Greenbelt Alliance seeks a motivated individual to engage local residents and encourage the use of a new technology platform to help make their neighborhoods even better. This initiative will marry an innovative online civic engagement tool with our successful on-the-ground community outreach, making it easier for residents to address place-based issues in their communities. The Technology and Civic Engagement Volunteer Intern will support Greenbelt staff in reaching out to community groups, local residents, and marketing the tool to potential users. Most work for this initiative and position will be completed in Mountain View.
About Greenbelt Alliance
Greenbelt Alliance is the champion of the places that make the Bay Area great. We bring people together to find innovative solutions to the region’s growth challenges. We work both regionally and locally, blending expertise with on-the-ground action to make neighborhoods thrive and save treasured landscapes from sprawl.
Responsibilities
Technology and Civic Engagement Volunteer Intern responsibilities will include:
• Overseeing promotion of online platform via flyers, social media, word of mouth
• Setting up meetings with local organizational partners and municipal staff
• Presenting to community groups and local stakeholders
• Performing outreach at local community events
• Helping to incorporate the platform into our work on the El Camino Real corridor
• Organizing a launch event for the online engagement platform
• Assisting project staff as needed to meet project goals and deadlines
Technology and Civic Engagement Volunteer Interns will report to the Project Manager for this initiative and will work with other staff as appropriate.
Commitment
This position requires a two to three day/week commitment for at least three months starting August 1, 2013; a commitment through December 2013 is preferred. Interns are expected to adhere to a regular schedule, though there will be likely be significant evening and weekend work. To maximize impact and geographic reach, access to a bicycle or car is preferred.
Skills Desired
Greenbelt Alliance is seeking candidates knowledgeable in urban planning issues, particularly land use and public participation processes. Candidates will have community outreach experience, strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, and a friendly, professional demeanor. Social media skills and/or Spanish fluency are preferred.
Benefits
The position is unpaid. Travel reimbursement is available for interns working more than 30 hours a week who can demonstrate financial need.
This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the growing online civic engagement ecosystem. Interns will meet community leaders and elected officials and will learn about environmental and urban planning issues while developing a network of contacts and references in the field. When applying for future jobs, interns will be able to point to tangible results from their work and describe a discrete project that they led.
To Apply
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Uri Pachter, Project Manager, at upachter@greenbelt.org. Please place “Technology and Civic Engagement Volunteer Internship” in the subject line, include the date you would be available to start work and how many months you can commit to the position.
Greenbelt Alliance values a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people of all sexual orientation, trans and gender non-conforming people, and individuals of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive; the position is open until filled.
