California Food and Farming Network

Policy Fellow, CFFN

Posted January 30, 2023

CFFN Mission and Description

The California Food and Farming Network (CFFN) is building a movement centered on racial equity to transform the food and farming system through state policies. 

CFFN was founded to address a gap that has kept our movement from being more powerful. While some of our member organizations are small in size or scope, we understand that the food system is expansive and complex; worker rights, farm production methods, environmental justice, and hunger are all interconnected, but often addressed in silos. Seeking justice, equity and sustainability requires that we bridge these divisions, bringing together organizations to confront big ag, chemical and food companies that otherwise drown us out in the California state capitol.

Our success as a multi-sector, multi-racial network where unlikely collaborators take collective action has stemmed from our creation of shared values and an intentional structure that centers BIPOC leadership (learn about our process here and values here). With this grounding, we effectively advance policies that push the boundaries of singular member organizations’ missions and seek to transform inequitable systems. 

Policy Fellow

Since 2018, our network has prioritized an annual collective food and farming legislative agenda, drawing connections between food system silos, centering policies that address structural racism as a root cause and building power through shared values and vision, resulting in successful state food and farming policies. As our impact has grown, so has our need to support our policy advocacy efforts during the busy spring legislative season. 

We are seeking a Policy Fellow to support our 2023 state advocacy work by drafting advocacy materials, tracking priority legislation, attending legislative hearings and meetings (virtually) with policymakers, as appropriate, and supporting policy-related communications with the Network and allies. This position is intended to be a learning opportunity, with a focus on participating in the California state policy process, and exposure to all aspects of CFFN’s operations, and the chance to pursue certain areas of particular interest to the fellow. Assuming that we have a positive experience, CFFN directors will write a letter of recommendation to help the fellow pursue other opportunities. 

The fellow will receive direct supervision and mentorship from CFFN’s Policy Director, who will meet weekly with the fellow to discuss projects, and provide guidance and learning opportunities. Support will also be provided by CFFN’s Field Director as needed. The fellow will attend CFFN network meetings, trainings, working group meetings, and participate in policy advocacy opportunities, as relevant, to learn all aspects of Network action and impact. This is a 10-15 hour per week position, with an initial 3 month commitment and the possibility of extension.

Opportunities and Responsibilities

CFFN is seeking a Policy Fellow to support the organization’s 2023 advocacy efforts. 

  • Draft advocacy materials for CFFN’s 2023 priority legislation, including letters of support, floor alerts, etc. with a focus on racial equity and support from CFFN’s Policy Director 
  • Collect sign-on’s from CFFN members for advocacy materials 
  • Attend meetings with policymakers (can be virtual)
  • Attend relevant legislative hearings (virtual is likely possible), as available
  • Track the status of priority legislation
  • Support creation of weekly policy update emails to the Network
  • Participate in partner and ally lobby days, as interested
  • Write 1-2 blogs to be published on our website
  • Educational opportunities (learn about the state policy process, policy development, narrative change strategies, and more as identified by the fellow)
  • Relationship building with member organizations through network engagement opportunities

Qualifications

  • Understanding of California food and farming system, or related issues
  • Interest in policy advocacy on food and farming issues
  • Commitment to racial equity

Desired skills 

  • Strong writing and communications skills

Compensation, Timing, and Location

Multiple options based on need of Fellow: 

  • 10 hrs per week, $1,126/month
  • 15 hrs per week, $1,690/month

Fellowship is for a minimum of 3 months, with the possibility of extension

This is a remote, contractor position. Ideally the candidate lives in California or has the intent to work in California. All meetings and legislative hearings can be attended virtually, potentially an option for occasional in person meetings in Sacramento, if desired.

Application

Please send resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position to Beth Smoker, at bsmoker@caff.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received on a rolling basis, with final submittal by February 15th.  Anticipated start date is early March.

CFFN is a fiscally-sponsored project of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF). CAFF is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Network Members