The TLC Farm Arts Action Team invites earth artists of Portland to participate in growing movement for ecological art! We are exploring the use of the arts as a mode of social healing to experience our connectedness to all our relations. As part of the process, we will feature rotating exhibitions that interact with TLC Farm itself.

To get involved with the Arts Action Team, email: arts@tryonfarm.org.

More about TLC FAAT

The Arts Action Team thinks that some of the most exciting things about TLC Farm are the interweaving of communities, and the creation of new modes of communication-in-place. Using ecology and the land as co-creative muse, metaphor, medium, and mentor, our goal is to facilitate the expression of these ideas and processes in concrete, intentional ways, through performance, sculpture/installation, exhibition, workshops, and other artistic means.

Themes

Observing the last 5 years of work/play (what we call “plerk”) at TLC Farm, we've observed that there's quite a variety of different ways that people participate. All of these are just rough outlines, and many people fit between or beyond these categories (of course).

Some people are generalists: they're excited about many different kinds of plerk, and will respond to a wide variety of requests for help. Eg. cobbing a wall, canvassing a neighborhood, coming to a meeting, answering emails. This is beneficial for its flexibility & openness!

Others are specialists: there's a specific kind of engagement that they really dig, and that's mostly all they'll do: bookkeeping, teaching, farm hosting, etc. This is beneficial for its focus & expertise!

Some people are rooted: they have long-term, regular commitment to this place and project. Whether a couple times a year or almost every day, their participation is consistent. This is beneficial for its reliability & history!

Others are nomadic: they may be really focused on TLC Farm for a while, and then be off to another project across town or across the world. This is beneficial for its intensity & cross-pollination!

Some people are solitary: they really prefer to do something alone, if possible. This is great for minimizing the coordination of schedules etc. to get things accomplished.

Others love guilds: they do best when surrounded by a tight, highly functional groups with complementing abilities. This is awesome for ongoing working groups or projects where a variety of perspectives are key.

And others are communal: they love being part of a big community event with the energy of lots of different people. This is perfect for getting a lot done quickly.

Some people are looking to be (learners or) mitochondria: they'd like the steps in accomplishing something to be laid out for them. This is great when someone else has a clear idea of what needs to be done and just needs more hands.

Others feel called to be (coordinators or) enzymes: they're motivated to help bring all the different pieces and people together, co-create goals, support folk in reaching them, etc. This is valuable when folk want to just get out and do things but lack a structure for it.

Still others want to be (advisors or) neurotransmitters: they're best suited to offering verbal or written perspective on how to improve decisions or actions, rather than implementing things themselves. This is great for getting outside perspective & expert wisdom from someone with lots of experience, etc.

There are obviously a lot more categories! Still, having some idea where you see yourself in these terms will help us to know how best to support you in engaging in the way you want to here.

(Please send cover letter and resume to apply@tryonfarm.org by Tue, Nov 17, 2009. Be sure to include 2-3 relevant references. Later applications may be considered, depending on our need.)

TLC Farm is a 501(c)3 non-profit sustainability education center, occupying 7 acres of land nestled into Tryon Creek State Park in SW Portland. We are seeking experienced canvassers to deepen our relationships with existing and potential allies and donors, primarily in our extended neighborhood. Work will begin as soon as possible, and will run through the holiday season.

Work conditions:
* $8.40/hour basepay as employee
* 40% commission on donations in excess of quota ($100 per night)
* 5 hours per day: 4:30-9:30pm
* At least 2 days per week; preferably more
* Enter own data

Successful candidates will:
* Have proven experience in related work
* Be self-managed, creative, invested, and committed to TLC Farm's values and goals
* Be skilled at collaborating with team to design turfs, improve raps & materials, and improve outcomes
* Prioritize long-term relationships with neighbors over short-term income

We strongly prefer candidates with:
* Knowledge of TLC Farm's programs and history (or, secondarily, similar projects)
* Experience and/or roots in Burlingame/Lake Oswego area (or, secondarily, similar demographic)
* Demonstrated commitment to and experience with permaculture design, sustainable living, organic agriculture, youth education, natural building, and other TLC Farm program areas

For more information about TLC Farm, see www.tryonfarm.org.