The Latino Farmers Cooperative of Louisiana (LFCL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in March of 2008 to address the growing poverty, hunger, racial inequalities, and human needs of the Greater of New Orleans area's Latino community. LFCL's mission is to organize an integrated community food security system where food is a way to better the social and economic life of the community, to enrich the environment, and to improve human welfare. LFCL further seeks to combat issues of racial injustice and address immigrant rights, specifically related to food justice, by developing advocacy efforts and using grassroots organizing models.
To accomplish its mission, LFCL provides access to farmland, resources, community education, and training for Latino members to grow healthy and culturally appropriate foods in urban sustainable farms, create agro-enterprises, and address the socioeconomic issues of the Latino community.
LFCL is built on the principals of voluntary and open membership; democratic member control, member economic participation; autonomy; independence; education; training; cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community. The organization further supports the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity through the process of cooperation, cooperative economics, and sustainable community development.
LFCL maintains "La Esperanza Neighborhood Farm" which is located in Harvey, LA just ten miles from downtown New Orleans where children, school groups, emerging urban farmers and gardeners, as well as low-income Latino families grow, learn, play, and exercise, all while being good stewards of the environment. This urban demonstration farm provides food, labor opportunities, technical assistance and continuing education to the Latino community, all while promoting self-reliance and grassroots development initiatives. The 3/4 acre farm helps to meet the food insecurity needs of the community by providing access to fresh produce and eggs throughout the year. Community members that participate in farm-related activities are given "food vouchers" that can be redeemed during harvesting season.
LFCL currently employs two full time staff members, two AmeriCorp members, and several other administrative and farm interns and volunteers as well as consultants and associates.
Bilingual Community Outreach Coordinator
LFCL is seeking a full-time Community Outreach Coordinator to deepen connections between the organization and the Latino community, businesses, and other non-profits organizations. The Community Outreach Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to develop programs and services and resource development, as well as lead workshops. This person will coordinate events with other organizations, build membership capacity, and recruit, coordinate, and train volunteers and interns.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement organizing and action strategies for outreach and media campaigns;
• Develop relationships with local groups, community leaders, public officials, and media;
• Identify and develop training materials (i.e. leadership, team building);
• Teach hands-on formal and informal workshops;
• Maintain and expand membership levels and capacity;
• Apply business principles and entrepreneurial skills to address social issues;
• Engage members in all aspects of community organizing;
• Recruit, coordinate, and train volunteers, interns, and fellows;
• Solicit additional in-kind and monetary contributions where appropriate; and
• Administrative duties.
Other Responsibilities:
• Transport Cooperative members to key events;
• Support the running and programming of La Esperanza Farm;
• Case management.
Skills and Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree;
• Minimum of 1-2 years experience in nonprofit programming, direct service to low-income families and/or community organizing;
• Demonstrate capacity to understand and work with an immigrant population;
• Excellent bilingual (English/Spanish) oral and written communication skills;
• Strong public speaking/workshop facilitation skills;
• Ability to initiate, lead, and work independently as well as being a team player;
• Capacity to work respectfully in a multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work a flexible schedule, occasionally including weekends;
• Computer proficiency: Microsoft Word, Excel, desktop publishing;
• Must be organized and attentive to detail;
• Valid driver's license/vehicle insurance and reliable transportation preferred.
Additional Qualifications:
We're looking for a self-motivated person with a passion for sustainable food systems development, urban agriculture, and food justice issues. This person should have a "get-it-done" attitude that is hands-on and should be able to work in a team environment.
Employment Type: Full time -- Reports to the Executive Director
Job Locations: New Orleans, Louisiana
Salary commensurate with experience will be offered.
The position will begin on July 5th, 2011
To apply: Qualified candidates should send resume and cover letter by email to info@LatinoFarmersCoop.org. Please include the words "Bilingual Community Outreach" in the subject line and respond no later than June 30th, 2011
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