Job description

About Us:

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization, based in Washington, D.C., that works toward the evolution of an environmentally sustainable and socially just society in which the needs of all people are met without threatening the health of the natural environment or the wellbeing of future generations.

Through accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues, Worldwatch helps to inform people around the world about the complex interactions among people, nature, and economies. Worldwatch focuses on the underlying causes of and practical solutions to the world's problems, in order to inspire people to demand new policies, investment patterns, and lifestyle choices.

The Opportunity:

America is facing a converging set of crises--runaway climate change, increasing economic inequities, food deserts, an out of control obesity epidemic, and an industrial agricultural system that's exacerbating all of these.

So what is young idealist to do?

We propose moving back in with your parents, or other family members, and turning their yards, and other neighborhood greenspaces, into yardfarms--converting America's fifth largest crop by acreage (the lawn) into a major new source of sustainable food, household security, livelihoods, and community resilience.

While you don't need to apply formally to become a yardfarmer, we want all of America to follow along with your yardfarming adventures, so we're choosing six young Americans (21 to 30ish) to be on Yardfarmers, a reality TV show that we hope will inspire Americans to tear up their monocropped lawns and replace them with yardfarms! This way Americans will take the future of their communities, their livelihoods, and their food systems back into their control, and make themselves ready for the changes Mother Nature is going to throw their way.

The show will be filmed from March 2016 until November 2017, so applicants need be able to commit to be being a yardfarmer during that time, and be willing to be filmed while they do. The show will then air in March 2017.

No farming experience is necessary--just a commitment to convert lawns around your neighborhood into productive yardfarms. All contestants will receive a crash course in permaculture in March at the Ecovillage Training Center in Tennessee (all expenses paid). Contestants will also receive training in filming so they can film their yardfarming journeys.

Compensation:

Health insurance, student loan repayment assistance, plus stipend for completion of full growing season. Winning yardfarmer will receive a significant cash prize.

Compensation

this position is: stipend / non-monetary compensation

Application instructions

Deadline

August 01, 2015