Calvin (right) with Project LEAD, CeeCee, at Irving Avenue Garden in North Minneapolis.
Last month, we were excited to welcome a new member to our full-time staff team: Calvin Battle! Calvin brings a positive attitude, a wealth of knowledge, and a passion for youth work to his role as Program Specialist. We are looking forward to growing with him on our team!
As he begins his journey at Youth Farm, we asked Calvin a few questions to learn more about why he stepped up to his current position and where he hopes to go with it:
Q: How did you first become connected to Youth Farm?
A: Through community engagement and having known Marcus [Northside Program Director] for a long time. Then, at the beginning of the summer of 2020, I was hired on as a Farm Steward.
Q: What led you to accept your current position?
A: I wanted to do more and step up from my position as a Farm Steward while getting more connected with the community and the organization.
Q: What are you most excited for in your new role?
A: COVID and staying at home has been tough, so I am looking forward to hanging out with kids again in some fashion and getting back to the spaces we know so well.
Q: What long-term goals do you hope your time at Youth Farm will help you accomplish?
A: I hope this position will bring me some long-term stability.
Q: What is an interesting characteristic or experience you bring to the team?
A: Sarcasm, directness, and charisma!
Calvin (right) helping a young neighbor choose plants for their garden.
Q: Why is food and youth work important to you?
A: To me, this is like asking why we need water – food and youth work is essential and one day I will need another young person to take over my role. I want to see growth in both of these areas.