Volunteering

Volunteer Opportunities 6X per week!
Visit http://urban-paradise.org/Calendar.

To get info about Service-Learning for MDC and local colleges and schools, please visit: http://www.urban-paradise.org/servicelearning.

There are many ways you can become involved as a Volunteer.
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WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

Good people of all ages are UPG Volunteers,
ages 15 months to 108 years.

High School and Middle School students can get community service hours.

UPG is award-winning for our college level Service-Learning programs.
UPG has been recognized as Community Partner of the Year for Service-Learning by Miami Dade College 3X in 3 years by 3 different campuses.

Some people donate their professional services.
Seniors share their knowledge and wisdom with younger generations.
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HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

1. Check out the Calendar at http://urban-paradise.org/Calendar.
We have 5 or more Volunteer Opportunities almost every week.
Activities are color-coded. What UPG Locations are convenient for you? Which ones fit your schedule?

2. Click the links to learn more.

3. Once you select one, RSVP. Send your RSVP e-mail to the UPG Staffer who is managing the Activity.

4. Come out and work.
Check the PREPARE list for what to wear and bring, since you need to be properly equipped. A water bottle is the minimum.
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WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Be prepared to work. UPG makes a big impact because we work hard.
You may get dirty, so don't wear your newest, nicest clothing.

You will get a workout, but there are different intensities, from Easy Listening to Heavy Metal.

Some work-days involve using picks to dig out Exotics, or hand shears to remove their seeds.
Nursery Days involve transplanting from small pots to large, plus weeding and mulching and organizing. You may be hauling plants or digging soil.

During the Rainy Season we do habitat plantings.

If you are not prepared to work, then UPG is not for you.

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COMMITMENT LEVELS

These range from casual to highly committed.

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CASUAL
RSVP for the activity of your choice, and then come out and work. Perfect for Service-Learning or School Community Service.

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VOLUNTEER STAFF
If you have what it takes, you can join UPG's amazing, dedicated, and 100% Volunteer Staff.

If you are interested in such an opportunity, contact:
sam@urban-paradise.org

For info about the Team Leader Academy, see: http://www.urban-paradise.org/TLA

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TEAM LEADER
Make a monthly commitment to serve at one of UPG's 7 Locations 2 or 3 times a month, about 8-12 hours per month.
We train you, and you train the Casual Volunteers.
We guarantee that you will change the world, and be able to see the change.
Ages: High School, College and older.

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INTERN
Make a commitment to serve an average of 10+ hours every week. You will spend about 1/3 of your time in the field serving as a Team Leader, and 2/3 on your Specialty.

While other students just study, Interns are working in their field building skills, experience, and resume fodder that will set them apart from the pack.

The Specialty is unique to each Intern, and is structured to build the Intern's career while fulfilling UPG priorities. It is based on the confluence of what UPG needs, and your personal career objectives, interests, schedule, area where you live, transportation, and other factors.

Current Interns range from Associates to Masters students. Their majors include Computer Science, Medicine, Art, Agriculture and Horticulture. We can offer an Internship to almost any major.

Some Interns choose a track which leads to Management.

Ages: High School, College and recent graduates.

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STAFFER
Community members serve in many important roles. Some are filled by Interns.

AREA STEWARD
Take ownership of a geographical area at one of UPG's Locations. Schedule a routine work-day. Manage Volunteers. Protect Native Habitat and UPG Plantings from Destructive Exotics, Erosion, and other problems. This position requires substantial commitment and training.

NURSERY MANAGER
Take ownership of a UPG Nursery. Schedule a routine work-day. Manage Volunteers. Grow the Native and Edible plants required by UPG projects.
This position requires substantial commitment and training.

COORDINATOR
Work with the community to engage Volunteers, arrange resources and scheduling of Garden Building projects, do education and recruiting. Supervise Volunteers. Assist with Nursery projects as needed.
This position requires substantial commitment and training.

SPECIALIST
Work in your field of expertise. We need professionals to train and mentor Interns, and to oversee their work.
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