Job Description

About Us:

More Gardens! Fund is deeply rooted in arts and education, with strong ties to community people, gardeners, and environmental and social justice activists.

The More Gardens Fund believes that the most fertile ground for positive change lies in fostering connection, understanding, and joy within our communities, particularly centering the voices and experiences of the majority of people of color who are often disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices. We envision New York City's streets, public spaces, and community gardens as vibrant ecosystems where art, activism, and environmental consciousness, led by and celebrating the contributions of BIPOC communities, intertwine. Our work, exemplified by initiatives like "Sprouting Justice" in the Lower East Side and "Rise Up! Green the Bronx" in the South Bronx, seeks to empower residents to become active agents of change in their own neighborhoods.

"Sprouting Justice," an Open Street program that activates the block in front of the Children's Magical Garden, transforms a public thoroughfare into a space for community celebration and creative expression. Similarly, "Rise Up! Green the Bronx" brings environmental education and art programming to Maria Sola Therapeutic Community Garden, using tools like the creation of beautiful and multi-functional living willow structures to enhance community spaces, empowering children and families to become stewards of their local green spaces and advocates for a healthier environment.

Duration: June 4 - August 24, 2025 (Full-time, Wednesday-Friday 9-5, Saturday & Sunday 10-6). The Timeline for each intern may be flexible depending on their request.

Job Description: Develop and execute culturally relevant and accessible environmental workshops and educational activities for Sprouting Justice, an Open Street program in the Lower East Side that opens up the block in front of the Children's Magical Garden for people and activities during July (food justice, recycling, art, music), addressing environmental justice issues impacting marginalized communities. In August, actively participate in the Rise Up Green the Bronx program at Maria Sola Therapeutic Community Garden by assisting with culturally responsive and accessible nature education and greening projects that empower children aged 8-13 and their families to become tree stewards and understand the role of urban trees in mitigating asthma and extreme heat. The June training will cover principles of environmental justice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and accessible workshop design. Assist with research, material preparation, and create inclusive learning environments.

Responsibilities :

• Participate in June training sessions on environmental justice frameworks, inclusive teaching methods, and adapting environmental topics for diverse audiences.
• Research and develop engaging and culturally relevant workshop content related to food justice, recycling, environmental art, and the magic of nature music.
• Prepare workshop materials and ensure they are accessible to individuals with diverse learning needs.
• Facilitate workshops and educational activities during the Sprouting Justice events in July, creating inclusive and welcoming spaces.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of nature education activities for the Rise Up Green the Bronx program, incorporating culturally relevant approaches.
• Support children and families in hands-on greening projects at Maria Sola Therapeutic Community Garden.

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in environmental issues and community education.
• Solid research and organizational skills.
• Enthusiasm for public engagement and facilitating interactive learning experiences.
• Understanding of environmental justice principles and the diverse learning needs of community members.
• Ability to adapt information and activities to be culturally relevant and accessible.

About Us, More Details:

Inspired by the idea that "this is where the party's at," we strive to create irresistible experiences that draw people together, open hearts and minds to diverse perspectives, and inspire collective action for a more just and sustainable future. This is achieved through:

• Joy as a powerful catalyst for change: Engaging people through captivating and enjoyable experiences, whether on our streets or within community gardens, is the most effective way to break down barriers and foster empathy, especially when these experiences are culturally relevant and celebratory of diverse traditions.
• Art transcending boundaries: Music, visual arts, and performance, especially when rooted in the creativity and experiences of most people of color, have the unique ability to communicate across cultures and identities, fostering understanding and shared humanity. This includes using art to educate and engage youth in environmental stewardship.
• Environmental stewardship as integral to community well-being: Celebrating and activating spaces like the Children's Magical Garden and Maria Sola Therapeutic Community Garden reinforces the vital connection between people and nature within our urban environment. We recognize the historical and ongoing leadership of BIPOC communities in environmental justice movements and strive to build upon this legacy.
• Diverse voices enriching our city: Centering the experiences and creativity of most people of color, musicians, artists, activists, and environmentalists from New York City strengthens our collective power and ensures that solutions are equitable and community-led.
• Public spaces for the people: Reclaiming and reimagining our Open Streets and community gardens as vibrant hubs of creativity, community engagement, and environmental learning is a powerful act of neighborhood empowerment and celebrating the diverse cultures that make our city unique.
• Truth resonating through experience: While our primary aim is to create engaging and joyful events, we believe that these experiences can organically lead to deeper understanding and a confrontation with significant social and environmental truths, particularly concerning the lived experiences and leadership of the majority of people of color in addressing environmental injustices. This includes educating the next generation about the links between urban ecology and public health, as seen in "Rise Up! Green the Bronx."

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