C2-How Do We Match Up People Who Really Need Jobs with the Emerging Green Economy?

Led by: Tara  Kainer

 How do we involve those who require jobs with new "green collar" jobs? 

•  Social skills programs can help individuals to develop the skills necessary to get jobs
•  Involve the neighborhood citizens and develop programs where citizens can become involved  in teaching skills necessary to the group in question
•  With the collapse of the manufacturing and auto sectors, the next wave of employment will be the "green economy"; how can this  emerging trend become accessible to those who are on the lower end of the economic scale?

Interpersonal skills are necessary in order to prepare people to become employed (referred to as soft skills).

Could set up programs that would have a formal social skills training program and supported environment in agriculture and with existing businesses.

Growing food, planting, harvesting, caring for the earth, helps to centre a person, build a connection, spend time in nature.  A program could link that experience with learning the hard skills of farming as well as the soft skills of interpersonal relationships.

EI also has a program for three months of paid wages for organizations who can provide training for employment positions.

Two streams: 1) Training program for six months and then compete in the work environment or 2)  job placement that continues to support the client while employed.  It appears that the second stream would be most effective for people who are outside mainstream opportunities for employment. 

Projects in the neighborhood such as community gardening and an on-site farmers market could be part of a range of jobs that have a mandate of a supported environment.

Not everyone in the economic category of "low income" experiences barriers such as stress, anxiety, addictions, etc.  They may have the social skills necessary to hold down a job; however, they may not have the resources necessary or the opportunities.

A Farmer's market environment can be a great place to teach and share the valuable skills of interpersonal relations, business management, sales, etc.  and perhaps programs can be put in place to employ those who are living in poverty in this capacity.

Community seed banks came up in conversation; however, slightly off topic.

The real thing is the "green economy".  Farming is green and is in the heart of this emerging green economy.

The question is, how do we interest those in difficult neighborhoods in becoming interested in green economy jobs? 

There is a disconnect over the past couple of generations, between people living in urban environments and a connection to the land.   We must re-introduce younger people to the practices of farming to make them more aware of where food comes from and to rekindle an interest in working with the land. 

There must be a way to access these programs and these kids who are interested in farming.

There is a lot of energy that a community can generate to accomplish something they'd like to see happen.  Community forums to ask people what they want and need is a necessary first step, since people don't like anything forced on them.

Some points of entry for people wanting to engage with farming are apprenticeships, internships, job placements, volunteer opportunities, gleaning, urban agriculture projects such as community gardens, formal education from elementary school to university. 

Must remove barriers, provide skill development, job opportunities, and resources for those who are currently living in poverty so that they can be empowered to engage in meaningful work. The green collar economy being the next wave of employment opportunity is a place to start.