Sign up to volunteer with UGC! Whether you want to help your community, learn more about growing food, gain experience in a particular area, or just want to get your hands in the soil, Urban Growers Collective offers opportunities for you to get in touch with the land. We could not do the work that we do without our incredible volunteers. Thank you for supporting our mission!
Ready to get your hands dirty?
Volunteering FAQ
What are your Covid-19 protocols?
- We are limiting the number of volunteers allowed on site per shift.
- Only volunteers who have registered and signed our Waiver and Photo Release form prior to their shift will be allowed on site. (We’ll direct you to this form after you’ve signed up for your shift!)
- Masks and gloves must be worn at all times while on site. Disposable masks are available as needed. Volunteers must bring their own gloves.
- Hand washing and hand sanitizing stations are on site.
- While on site, we ask that volunteers maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others at all times.
- Any volunteers who don’t adhere to these rules will be asked to leave immediately.
How early should I get to the farm?
Plan to arrive a few minutes before your shift begins. Please come on time because we begin our program promptly, and there’s a lot to be done!
What is the work like?
Farming is hard work! Depending on the season, you may be preparing beds, shifting compost, planting, harvesting, or cleaning up the land. We work rain or shine, so please come prepared for the weather. Expect to get your hands and clothes dirty by the end of the day.
What do I need to bring?
A face mask or covering, a water bottle filled with water; sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if it’s sunny or rain gear if it’s stormy; and a snack. UGC will provide all the tools you’ll need to work. If you have a medical condition such as asthma or anaphylaxis, please bring your inhaler or epi-pen and inform your group leader of your condition before beginning work. We do have an apiary at our South Chicago farm, and there are many native bees around.
DO NOT bring personal items with you to the farm. We do not have storage on site and will not take responsibility for your belongings. If you bring valuables such as phones, wallets, jewelry, etc., you do so at your own risk.
What should I wear?
All volunteers are required to wear face masks and gloves. Disposable masks will be provided if needed. Please also wear closed-toe shoes (absolutely no sandals or flip flops), clothes that you don’t mind getting really dirty (pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended), and bring an extra layer and rain gear–just in case.
Do we still work if it rains?
Yes! We work when it rains. Our growers will call it if weather conditions are dangerous or not conducive for field work.
What if I can no longer make my shift?
That’s okay! Just let us know over at info@urbangrowerscollective.org as soon as possible so we can open up the slot for someone else.
Drop-In Shifts
We offer one-time volunteer shifts at our South Chicago Farm and Fresh Moves Mobile Market. Shifts are typically 2-3 hours long. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks, including greeting customers, prepping beds, weeding, seeding, and harvesting. All ages are welcome!
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Recurring Shifts
If you would like to consistently support our work, sign up for a recurring volunteer shift! This is a month-long commitment that allows you to volunteer at the same farm at the same time each week. We ask that you commit to working all shifts for the month.
Specialized Apprenticeships
These are hands-on “experiential” learning opportunities for individuals who have taken workshops or an orientation related to the content area and are seeking a more skill-based volunteer experience.Through consistent, hands-on experience, you will deepen your knowledge in a specific content area. We ask that you commit to the full series.
If you have not taken a related UGC workshop or orientation but are interested in a volunteer apprenticeship, please reach out to info@urbangrowerscollective.org to coordinate a time to onboard.
Fall Harvest Apprenticeship
Come help out the South Chicago Farm and learn how to harvest seasonal produce! You will work at the same time each week:
- Sundays 10 AM-12 PM
- Mondays 10 AM-12 PM
- Tuesdays 10 AM-12 PM
- Wednesdays 10 AM-12 PM
We ask that you commit to attending all shifts for the duration of the October.
Hoop House Apprenticeship
Come learn and build hoop houses collectively at the South Chicago Farm! Please note- this is not a workshop. This is a seven-week-long hands-on volunteer experience focused on hoop house construction and maintenance.
The apprenticeship runs from 2 PM-4 PM every Friday from October 8th through November 19th.
We ask that you commit to the full 7-week series to optimize your learning.