National Team

Nominate someone you know, or apply yourself today!
Nominations and applications accepted on a rolling basis - don't wait!

Joining the Real Food Challenge National Team is a unique opportunity for students who are ready to develop their skills as leaders, student organizers and social movement drivers.  The experience combines hands-on action and decision-making, mentorship from veterans in the field, and a lot of fun!

As members of the National Team, students learn valuable skills and make useful connections.  Student members will get deep into strategy discussions, help out with event-planning, and will have many opportunities to hone their public speaking, fundraising, and facilitation skills.  Through their work (and travel!), National Team members will also act as bridges to other prominent organizations, companies, and individuals in the food movement. The contribution of students who join the RFC National Team is real and substantial, and is essential to the RFC's participatory, youth-driven approach.

All National Team members receive intensive leadership training and are invited to participate in national conferences and regional Real Food Challenge events.

All National Team members serve for at least one school year in addition to a 3-month orientation period.

The National Team is comprised of two main bodies, the Steering Committee and the Administrative Team (a subset of the Steering Committee).  See below for more.

What we're looking for:

• Passion for food systems change and the growing youth food movement
• Commitment to anti-racism
• Demonstrated leadership and organizing experience
• Ability to work reliably on your own as well as in a very collaborative setting
• Flexibility and ability to adjust to new situations
• Creativity and initiative in problem solving
• Willingness to learn from experts in the field, peer organizers, and grow as a leader

This is a volunteer position. We are more than happy to help you receive school credit for it.

Nominate someone you know

Apply yourself today
(nominations and applications accepted on a rolling basis - don't wait!)

Steering Committee:
As the name indicates, if the Real Food Challenge were a car, the Steering Committee would be the steering wheel (or the GPS?).  This large, diverse group is comprised of active students, RFC alumni, current RFC Field Organizers, representatives from our partner networks, and current members of the A-Team (see below).  Together they provide regular input on ghd Real Food Challenge's campaign and programs, and are ultimately responsible for all long-term strategic planning and decision-making.

Base Requirements:

• Participation in quarterly conference call "clusters"--usually three calls in close succession
  
• Consultation with Administrative Team, Field Organizers and other Real Food Challenge participants as needed
• Commitment to work on a semester- or year-long project in collaboration with RFC A-Team

Nominate someone you know

Administrative Team:
Comprised of 50% students and 50% non-student staff, this smaller group (known as the "A-team") does the daily work of pushing the campaign forward and keeping our programs running smoothly.  This includes handling web development and e-organizing, collaborating with our partner organizations, supporting RFC Field Organizers, fundraising, and developing resources for students in our network.

Base Requirements:

• Ability to consistently commit at least 7 hrs of work a week
• Participation in weekly A-Team conference calls
• Serve on the RFC Steering Committee

Apply to Join the National Team today!
Please send a email to david@realfoodchallenge.org including the following in an attachment. Please make the subject of your email "RFC National Team Application."

1) Basic Information:
First Name
Last Name
Email
Phone
Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
School
Year of Graduation
Applying For:
    -A-Team
    -Steering Committee
    -Both

2) An up-to-date Resume

3) A cover letter including answers to following question:

1. How did you first get interested in the food system and the emerging food movement?  What motivates you to keep working for change?
2. What specific skills, perspectives and experiences will you bring to the National Team?
3. What else will you be working on in the year to come?  What challenges and/or opportunities can you anticipate fitting this in your schedule?
4. Anything else you'd like to share with us about yourself?  (or, questions for us?)