Information for New Volunteers
Thanks for your interest in volunteering with the Sussex Gleaning Network! We look forward to meeting you in the fields! When you volunteer with us, we ask that you follow our Participation Guidelines.
First, registration
Everyone who volunteers with us first needs to register. Once you are registered, you are eligible to volunteer in any capacity, and you don't have to register again. You can go to the Volunteer page to update your contact information.
Find out about gleans
We don't send out an email for smaller harvests, but they are posted on the Gleaning Calendar. For large gleans, we'll send an email with a description of the glean and a link to the Gleaning Calendar.
We sometimes find out about crop donations on very short notice, so in these instances we will send an email to notify volunteers of an upcoming glean.
Sign up for a glean
Picking opportunities are posted on the gleans calendar. To sign up, click on the link, and then type in your name. You need to type it exactly as you did when you first registered, so we can match your record in our database. Then click on the button that says 'Signup for this glean.'
How will I know where the glean is?
After you sign up, you'll see a page with the address of the glean and any other useful information, such as whether you need to wear thick trousers to protect you from stinging nettles. This is the only place the actual address appears on the website so write it down or print it out.
After you sign up, you'll see a page with the address of the glean and any other useful information. This is the only place the actual address appears on the website however you will also receive an email with the same information and a link back to that web page. If you want to check out your history of participation or have the email resent, go to the 'Volunteer' tab at the top of this page.
Please cancel if you can't make it!
If your plans change, that’s fine we understand, but please cancel so someone else can take your spot. The email you receive will include a link where you can cancel. Your courtesy will also help us schedule the right number of volunteers for the available crop.
When you arrive
Please park in such a way as you’re not blocking any gates or tracks. We'll provide a safety introduction and any necessary information about the site.
Every adult who attends a glean must be a registered volunteer and must have signed up online for that glean. Children do not need to register or sign up, but must be supervised by an adult who is on the roster.
What should I do if my contact information changes?
If you are changing contact information like your email address or phone number, go to the Volunteer page and click on 'Update.' If you need to make a name change, write to Dick Yates at sussex@gleanweb.org.
Why won't the signup page let me on the roster?
You may have typed your name differently than you did when you initially registered. If you are still unable to access the roster, contact Dick at sussex@gleanweb.org.
I forgot to write down the glean address!
The email you receive after you sign up includes a link to information about the glean, including the address. If you have signed up for the glean but have lost this email, click on the 'Volunteer' button at the top of this page. Click the button there to get another email. If you have any trouble, contact Dick Yates at sussex@gleanweb.org.
Who should I contact if I have other questions?
Please check out the Contact Us page. We are always happy to help.
By volunteering with us, you are helping to prevent food waste and make fresh local produce available to people who might not otherwise have access to it.
We really appreciate everything you do.
