Summer volunteer opportunities with the Portland Fruit Tree Project

Portland Fruit Tree Project
Portland Fruit Tree Project

By Greg Tudor

Become a Harvest Leader with Portland Fruit Tree Project!
Join the Portland Fruit Tree Project in preventing waste, building community, and making fresh fruit available to neighbors in need.

As a Harvest Leader, you will co-lead group harvesting events in your neighborhood! It’s a fun way to meet your neighbors and help make locally grown produce available to all.

Harvest Leader Overview:
Harvesting parties bring people together to harvest fruit that might otherwise go to waste and make it available to people in need. Each harvesting party is led by two volunteer harvest leaders. Harvest leaders are responsible for overseeing and leading harvest participants, distributing harvested fruit, and keeping accurate harvest records. The Portland Fruit Tree Project will provide all of the necessary training, materials, and support. Each leader is expected to lead at least five harvesting parties in the 2012 harvest season (July – November).

Harvest Leader Responsibilities:

  • Attend Harvest Leader Training (Thursday July 12, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, or Saturday, July 21, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm). If you cannot attend one of these trainings, we may be able to arrange an alternate training date.
  • Co-lead at least five harvesting parties in the 2012 harvest season (July to November)
  • Oversee harvest participants, coordinate logistics, and facilitate introductions, safety talk and wrap-up during harvesting parties.
  • Coordinate delivery of 50% of harvested fruit to a local food pantry.
  • Keep thorough records and submit harvest reports to PFTP staff promptly.
  • Attend mid-season harvest leader meeting (Wednesday, August 29, 6:00 to 7:30 pm)
  • Complete year-end survey and report (December)
  • Celebrate! Attend year-end celebration and volunteer appreciation event in December 2012 (optional).

To Apply:
Request an application by calling 503-284-6106, or send an email to [email protected], with ‘Harvest Leader Application Request’ in the subject line. We’ll send you an application right away. Applications are due Friday, June 29.

–Tudor is Development Manager for Friends of Trees.