McLaughlin Grows depends on volunteers to lead and assist in all of our programs and operations. Together we’re growing community, gardens, and healthy food! Individual volunteers and groups large or small are welcome on a one-time or ongoing basis. We always welcome people to come and actually dig in at any of the gardens and in the hoophouse or lend a hand at the farmers’ market! We also have numerous volunteer opportunities that aren’t about getting dirty, such as office work, educational opps, board & committee service, special events assistance, research you can do for us on your own time, and more. Please read below for ongoing volunteer opportunities that fit your interest and availability and fill out our volunteer application (see below application)! After we receive that, we’ll schedule you for a volunteer orientation so we can get to know you in person. If you are part of a group that iis interested in volunteering together, please contact us to talk about opportunities.
Spring and Summer Volunteer Opportunities
School and Youth Program Volunteer
We anticipate that we’ll be working with kids, teaching gardening and other food skills and working to increase awareness and accessibility around fresh and healthy food. By supporting them after school hours, you are helping kids realize that taste, nutrition, and fun can come together. All volunteers applying for this position will be subject to a background check for the safety of the children we work with.
Workday Assistant
We will be scheduling weekend workdays every second Saturday this season. These workdays are available times for groups or individuals to come and help out at McLaughlin grows and affiliated gardens.
Urban Hoophouse Assistant
McLaughlin Grows hoop house needs to be opened in the morning, and closed at night on weekends during the summer. The plants inside also need to be watered for 30-60 minutes each day.
Join a Committee
McLaughlin Grows Steering Committee
The McLaughlin Grows Steering Committee is the fiscally responsible entity of the program, providing governance through policy, financial management, fundraising, et al. We seek steering committee members with a diverse array of skills and experience. Fundraising, financial management, and community involvement are a big plus. Our steering committee uses email for many communications between meetings. We meet the first Tues of every month, at 3 PM at Community enCompass, 1105 Terrace, Muskegon, 49442.
