CEDEM AmeriCorps Farmers Market Coordinator

Application closes July 15.

Learn more and apply at bit.ly/serveamericorps.

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Information: CEDAM’s AmeriCorps program connects local and statewide agencies to meet neighbors’ critical needs. Members create community, build capacity and serve neighbors across Michigan. Our AmeriCorps program advances equity for Michiganders in two key ways 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community economic development field and 2. Supporting economic inclusion for Michiganders.

Organizational Information: The Ada Farmers Market is a seasonal, outdoor, Farmers Market operational every Tuesday from June 4 – October 29, 2024. We’re seeking an individual, passionate about great food, to assist in promoting the advantages of shopping locally from our broad array of dedicated farmers and producers. An ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic advocate of the local food movement with experience developing effective communications to reach a wide range of current and potential customers. The Ada Farmers Market is operated by the Ada Township Downtown Development Authority.

The Ada Township Downtown Development Authority is an advocate for the vitality of the downtown development district. It works with the local businesses, Township, Ada Business Association, and other community partners to support the enhancement of Downtown Ada through promotion, business collaboration and public improvements. The intern position works directly with the Director of the Ada Township Downtown Development Authority.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Participate in CEDAM AmeriCorps monthly meetings, trainings, events, data collection, reporting and additional items as needed.
• Participate in AmeriCorps & Michigan’s AmeriCorps events and trainings.
• Attend weekly Farmers Markets to assist with operational and communication needs.
• Work alongside the DDA Director to promote the Market through print and digital mediums.
• Plan and design promotional materials, both digital and print, to effectively communicate the Market’s message.
• Work closely with vendors to ensure they are aligned with the Market’s goals and initiatives.
• Provide vendors with promotional materials and support to help them engage with customers and participate in marketing activities.
• Gather and share best practices for vendors to enhance their market presence and sales.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and media outlets to garner support for the Market.
• Promote goodwill by representing Ada Township in a professional manner with a cheerful, can-do attitude.
• Provide thorough, thoughtful, and correct information to the public.
• Identify creative methods for promoting the Market to the community.
• Assist with development and coordination of Market programming including, but not limited to Kids in the Market.
• Support the downtown community and work on joint projects with community partners.
• Participate in community events, workshops, and meetings to promote the Farmers Market and the benefits of shopping locally.
• Create and complete additional tasks as directed by the DDA Director.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for the Market’s Mission of providing high quality, fresh, locally produced food to all members of our community.
• Able to work in a team environment and contribute to goals of the Market.
• The individual must demonstrate the ability to undertake basic assignments and possess an ability to interact professionally with merchants, staff, and vendors, and display good judgment.
• Proficient in social media platforms including, but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Experience with Canva or other design programs is a bonus.
• Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner and in compliance with all Michigan laws and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, creative thinker, and self-starter.
• Ability to handle a flexible work schedule based on workload.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must have HS diploma, GED or working toward the completion of one.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and State & National Sex Offender Registry

Compensation:

Members will receive a living allowance of $26,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care package, childcare assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service an education award in the amount of $7,395 will be issued. Members will serve 1,700 hours for the term = 40 hours/week. CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. All interested candidates must be available to spend 40 hours in training the week of September 9.

Election Inspectors Needed!

Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons is actively inviting individuals with an interest in participating in the electoral process to apply for the role of Election Inspector.

Election Inspectors are paid positions that are trained to work in the precincts on Election Day, process absentee ballots in absentee voter counting boards, or run early voting sites. They are made up of republicans and democrats and work under the direction of each jurisdiction’s local clerk.

Ada Township Election Inspectors are paid $15/hr and $45 per training! Our inspectors are fed on election day, and Precinct Chairs or Co-Chairs are paid $18/hr.

What Election Inspectors Do:

• Assist voters at polling places during Early Voting and on Election Day
• Verify voter information upon check-in at the voting location
• Process absentee ballots in an Absentee Voter Counting Board
• Ensure compliance with federal and state election laws
• Uphold the security of the voting process and confidentiality of voters

Requirements for Election Inspectors

Eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to serve as election inspectors involve the following requirements:

• must be a registered voter. However, those 16-18 years of age and a Michigan resident may also serve as additional inspectors,
• must submit an Election Inspector application to their local clerk, and
• cannot be a poll challenger, candidate, or member of a candidate’s immediate family, in that election where that candidate is appearing on the ballot.

Application Process

To apply, individuals may contact their local city or township clerk to fill out an application. In addition to their name, address, and date of birth, applicants must include their political party preference and qualifications to fill the position such as education or experience.

Training Sessions

Additional information on Election Inspectors, including the application form and County training schedule, is available on Kent County's website at KentCountyVotes.com.