We have a year-round volunteer program at 21 Acres that provides opportunity for hands on work, creativity and flexibility and can fit with anyone’s schedules or specific interests. We work with volunteers who come to us in many different ways:  Whether customers come to the market for fresh eggs and produce and happen to wander back to the farm and see all that needs doing; or whether students find out about 21 Acres through a professor or people hear about the program from a friend or family member; we’re pleased to talk with anyone interested in the organization.

As the volunteer coordinator, I work with individuals, school groups and students.   I have been working with UW Bothell students since 2009 and have since have expanded involvement to include students from UW’s Seattle campus, working with students though the Carlson Center. (The Carlson Center is UW Seattle’s service earning and public service center.)  With service learning becoming a more integral part of graduation fulfillment at universities, 21 Acres is an excellent fit as there are opportunities for students to fulfill volunteer and service learning commitments and the work can fit into the interdisciplinary aspects of many degree programs.  2012/13 was our first year working with students from Bastyr University.  I provided a tour to students from the nutrition science and didactics program at the beginning of the summer.  (These students need to fulfill 150 community based learning hours upon completion of their degree program.)  Their interest from the field trip in June was contagious and a few of them came to the farm every week during their summer break from classes.

We also work with volunteers who aren’t students and we have many community members and retirees pitching in on projects. Although the summers fill up with volunteers of all kinds; mother/daughter pairs, persons interested in farming basics, others looking for a change of scenery that live in the city, we have volunteer opportunities year-round. The fall service learning and volunteer opportunities are under way now.

Please let me know if you’re interested in volunteering.  A recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health shows that volunteering can actually improve your mental health and help you live longer!  (You can find the article link in sciencedaily.com.) I look forward to meeting new people and reaching out further into the community.  Please contact me and I will be happy to give you a tour of the facility and grounds, learn about your interests and share some of ours and determine a way to work together.

If you are interested please contact me at gsjohnson@21acres.org.

–   Gretchen Johnson