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Archives for December 2013

, Filed Under: Internship

Colorado River Alliance Seeks Spring Interns

The Colorado River Alliance promotes educational awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the Colorado River as a sustainable resource for the quality of life and economic well-being for future generations.

Two internship positions are currently being advertised:

Environmental Education Internship
Educational Interns assist with the planning, development and management of student educational programs including field trips and classroom materials. Programs teach water conservation, geography and geology of the Colorado River in Texas, aspects of a healthy watershed and water quality assessment. Interns are instrumental in the development and implementation of new curriculum and programming.

Water Festival Community Event Internship
CRA Community and Special Events Interns will assist in preparing for and hosting the Colorado River Alliance 2014 Family Water Festival. This April festival attracts well over 1000 people of all ages and is filled with fun activities, music, and programs that promote water conservation and enjoyment of the Colorado River in Texas. Interns are instrumental in coordinating the development and execution of this public event, and will acquire highly marketable skills in event management, community outreach, and environmental advocacy.

Internships are unpaid but are available for academic credit. Interns are expected to commit at least 10-15 hours a week.

To apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to Geoff Hensgen, geoff@coloradoriver.org.

 

 

, Filed Under: Internship

Multicultural Refugee Coalition Seeks Refugee Sewing Program Coordinator

The Multicultural Refugee Coalition is a long-term support network for refugees settled to the Austin area bridging the gap between their initial resettlement and long-term success. We are on a mission to empower refugees towards self-sufficiency through education, community and reconciliation.

Internship description: Sewing Program Coordinator

Position Overview: Seeking a visionary program manager for our Refugee Sewing Program to develop classes on a variety of topics (mending, using a pattern, etc.) and explore the opportunity of becoming a social enterprise–being able to sell products that are made on a more regular basis. Working with refugees from varying backgrounds including Burundi, Congo, and Iraq. Time and Location: Currently Saturdays from 11:30am-3:30pm at MRC Community Center. Reports to Executive Director and works with current sewing instructors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • First takes time to learn about current structure of the sewing program, get to know the sewing instructors and program participants. Conduct a needs assessment to understand what program participants would like to learn and do with their sewing.
  • Creates a vision for the sewing program so that each session is more purposeful and working towards a common goal. Currently basic sewing skills are taught and participants work on their own special projects.
  • Develops classes such as mending, pattern reading, etc. and finds volunteers to teach each class.
  • Explore the option of becoming a social enterprise and selling products on a more regular basis. Currently products are sold once a year at a holiday market.
  • Completes program intake forms with the help of other program volunteers to set goals and monitor progress of participants.

Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours a week which includes leading the program on Saturdays from 11:30am-3:30pm, planning throughout the week and meeting once a month with sewing team and with all MRC Program Managers. Looking for at least a 6- month commitment.

Qualifications:

  • Proficient at sewing on a machine and reading patterns
  • Ability to teach others how to sew
  • Interest and ability to work with international populations and limited English speakers.
  • Ability to work with a variety of different participants and volunteers with various skill levels.
  • Ability to be flexible and try new things when the best laid out plan doesn’t come together for one reason or another.
  • Knowledge of basic social entrepreneurship concepts- where to sell, how to price things, how to manage inventory etc.
  • Must be encouraging and positive as well as creative to help each participant understand program goal.

To apply:

  • Complete a volunteer application found here: http://mrcaustin.org/get-involved-2/
  • Contact MRC Executive Director to talk more about the vision for this position merskine@mrcaustin.org or 512-789-1033
  • Arrange to come to a volunteer orientation on the 1st Saturday of the month from 11am-12:30pm and visit the sewing program.

, Filed Under: Internship

Texas Partnership for Out of School Time Seeks Intern – Apply by 12/6

TXPOST (The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time) is seeking a Spring 2013 Communications and Operations Intern.

Job Description:
The Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (www.txpost.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the availability and quality of out of school time opportunities for Texas youth. TXPOST is currently seeking a Communications & Operations Intern to work 20-25 hours per week (schedule negotiable) to support the Executive Director with management tasks including communications, operations, organizational planning, and execution of key project deliverables.

As a young organization, TXPOST offers the opportunity to learn what it takes to launch and grow a startup nonprofit, develop marketable professional skills, and gain hands-on experience doing meaningful work that contributes to our mission. We are looking for a smart, self-motivated candidate looking for a professional internship and the chance to contribute to a better future for Texas youth.

Internship Dates:

January 2014-May 2014 (exact dates flexible, with possibility of extension)

Internship Duties & Skills Acquired:
Communications:
o  Develop and post new content on website and social media platforms weekly
o  Develop content for and ensure publication of monthly e-newsletter
o  Assist in the development of print, online and other media and messaging tools to promote out of school time issues among targeted stakeholder groups (e.g., business representatives, elected officials, providers, parents, youth, nonprofits)
o  Track progress toward communications goals and objectives outlined in comprehensive communications strategy
Operations:
o  Manage specific office tasks, including maintenance requests, vendor relations, and supply management
o  Assist with stakeholder meetings, including scheduling, preparing for and taking notes at meetings
o  Support Executive Director with scheduling, booking travel, preparing for meetings, and other administrative tasks

Required Qualifications:
o  Effective time and task management skills
o  Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
o  Self-motivated with creative problem-solving abilities
o  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
o  Dependable and flexible
o  Professionalism and a strong work ethic
o  Eagerness to learn new skills
o  Dedication to systems change benefiting children and youth
o  Proficiency in using computers, specifically MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
o  Possession of a valid driver’s license
o  Completion of 60 hours of college coursework

Preferred Qualifications:
o  Graduate student in communications, marketing, education, youth development, public policy, business, social work or other related field.
o  Experience or education in the out of school time field, communications/media, public affairs, education, or nonprofit management
o  Familiarity with current national trends in afterschool, youth development and/or education
o  Experience with a start-up organization or program
o  Experience with Drupal web platform

Compensation:

The successful candidate will earn a $1,000/month stipend.
To Apply:
Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to info@txpost.org and include ‘2014 Intern’ in the subject line by 5pm CST on December 6, 2013. No phone calls, please.