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!
Sign ups for volunteer shifts with UGC will open in June/July 2022.
Our Incubator Farmers have volunteer shifts beginning in May - register below!
Drop-In
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!
Recurring
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.
Group
We occasionally offer group volunteer opportunities. If your organization is interested in volunteering with us, please fill out the form below. We will begin contacting groups in June 2022.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.