The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages,
backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase
volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable
knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host
site partners and members to find success throughout the program year. The 3 Commonwealth Corps members with
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South will serve 10 months in a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of
members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in
service to their communities and the Commonwealth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South (BGCMS) is a youth-serving organization focused on supporting the Academic
Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership Development of youth ages 5-18 across Southeastern
Massachusetts. The 1 Commonwealth Corps Urban Farm & Food Access Coordinator will serve as an essential member
of the BGCMS team, contributing to the expanded capacity of our Clubs to serve healthy daily meals to our youth and
provide fresh, locally grown produce to children and families throughout Southeastern, MA. Through their service,
Corps members will provide direct nutritional and educational support to youth and families in our service area, create
and implement processes to increase the sustainability and efficiency of the Freight Farms program, develop
relationships with key community partners, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the new program to identify
areas of improvement.
What You’ll Do:
Essential Responsibilities:
● Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, serving through June 22, 2024.
● Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA post orientation.
● Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week. This include filling out timesheets,
completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.
● Manage existing inventory system to track the produce outputs of the Freight Farm and manage the types
and amounts of produce that are available for the Kids Café program and the community distribution
program, with the support of the Urban Farm Director.
● Implement and coordinate the “Mobile Market” food truck distribution initiative (including determining
dates/locations) to distribute Freight Farm produce throughout the regional community on a regular basis.
● Recruit at least 10 community volunteers from different sources to support the operations, outputs, and
educational components of the Freight Farms.
● Coordinate with the Nutrition Director and her staff to allocate the appropriate types and amounts of
produce for the Kids Café meals program.
● Evaluate with the Nutrition team current menus and develop youth-centered listening sessions and focus
centered around exciting, diverse culinary experiences.
● Organize and implement the monthly Brockton Clubhouse food pantry in conjunction with the Teen
Department staff and Keystone Club Members. Pantry responsibilities may include support of partner
organization efforts on occasional weekends.
● Support the Program Directors and others on the Program Team in lesson implementation at the facility,
including coordinating time for field trips, giving demonstrations to students, and serving as a knowledgeable
resource for youth visiting the facility.
Marginal Responsibilities:
● Participate in all BGCMS Club meetings and events alongside full-time Clubhouse team
● Attend Clubhouse monthly meetings and leadership events, and participate in BGCMS organizational-wide
events and meetings
● Maintain and expand existing relationships with local partners as sources of collaboration.
● Identify new local partners and building collaborative relationships throughout our service region.
● Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning
groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online platforms,
and attending optional social/service events.
Who You Are:
You must be:
● A Massachusetts resident (see guidelines here) with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
● 18 years of age at minimum (member age range is 18 – 70+ years old)
● Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional
experiences
● Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way
● Proficient with technology, including Microsoft suite and Google.
● Understanding and appreciative of the mission, vision, and values of BGCMS.
● A strong communicator, including the ability to present in front of large groups, interact with and motivate
volunteers, and represent the organization at community events.
● Able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people and be comfortable in a highly collaboratively, fast-paced
team environment.
● Able to travel between all BGCMS Clubhouse/site locations.
It would also be great if you:
● Speak a language other than English – multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply
● Have experience with gardening (traditional or hydroponic) or general agriculture.
● Have experience working or volunteering with youth or in an educational setting.
What You’ll Get:
● Stipend of $1,200 semi-monthly while in service, up to $25,200 minus taxes and withholdings;
● Health insurance (individual coverage only);
● Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to
three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more;
● Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings;
● Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service
and/or goals (Up to $100; Dependent on approval from MSA)
● Access to apply for Tuition Reimbursement and BGCMS Scholarship Funds
● Professional development opportunities related to youth development, financial literacy and supervising
others
● Extensive training from MSA with a diversity, equity and inclusion focus and other professional
development opportunities;
● Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities;
● Internet reimbursement up to $50/month while required to complete some service from home if required by
site;
● Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual
service location, according to that agency’s policies;
● Mental Health/Personal Day once per month counting towards 8hrs
● The opportunity for at least 10 (full-time days of planned absences may include holidays, does not count
towards hours requirement);
Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.
Term of Service:
● Position Start Date: August 21, 2023
● Position End Date: June 22, 2024
● Service commitment 40 hours per week during the following days/times: Monday-Friday 12pm-8pm with
occasional night and/or weekend events, not to exceed two per month with two weeks’ notice provided.
Reach out to [email protected] if interested