Board Member and Youth Mentor

The Food Project (TFP) is seeking a young professional (aged 18–26) to join our Board of Trustees as a Board Member & Youth Mentor.

In this dual role, you will bring a relatable perspective to mentor our high school youth board members while actively serving as a full, voting member of the board.

You will guide active Youth Board Members as they step into strategic governance while serving as a full, active, voting member of the Board.

RESPONSIBILITIES

YOUTH BOARD MENTORSHIP : 6–8 hours total per year

• Step 1: The Briefing — 1 Hour. Participate in a group orientation for mentors and youth members to set clear expectations and goals together.
• Step 2: Quarterly Deep-Dives — 3 Hours Total. Conduct three 60-minute check-ins scheduled at key milestones (Fall, Winter, Spring) to review committee progress and support youth board participation.
• Step 3: Reflection & Exit Summit — 2 Hours. Attend the year-end summit to document achievements, provide professional feedback, and guide the youth member’s next steps.

BOARD GOVERNANCE & COMMITTEE WORK

• Serve as a full, active voting member of The Food Project Board of Trustees for a 3-year term.
• Attend at least 75% of annual board meetings (approximately 2–3 hours per meeting).
• Actively serve on at least one operational committee (e.g., Governance Committee), requiring 1–2 hours per month.
• Help youth navigate the board experience and translate their lived organizational experience into strategic governance.

ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH

Relationship and Trust Building Engagement: Includes, but is not limited to:

• Peacemaking Circles
• Event
• Training
• Reflection Activities
• Dialogue Spaces
• Supporting Youth Leaders

Intersectional Work: Includes, but is not limited to:

• Recruitment
• Onboarding
• Orientation
• Culture of Philanthropy
• Youth Support

Continuous Learning: Includes, but is not limited to:

• Professional Development Plans
• Mentorship (internal/external)
• Anti-racism / DIBE training

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a recent alumni or an individual aged 18 to 26 for the full 3-year term.
• Must no longer be attending high school.
• TFP Alumni preferred.
• Prior experience working with youth and serving on a board or committee.
• Demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment, community leadership, and non-profit governance.
• Ability to commit to board meeting schedules, committee work, and the structured mentorship framework.

LOCATION & SCHEDULE

• Location: Hybrid / Zoom meetings for interviews and quarterly deep-dives; board meeting locations as designated.
• Schedule: Unpaid term-based commitment, quarterly board meetings plus committee duties.

COMPENSATION

This is an unpaid, volunteer position. While uncompensated, Board Members gain invaluable opportunities for community leadership, strategic stewardship, professional networking, and deep engagement with food system transformation.