MDNLC AmeriCorps Program

The MDNLC Rising Roots Ameri Corps Program aims to care for the earth and the people who live here by growing food for local communities using sustainable agricultural practices that build native ecosystems and will educate people on how to be better stewards of the earth in growing their own food using these same principles and practices. MDNLC Ameri Corps volunteers will gain experience from professionals working in related fields and apply what they learn by growing food for the community and leading educational workshops for community members across Washington County, MS.

Ameri Corps is a national service organization. Volunteers in the MDNLC Ameri Corps program will serve for 900 hours over the course of 11 months (approximately 20 hours/week). Members will receive a $9,000 stipend ($900 paid monthly) and $3,697.50 education award at the end of service which can be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Serve at community gardens throughout Washington County to grow food for the community. Organize and lead 11 educational workshops to help educate community members on growing food. At the events, Ameri Corps volunteers will educate community members on how to grow food. Engage volunteers in accomplishing the above activities. Learn about importance of sustainable food production principles and practices, become familiar with native edible plants that benefit ecosystems and human health, the history of conservation and agriculture in the USA, the importance of water and how to keep it clean, how to compost and recycle and be responsible with trash disposal, career development skills that can be applied to any future career pathways.

• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Training
• Stipend.

• Car recommended
• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Uniforms provided and required
• Permits attendance at school during off hours