Get Involved

Volunteer Handbook

Introduction and Mission

Be Healthy

Our mission is to positively impact health and hunger by providing locally grown pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. We highlight African American Cuisine and a plant-based diet. Located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley, Balck Urban Farmers Association – BUFA is inside the small town of French Camp, CA. We are constantly learning, cultivating and expanding to better serve our community.

Black Urban Farmers Association – BUFA is made possible by 12 founders and countless supporters, both of whom bring their dedication and passion to positively impact change. We work together with our founders, volunteers and donations to create an efficient and sustainable small-crop pesticide-free farm. From each harvest we hope to be able to sell produce boxes and market produce.

The goal is to be financially stable enough to give back to our beautiful community. We are grateful for your interest in our organization.

Be an Advocate

We are dedicated to selecting crops that promote health and encourage a plant based diet. We believe in a diverse selection of food and aim to introduce new vegetables and new ways to prepare and enjoy them. We are committed to healthy soil, sustainable farming and good agricultural practices. We are inspired by the history of Black farmers in the United States and the contributions they made and continue to make in the arena of healthy food. We promote healthy eating through education, local farmers market sales, roadside stands, restaurant sales and sales to local area chefs. We market by word of mouth and through creative use of social media and outreach to local organizations.

Volunteer

Application and Selection Process

A qualified applicant is reliable, responsible, prompt, self motivated and willing to learn.
Only personal character and availability are taken into consideration when choosing
applicants to interview and work with. Balck Urban Farmers Association – BUFA does
not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender,
gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual
orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Applicants will be
contacted within 30 days if a position matching availability is available. All volunteer
positions are at will and may be terminated with or without cause at any time by either the volunteer or by Balck Urban Farmers Association – BUFA .

Volunteer Dress Code and Responsibilities

All volunteers are expected to arrive on time and must complete a release of liability waiver before any work is completed.

Volunteer positions take place outdoors and in all types of weather conditions. Volunteers should dress and prepare accordingly. Our volunteers are encouraged to come to the farm wearing closed-toes shoes, appropriate sun protection, and bring plenty of water.

Volunteers will be trained by a board or staff member upon arrival and supervised. Some volunteer positions are completed independently after training.

Sign Yourself Up!

Parking

Upon turning into the driveway, there will be a gate with horses on the front, and a button to the right of the gate. Press on the button, until the gate begins to open.

Follow the dirt path, keeping to the right. (THE SPEED LIMIT IS 5MPH, STRICTLY ENFORCED) You will reach the end of the road, to the right of a horse corral where you may leave your car.

To reach the BUFA farm, you will walk past the horse stables (please do not touch the animals as they do not belong to BUFA) until you reach the BUFA farm.

Acknowledgement

I have read and understand these policies and procedures and I agree to abide by them when volunteering with Black Urban Farmers Association – BUFA. I understand that volunteering with BUFA is an at will agreement and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by either the volunteer or BUFA.

Release of Liability Waiver

VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION FORM
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF POTENTIAL RISK

WAIVER/RELEASE

"[Release of Liability Waiver]"
Name of Adult Participant:

Name of Child(ren) Participant(s): TYPE N/A if no children

"This is a release of liability and assumption of risk agreement. Completion of this release is a prerequisite of my voluntary participation in Black Urban Farmers Association - BUFA activities. This release essentially says that I am going to voluntarily participate in the BUFA activities to include but may not be limited to planting, weeding, and doing work projects. Participants can sustain physical injuries to include but may not be limited to the following: (sprains/strains, fractured bones), damage to their property, or death. I understand and acknowledge that participation in this activity by myself or my children is completely voluntary and as such is not required by BUFA. I understand and acknowledge that in order for myself or my children to participate in this activity, I agree to assume liability and responsibility for any and all potential risks which may be associated with participation in this activity. I agree that neither BUFA, nor their Governing Board, their Officers, their Agents, and their Volunteers shall be liable for any claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or in any way connected with my participation, specifically including, but not limited to, liabilities, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action relating to bodily injury and illness (including death) and property damage suffered by me. I execute this Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement for full, adequate, and complete consideration, fully intending for the agreement to be binding on me, my family, estate, heirs, administrators, personal representatives, and assignees. I, as legal guardian, authorize BUFA to photograph my children while participating in BUFA activities. I further authorize that the photographs may be published to advertise BUFA programs and activities.
I, THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT I AM ASSUMING ALL RISK INHERENT IN THIS VOLUNTARY ACTIVITY. I VOLUNTARILY SIGN MY NAME AS EVIDENCE OF MY ACCEPTANCE OF THE ABOVE PROVISIONS.

Your email

Adult Participant Signature

Date

Print Name of Adult Participant:

Donate Today or Get Involved

Help With Hunger By Donating Today!

Make a Donation

Administration

Customer Enquiry