Driftless Folk School Fellowship

The Driftless Folk School Fellowship is an opportunity to become immersed in the life of the Driftless Folk School, Thoreau College, and our vibrant rural community, which is a hub for folk crafts and sustainable agriculture.  This is a year-long position in which the DFS Fellow supports the logistical needs of both the Driftless Folk School, an organization which helps local artisans teach short sessions on their crafts at locations around the Driftless Region, and Thoreau College, a microcollege that offers gap year programs proving holistic education – including crafts, labor, academics, and nature immersion– for a small groups of 5-15 young adults. The ideal DFS Fellow is passionate about folk arts and skills, community based education and intentional educational communities, non-profit development, and engaged community life. 

The DFS Fellow is expected to complete an independent project that contributes to the folk school’s growth or success. The Fellow will be supported by DFS staff to identify a project that matches their skills or interests, but the Fellow will be expected to take leadership over its design and execution and complete it by the end of the fellowship. Possible project areas include folk school programming, community engagement, back-end operations/admin, fundraising, marketing, and more.

The DFS Fellow is expected to live in the Thoreau College Fellows residence or close by, and to be able to make this work a high priority in their lives during the period of the Fellowship. Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license and ideally their own vehicle, as DFS activities happen throughout the area.

Period of the Fellowship:  Roughly 1 year, starting in July or August

Number of Fellowships Available: 1 per year

Activities/Responsibilities

The Driftless Folk School Fellow is expected to spend at least 15 hrs/week working on DFS activities, with more time during the run up to events. The DFS Circle meets monthly on a weeknight evening, the DFS staff meets monthly during the week, and Thoreau College All School and Faculty meetings each occur 1/week during the workday, but otherwise most activities with fixed times, such as classes and events, happen on Saturdays and Sundays.  Other activities are flexible in terms of when they can be accomplished.

• Participating in monthly meetings of the Driftless Folk School Governance Circle
• Participating in monthly meetings of the Driftless Folk School Staff
• Participating in weekly Faculty meetings and weekly All School meetings at Thoreau College
• Participating in mentorship processes for Thoreau College gap semester students, if requested
• Serving as a liaison between DFS activities and other members of the Thoreau College community, including students, staff, and other Fellows/Residents
• Leading the design, execution, and completion of an independent project that supports the growth or success of the folk school
• Supporting general operations at Thoreau College as needed, including events, facilities projects, student transportation, and expeditions
• Collaborating with DFS Marketing and Outreach Coordinator to promote classes online and in person at events, etc.
• Collaborating with DFS Registrar to stage DFS classes by coordinating with instructors regarding class and venue logistics, preparing and presenting lunches, and acting as host
• Collaborating with DFS Circle on recruiting new instructors, planning new courses, and expanding DFS program offerings
• Collaborating with DFS Circle members to plan and stage dances, community celebrations, the Driftless Spoon Gathering, and other events that grow and support the DFS Community
• Collaborating with DFS Circle members on grant writing, crowdfunding, and other fundraising and development activities
• Representing DFS at various events, including regional conferences and Community of Practice meetings of the Folk School Alliance (online)
• Other projects and initiatives as they arise!

Compensation/Benefits:

The Driftless Folk School Fellowship is designed as an immersive internship program whose purpose is primarily educational, with cost of living support from the organization to make it a viable option for more candidates. As a DFS Fellow, candidates can expect to receive - 

• Housing in a private room in one of the Thoreau College residence houses, along with other Thoreau College Fellows and Scholars-in-Residence
• A monthly stipend of $400, paid semi-monthly
• Shared lunches 5 days per week while Thoreau College programs are in session and access to food produced by Thoreau College gardens and farm.
• Access to DFS classes, depending on availability, as well as opportunities to participate in Thoreau College courses, expeditions, and community events
   

To Apply: 

Candidates with strong social skills, ability to be self-motivated and independently organized, available time, and enthusiasm for grassroots, hands-on, community-based adult education are encouraged to apply by submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least two references to Andi Reisdorf, the DFS Registrar, at registrar@driftlessfolkschool.org.  

Please submit applications for the 2027-2028 Fellowship year by January 15, 2027

Thoreau College/Driftless Folk School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. Thoreau College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.