🌟 COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR ONBOARDING GUIDE
Part of the UBEC Core Beneficiary Onboarding Series
This guide is part of a comprehensive onboarding system:
- Onboarding Overview - Common information for all beneficiaries
- Farmer Onboarding Guide
- Community Onboarding Guide
- Living Lab Onboarding Guide
📚 Shared Resources: - Technical Setup: Creating Your Stellar Wallet - Understanding Your Holonic Journey - Support and Resources
🌟 COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR ONBOARDING GUIDE
Who This Guide is For
You are a community activator if you: - Have deep experience in food sovereignty or regenerative agriculture - Are skilled at facilitating, teaching, and capacity building - Can work with diverse communities and individuals - Want to dedicate significant time to supporting others - See yourself as a catalyst for system change - Are comfortable with documentation and knowledge sharing
Community Activator Roles Might Include: - Regenerative agriculture trainer - Food sovereignty facilitator - Community organizing mentor - Network weaver and connector - Curriculum developer - Technical assistance provider - Systems change agent - Indigenous knowledge keeper (sharing traditional food ways)
Phase 1: Before You Apply
Step 1: Assess Your Readiness
Experience and Expertise: - [ ] Do I have 3+ years in food sovereignty/regenerative agriculture? - [ ] Have I successfully led or facilitated projects? - [ ] Do I have specialized knowledge to share? - [ ] Can others vouch for my expertise? - [ ] Have I taught or trained others successfully?
Facilitation Skills: - [ ] Am I good at working with diverse people and groups? - [ ] Can I adapt my approach to different contexts? - [ ] Do I listen well and ask good questions? - [ ] Am I patient with learning processes? - [ ] Can I handle conflict constructively?
Commitment and Capacity: - [ ] Can I dedicate 20-40 hours per week to this work? - [ ] Am I ready for regular travel (if needed)? - [ ] Can I handle monthly documentation and reporting? - [ ] Am I committed to this for at least one year? - [ ] Do I have support structures in my life for this work?
UBEC Alignment: - [ ] Do I understand and embody Ubuntu principles? - [ ] Am I committed to commons-based approaches? - [ ] Do I value bioregional thinking? - [ ] Can I work within UBEC's regenerative framework? - [ ] Am I comfortable with transparent, accountable practice?
Self-Reflection: - Why do I want this role? - What unique gifts do I bring? - What are my edges or growing areas? - How will this serve my own growth? - What am I hoping to catalyze?
Step 2: Understand the Role
What Community Activators Do:
Facilitation and Training: - Lead workshops and trainings - Provide one-on-one mentoring - Facilitate community planning processes - Offer technical assistance - Support problem-solving
Network Building: - Connect people and resources - Build relationships across the ecosystem - Create collaboration opportunities - Foster peer learning - Strengthen regional networks
Knowledge Stewardship: - Document best practices - Create training materials - Capture and share stories - Identify and spread innovation - Build knowledge commons
System Support: - Support farmers and communities in UBEC - Help with application processes - Troubleshoot challenges - Provide ongoing accompaniment - Advocate for participant needs
What You're NOT: - Not a boss or manager (you facilitate, don't control) - Not a funder (you help people access resources) - Not a savior (you support their own power) - Not an expert with all answers (you're a co-learner)
Step 3: Understand Compensation
Token Allocation: 20,000 - 100,000 UBEC tokens annually
Factors Determining Amount: - Your experience level and expertise - Geographic scope (local, regional, multi-regional) - Proposed hours per week - Specialized skills you bring - Project complexity - Cost of living in your area - Travel requirements
Payment Structure: - Annual agreement (renewable) - Tokens distributed quarterly - Can be salary substitute or supplement - You decide how to use tokens
What Tokens Can Cover: - Your stipend/living expenses - Travel costs - Materials and supplies - Technology and tools - Training and professional development - Project-specific costs - Insurance or benefits (if purchased with tokens)
Important: This is structured as facilitation service, not traditional employment. You manage your own time and taxes.
Phase 2: Preparing Your Application
Step 1: Articulate Your Offering
Define Your Focus Area:
Choose 1-2 primary areas where you'll concentrate: - [ ] Regenerative agriculture techniques (soil, water, biodiversity) - [ ] Community organizing and governance - [ ] Food sovereignty strategy and planning - [ ] Indigenous food ways and traditional knowledge - [ ] Youth engagement in food systems - [ ] Urban agriculture and food justice - [ ] Cooperative development - [ ] Policy and advocacy - [ ] Network building and collaboration - [ ] Curriculum and training development - [ ] (Other - specify)
Describe Your Approach: - What's your facilitation philosophy? - How do you work with people? - What methods do you use? - What makes your approach unique? - How do you center equity and justice? - How do you honor diverse knowledge systems?
Define Your Geographic Scope: - Local (one community/bioregion) - Regional (multiple communities in a region) - Mobile (travel to multiple regions) - Virtual (online support across distances) - Hybrid (combination)
Step 2: Develop Your Work Plan
Year 1 Scope of Work:
Direct Support Activities (60-70% of time): - Number of farmers you'll support - Number of communities you'll work with - Types of training/workshops you'll offer - One-on-one mentoring commitments - Site visits you'll conduct - Office hours or open consultation times
Network Building (15-20% of time): - Regional gatherings you'll organize - Peer learning events - Cross-pollination activities - Partnership development - Coalition building
Knowledge Development (10-15% of time): - Documentation projects - Curriculum development - Case study creation - Resource guide production - Best practices capture
Systems Participation (5-10% of time): - UBEC community engagement - Governance participation - Evaluation Committee (if relevant) - Policy input - Strategic planning contribution
Detailed Timeline: - Break your year into quarters - Specify activities and deliverables each quarter - Show how you'll build momentum - Indicate seasonal considerations - Allow for flexibility and emergence
Budget Breakdown: - Stipend/salary portion - Travel expenses - Materials and supplies - Technology costs - Professional development - Other project costs
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Qualifications
Experience Documentation: - Detailed CV or resume - List of relevant projects you've led - Training/workshops you've facilitated - Curriculum you've developed - Communities you've worked with - Measurable outcomes from your work
Portfolio Materials: - Training materials you've created - Documentation you've produced - Photos from workshops or events - Testimonials from people you've supported - Case studies of your facilitation - Videos of your work (if available)
Expertise Evidence: - Certifications or credentials (if relevant) - Publications or presentations - Recognitions or awards - Specialized training you've received - Areas where you're considered an expert - Innovations you've contributed
References: - 3-5 people who can speak to your work - Mix of peers, community members you've served, and supervisors - People who know different aspects of your skills - Ensure diversity of perspectives
Step 4: Articulate Your Ubuntu Alignment
How You Embody Ubuntu: - How do you practice "I am because we are"? - How do you foster interdependence? - How do you honor collective wisdom? - How do you center community, not yourself? - Examples from your past work
Your Commitment to Commons: - How do you share knowledge freely? - How do you build shared resources? - How do you resist privatization? - How do you support collective governance? - How do you practice abundance thinking?
Your Regenerative Practice: - How does your work heal ecosystems? - How do you support regeneration? - How do you close loops? - How do you think long-term? - How do you honor Indigenous wisdom?
Phase 3: Submitting Your Application
Step 1: Initial Inquiry
How to Start: - Visit UBEC activator application portal [URL to be provided] - Fill out preliminary interest form - Share basic background and focus area - Or: Get recommended by existing UBEC activator - Or: Be identified through your work in the network
What Happens: - Confirmation and welcome - Invitation to full application - Connection to activator resources - Potential informal conversation with existing activator
Step 2: Complete Full Application
Application Components:
- Personal Background
- Your story and journey to this work
- Your connection to food sovereignty
- Your lived experience and identity
-
Why this matters to you
-
Expertise and Experience
- Detailed work history
- Specific skills and knowledge
- Training and credentials
-
Your unique offerings
-
Facilitation Approach
- Your philosophy and methods
- How you work with people
- Your cultural responsiveness
-
Examples from past work
-
Proposed Scope of Work
- Year 1 detailed work plan
- Activities and deliverables
- Geographic scope
-
Time commitment
-
Impact Vision
- What you hope to catalyze
- How you'll measure success
- Your theory of change
-
Long-term aspirations
-
Budget and Compensation
- Requested token allocation
- Budget breakdown
- Justification for amount
-
How you'll track finances
-
Portfolio and References
- Sample materials
- Testimonials
- Reference contacts
- Documentation of past work
Application Tips: - Let your authentic voice come through - Balance confidence with humility - Show your expertise without ego - Be specific and concrete - Use stories and examples - Show cultural awareness - Demonstrate Ubuntu understanding - Don't oversell—be realistic about capacity - Show your learning edges
Step 3: Screening and Interviews
Application Screening: - Initial review by UBEC team - Assessment against criteria - Reference checks - Portfolio review
Interview Process:
First Interview (60-90 minutes): - With UBEC team members - Deep dive into your experience - Exploration of your approach - Questions about scenarios - Discussion of fit and alignment
Community Interview (if you advance): - With farmers/communities you might serve - They assess if you'd be helpful - You learn about their needs - Mutual exploration of partnership
Peer Interview (45-60 minutes): - With existing community activators - Peer-to-peer conversation - Exploration of collaboration potential - Culture and values alignment
Questions You Might Be Asked: - Tell us about a time you facilitated a difficult process successfully. - How do you handle power dynamics in your work? - A community is struggling with ______. How would you approach this? - How do you center marginalized voices? - What's your edge or growing area? - How do you practice self-care and sustainability? - Why do you want to be a UBEC activator specifically?
Questions You Should Ask: - What are the biggest challenges facing UBEC participants? - How do activators coordinate and collaborate? - What support is available for activators? - How is success evaluated? - What's the onboarding process? - How does governance work? - What's the culture among activators?
Phase 4: Evaluation and Decision
Evaluation Criteria
Expertise and Experience: - Do they have deep relevant knowledge? - Track record of successful facilitation? - Demonstrated impact in past work? - Specialized skills that are needed?
Facilitation Capacity: - Can they work effectively with diverse people? - Do they have cultural competence? - Are they skilled at asking questions vs. giving answers? - Can they adapt to different contexts? - Do they create safe, productive spaces?
Ubuntu Alignment: - Do they embody "I am because we are"? - Do they center collective wisdom? - Are they ego-aware? - Do they practice abundance thinking? - Do they honor Indigenous and traditional knowledge?
Practical Readiness: - Can they commit the time? - Do they have support structures? - Are they organized and reliable? - Can they handle documentation? - Are they financially viable at proposed compensation?
Network Contribution: - Will they strengthen the ecosystem? - Are they collaborative? - Will they share knowledge openly? - Do they see themselves as part of something larger?
Possible Outcomes
1. Full Approval ✅ - Strong fit across criteria - Token amount determined - Move to agreement development - Begin onboarding
2. Conditional Approval ⚠️ - Good potential, needs some development - Specific conditions outlined - May start with reduced scope or trial period - Additional training or support provided
3. Deferred 🔄 - Not ready yet, but potential - Guidance for development - Invitation to reapply in future - May be offered different role
4. Declined ❌ - Not the right fit currently - Explanation and feedback provided - Other ways to contribute suggested - Door open for future if circumstances change
Timeline
- Application to Decision: 45-75 days
- Thorough process due to importance of role
- Updates throughout
- Can request status checks
Post-Approval Process
Agreement Development (2 weeks) - Scope of work finalized - Token allocation amount set - Quarterly deliverables defined - Reporting requirements detailed - Support and resources outlined - Evaluation criteria established
Review and Negotiation (1 week) - You review draft agreement - Ask questions and seek clarification - Negotiate reasonable adjustments - Ensure mutual understanding
Agreement Signing (3 days) - Finalize terms - Sign commitment (both parties) - Receive copies
Technical Setup (see guide below) - Create Stellar wallet - Establish security protocols - Set up trustlines - Verify with UBEC
Initial Token Transfer (1 week after verification) - First quarter tokens deposited - Confirmation received - Ready to begin!
Total Time from Approval to Start: 3-4 weeks
Phase 5: Your First 90 Days as Community Activator
Comprehensive Onboarding Program
Week 1: Orientation - [ ] Welcome to the activator team! - [ ] Attend activator orientation (2-3 days, virtual or in-person) - [ ] Meet other activators (your peer support network) - [ ] Deep dive into UBEC systems and philosophy - [ ] Technical training on tools and platforms - [ ] Receive activator resource library access
Week 2: Relationship Building - [ ] One-on-one meetings with key UBEC team members - [ ] Connect with your regional farmers and communities - [ ] Set up regular check-in schedule with your liaison - [ ] Join activator communication channels - [ ] Introduce yourself to the broader network
Week 3-4: Work Planning - [ ] Refine your Year 1 work plan - [ ] Set up your tracking and documentation systems - [ ] Schedule your first activities (workshops, meetings, visits) - [ ] Begin relationship building with communities you'll serve - [ ] Establish your rhythms and routines
Month 2-3: Ramping Up - [ ] Begin delivering on your scope of work - [ ] Lead first workshops or trainings - [ ] Start one-on-one mentoring relationships - [ ] Attend regional gatherings or events - [ ] Document your early learnings - [ ] Build momentum and presence
Month 1 Report (Brief)
Simple Check-In (2-3 pages): - How did onboarding go? - What activities have you started? - What relationships are you building? - What questions or challenges have emerged? - What support do you need? - What are you excited about?
Month 3: First Quarterly Report
Comprehensive Documentation (5-10 pages):
Activities Summary: - Workshops/trainings conducted (topics, participants, locations) - One-on-one mentoring sessions - Site visits made - Meetings and consultations - Network building events - Documentation or curriculum developed
Impact and Outcomes: - Who did you reach? (numbers and demographics) - What skills/knowledge were developed? - What problems were solved? - What collaborations were catalyzed? - What innovations emerged? - Participant feedback and testimonials
Network Health Contribution: - New connections made - Resources shared - Collaborations facilitated - Knowledge contributed - System improvements suggested
Learning and Adaptation: - What worked really well? - What was challenging? - What surprised you? - What are you learning about the role? - How are you adapting your approach? - What support has been helpful?
Financial Accounting: - Token usage breakdown - Budget vs. actual - Travel and expenses - Any cost savings or efficiencies
Next Quarter Plan: - Activities scheduled - Focus areas - Goals and deliverables - Any changes to approach
Portfolio Documentation: - Training materials created - Photos from workshops - Participant work samples - Case studies - Knowledge products
Your Holonic Journey: First 90 Days
Starting Point: Typically "Integrator" (0.8-0.9) - You come in with expertise and capacity - Expected to operate at high level from start - Already aligned with Ubuntu principles - Quickly building network presence
What Strengthens Your Score: - Diversity (20%): Bringing unique facilitation approaches, cultural responsiveness - Reciprocity (25%): Balanced giving and receiving, not just giving - Mutualism (25%): Creating mutually beneficial relationships across network - Regeneration (20%): Catalyzing transformative, regenerative change - Interdependence (10%): Weaving connections, strengthening whole system
Goal: Move toward "Exemplar" status (0.9-1.0) over time - Regional/system leadership - Modeling excellence - Mentoring other activators - Shaping UBEC evolution
Phase 6: Ongoing Practice and Evolution
Quarterly Cycle
Every 3 Months: - Comprehensive report submitted - Tokens for next quarter released - Check-in call with liaison - Peer activator group reflection - Plan for next quarter refined
Annual Comprehensive Evaluation
Deep Assessment:
Quantitative Metrics: - Number of participants served - Workshops/trainings delivered - One-on-one sessions - Communities/farmers supported - Documentation produced - Network connections made
Qualitative Impact: - Skills and capacity developed - Problems solved - Collaborations catalyzed - Innovation sparked - System improvements - Culture shifts
Participant Feedback: - Anonymous surveys from people you've worked with - Testimonials and stories - Assessment of your helpfulness - Suggestions for improvement
Peer Evaluation: - Feedback from fellow activators - Collaboration assessment - Knowledge sharing contribution - Network citizenship
Self-Assessment: - Your own learning and growth - What you're proud of - Where you struggled - How you've developed - What you want to focus on next year - How the role is serving you
Holonic Evaluation: - Ubuntu alignment scores - Category and progress - Areas of strength - Growth opportunities - Network contribution metrics
Agreement Renewal Decision
Mutual Assessment: - Is this working for you? - Is this working for UBEC and the network? - Is there continued alignment? - Should scope or focus shift?
Renewal Options: - Continue with same scope - Expand scope (more communities, regions, etc.) - Shift focus (different specialization) - Reduce scope (life circumstances) - Transition to different role - Complete the cycle
Evolution Pathways
Years 1-2: Establishing Practice - Building reputation - Refining approach - Creating body of work - Deepening relationships - Moving toward Exemplar status
Years 3-5: Mastery and Leadership - Regional influence and leadership - Mentoring newer activators - Curriculum and program development - Shaping UBEC systems - Policy engagement
Years 5+: System Elder - Network-wide leadership - Governance participation - Strategic vision contribution - Training activator trainers - Representing UBEC in broader movements
Responsibilities as Community Activator
Your Core Commitments:
✅ Deliver on your scope of work with excellence and care
✅ Report monthly with thoroughness and transparency
✅ Serve participants with humility and responsiveness
✅ Document and share knowledge for the commons
✅ Build network connections and collaborations
✅ Embody Ubuntu principles in all your work
✅ Practice cultural humility and responsiveness
✅ Maintain boundaries and sustainable practice
✅ Participate in governance and collective decision-making
✅ Support peer activators generously
✅ Stay accountable to communities you serve
✅ Keep learning and growing your capacity
Ethical Guidelines:
Do: - Center community wisdom and leadership - Ask questions more than give answers - Share power and resources - Credit others' knowledge and ideas - Admit when you don't know - Maintain confidentiality - Honor diverse ways of knowing - Practice self-care and sustainability
Don't: - Position yourself as the expert/savior - Create dependency on you - Privatize knowledge or relationships - Speak for communities - Burn out or overextend - Ignore power dynamics - Appropriate cultural knowledge - Compete with peers
Boundaries and Self-Care: - Set clear working hours - Take regular breaks and time off - Build peer support relationships - Access supervision or mentoring - Know your limits - Ask for help when needed - Celebrate successes - Process challenges
Support Resources for Activators
Peer Activator Network: - Monthly activator calls (learning community) - Regional activator pods - Online forum and communication channels - Peer mentoring partnerships - Collective problem-solving
Professional Development: - Training stipends - Conference attendance support - Skills development workshops - Facilitation technique exchanges - Cultural competency training - Technology skills building
Technical Resources: - Curriculum library and templates - Documentation tools and guides - Training materials repository - Assessment frameworks - Evaluation tools - Project management resources
Supervision and Support: - Monthly check-ins with liaison - Access to experienced activator mentors - Conflict resolution support - Challenge debriefing - Celebration of successes
Financial Management: - Accounting support - Budget tracking tools - Expense documentation guidance - Tax information (you're responsible for taxes) - Financial planning resources
Crisis Response: - Rapid response team for emergencies - Backup facilitators for coverage - Problem-solving consultation - Mediation if needed - Network resource mobilization
Attribution
This project uses the services of Claude and Anthropic PBC to inform our decisions and recommendations. This project was made possible with the assistance of Claude and Anthropic PBC.
Return to Onboarding Overview