Food and Water Watch Volunteer Internship Opportunity
Location
Upper West Side/Harlem Term: We are looking to hire interns immediately, to work through April
Hours
6-8 hours per week preferred for interns, 2-4 hours per week preferred for volunteers
Campaign Description
Genetically engineered (GMO) crops are created by transferring genetic material from one organism into another to create specific traits, such as resistance to treatment with herbicides or to make a plant produce its own pesticide to repel insects.
A majority of processed foods include GMO ingredients, which have not been tested for long-term impacts on human health, and concerns are growing about the environmental and public health impacts of the chemicals used in tandem with GMO crops. With just six corporations dominating the world’s seed, pesticide, and biotech industries, they control the fate of food and farming while making historic profits.
While farming is undoubtedly an important industry in New York State, it is also a way of life for the 4,133+ farms that our neighbors in the Capital District depend on. Our growers often come from generations of farmers who have lived and worked in our local communities, and their livelihoods are coming under direct attack due to the risks associated with GMOs.
The good news is, we here in NY are poised to be leaders in the fight to label GMO’s nationally. Our neighboring states like VT, ME, and CT, alongside 64 other countries across the world already require GMO labeling and keep consumers informed about what’s in their food.
With strong grassroots support from the Capital District and surrounding towns, we believe that a GMO labeling bill can be moved out of the state Assembly this year. In order to achieve this though, Food and Water Watch needs your help! Food and Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all.
We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment.
Job Activities/Scope
Interns and volunteers will provide support to all aspects of our GMO labeling campaign, including volunteer recruitment, leadership development, event planning, and grassroots visibility tactics. Interns will have the opportunity to work on mending our broken food system both on their own college campuses and in surrounding communities.
Internship Positions
Grassroots Coordinator
• Oversee the grassroots tactics for the campaign, including petition signature gathering, phonebanking, postering and photo petitioning
• Track and record petition signatures, handwritten letters, and phonebanking results
• Train volunteers in the various grassroots tactics
Coalitions Coordinator
• Aid in outreach to local non-profits, businesses, and farmers to join Food and Water Watch’s coalition to label GMOs
• Reach out to local organizations and groups to attend events and March Rally in Albany
• Track and communicate with coalition members as needed Events Coordinator
• Aid in the planning and execution of press conferences during the campaign
• Help coordinate volunteer events during the campaign
• Mobilize students and community members ahead of March GMO Rally in Albany
Media and Visibility Coordinator
• Manage social media for the campaign
• Reach out to local and state media outlets to cover campaign events
• Help coordinate Letter to the Editor Writing sessions throughout campaign
• Help coordinate listserv blasts before events with coalition partners
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work well independently or in a team setting
- Ability to converse comfortably on the phone
- Strong attention to detail
- Experience with grassroots organizing and campaigns is a plus
- Good time management and organization skills
- Enthusiasm about fixing our food system!
Compensation/Pay
Food and Water Watch internships are unpaid. Participants may be able to gain college credit for their internship.
To apply, please fill out this form with your contact information and send your resume to Yasmeen Silva at ysilva@fwwlocal.org.