard Berkeley volunteer training. Attached below is the handbook that was given to each of our volunteers at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year, as well as the end-of-year survey we give to volunteers.
Introductions / Ice Breaker
Introduce self and role at ESY
New volunteers introduce themselves and say a little about why they want to volunteer at ESY
Go over the agenda for the training session
History /Organizational Overview
History of the founding
1994: tore up concrete, started with a few raised beds
1997: added a cooking program in the renovated cafeteria
2005: started to help establish partner programs across the country
2009: held the first Academy, trained 90 professionals
2011: launched esy.org, tool for networking and engagement
How the program works (students come with their classes; frequency of classes)
1,010 students in grades 6,7,8
Classroom teachers bring students for 4-8 weeks in a row, 1x/week, or for week long immersions
Modified Block schedule, so classes last different amounts of time depending on grade or day of the week
Normally, science classes come to the garden, humanities classes to the kitchen
Values and skills and classroom content covered in ESY classes
50% of lessons linked to classroom content
50% of lessons linked to ESY standards, such as: seasonality, bio-diversity, teamwork, communication, problem solving, decision making, rituals and routines, the importance of showing you care, making things beautiful for each other.
Changes for this year
Garden Program has changed most dramatically.
Garden volunteers used to be linked to classes, but now garden volunteers are linked to specific tasks in the garden, at whatever time is suitable for them
Kitchen volunteers are still linked to classes, which will make their schedules a bit less regular than they have been in the past, due to the fact that class times will vary based on grade and day of the week
Hope to better utilize volunteers to help us in areas where we need help the most, along with providing a fulfilling experience for our volunteers.
Expectations / Handbook / Scheduling
Quick overview of handbook
Linger on Volunteer expectations
Go over a few examples of class schedules
Please note that we will ask how long you were during your sign in sign out process, very important that you complete this!
ESY Culture Principles
Overview of document including history and reason for implementing
Culture Principles- Find your card match, share with each other, explain why this culture principle is important in the classroom
Have one (or both time allowing) share out to group
Close by wrapping up the discussion, why these principles matter amongst volunteers and classrooms culture
Volunteer / ESY Staff Communication
Through this period of change in our volunteer program we are striving for more communication and feedback, going both directions, to better implement and improve our volunteer program.
Feedback form to complete after first class and after 1 month. Or whenever you wish to fill it out!
Please feel free to email at any time with any questions, concerns, issues, or feedback.
We are happy to debrief after class in person but may not have time to do so completely, or may not be in the right state to do it well.
You can expect positive and constructive feedback on your work here. This is normal and should be received as an opportunity to improve not as a valuation of you. Flex that growth mindset!
We are all learning and improving together to do our best for our students