Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Conservation Leadership MS Program at Colorado State University


Conservation Leadership MS Program - Colorado State University 
Now accepting applications for August 2013 start

Society is faced with some of the greatest challenges in history, from climate change to biodiversity loss to energy security and beyond. We need leaders who think differently, embrace complexity, and see the human and environmental condition as one intricate system. CSU’s Conservation Leadership Program, also called, Conservation Leadership Through Learning (CLTL) is a 21-month Master of Science degree that will prepare students to be a part of the next generation of conservation leaders who will tackle these dynamic challenges. In August 2013, the third cohort of students will begin an intensive educational journey in the United States and around the world. CLTL merges trans-disciplinary university education with real-world action to train leaders who can deliver on-the-ground benefits for conservation and communities. By reaching far beyond the classroom walls, students will develop the knowledge and real-world skills to become effective conservation leaders making a difference for the environment and people’s lives.
CLTL is a partnership between Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources and our university, NGO, governmental, and community partners around the world.  For more information, please visit our website (http://leadershipthroughlearning.org/) or contact us at leadership@warnercnr.colostate.edu. Applications are now being accepted through February 15th 2013, for an August 2013 program start date.

Carbon for Water Documentary Screening


Please Join us Thursday, 7:00 p.m. December 6, 2012 at the Anacostia Community Museum for a screening of the award winning documentary Carbon for Water.
 
 
Carbon for Water (USA, 2011, 22 min.)
Mike Bolinder, Anacostia Riverkeeper, leads a discussion on the film Carbon for Water. This award-winning documentary explores the hardships of the people of Kenya’s Western Province, where safe drinking water is scarce and the wood fuel used to boil water for purification is expensive. These two factors conspire to make waterborne illness a daily, and life-threatening reality, among the already poor population.  Women and girls are especially vulnerable; they often miss school or work when fetching wood, and some even fall victim to sexual violence in the process. 
 
Filmmakers Evan Abramson and Carmen Elsa Lopez introduce audiences to a unique solution to this age-old, and worsening, problem. An innovative company has financed the distribution and maintenance of 900,000 water filters in Western Province, funded entirely by carbon credits. These credits are awarded for actual reductions in use of wood fuel as well as the anticipated reduction in future fuel use. The filters help to slow deforestation, as household demand for wood drops. In this way—and in just five weeks—4.5 million people were given the means to purify their water, which in turn unlocks the potential to improve families’ income, education, and health.  
 
After the film we will discuss the film and explore links to our own watershed around the Anacostia River. 
 
To RSVP for this screening and discussion please call 202.633.4844.
 
 
The Anacostia Community Museum is located at 1901 Fort Place Southeast  Washington, DC 20020

Audubon International Job Position


External Communications Coordinator Job Description

Position Description: Audubon International seeks a highly-qualified and enthusiastic individual to serve as its External Communications Coordinator. The incumbent will report directly to the Director for Finance and Administration and work closely with the Executive Director and other Audubon International staff and Board members to develop, manage, and implement innovative external communications strategies that effectively advance the organization’s programs, stakeholder relations, and overall mission.

Organization Overview: Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering high-quality environmental education and using incentive-based approaches to implement sustainable natural resource management in all places people live, work, and play.

Audubon International presently has approximately 12 staff members and is headquartered in the Albany, New York area. It should be noted that the organization is in the process of moving its headquarters from Selkirk to a more centrally located commercial office building in Rensselaer Technology Park (http://www.rpitechpark.com/), and this move will be completed by early January 2013.

The organization, which has been in existence for over 25 years, works with a wide range of interested partners, including golf courses, developers, agriculture producers, small businesses, large corporations, academic institutions, fellow not-for-profits, community associations, local governments, and state and federal agencies. Through education, technical assistance, certification, and recognition, Audubon International facilitates the implementation of natural resource management practices that ensure land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources are sustainably used and conserved. Utilizing a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs, Audubon International is able to positively impact environmental health at multiple geographic scales, including individual properties, communities, and ecoregions.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
External Communications
·        In conjunction with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and Administration and other AI staff members, play a leading role in setting short- and long-term communications goals.
·        In conjunction with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration play a leading role in developing and implementing communications strategies to achieve communications and membership development goals.
·        In conjunction with the Executive Director, serve as the organization’s primary POC in regards to communications with the news media (TV, radio, print, online, etc.) and other external audiences.
·        Give talks and presentations to audiences of all types (i.e., news media, government, industry, academic, etc.) to deliver information on AI’s programs and activities.
·        Assume primary responsibility for posting or otherwise disseminating all official news releases and similar important public announcements.
·        Assume primary responsibility for developing/maintaining contact information for members of the media, as well as cultivating strong professional relationships with members of the media.
·        Assume primary responsibility for developing/maintaining contact information for key stakeholders in pertinent sectors/industries (i.e., recreation, leisure, government, business, etc.) as well as cultivating strong professional relationships with these stakeholders.

Support of Education/Certification Programs
·        Assist the Executive Director and program staff in meeting program growth targets on an annual basis for the organization’s various education and certification programs, including the following (or their future equivalents):
o   Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program
o   Audubon Signature Program
o   Sustainable Communities Program
o   Green Lodging Program
o   Professional certificate program in sustainable natural resource management
·        In conjunction with the Executive Director and Director of Finance and Administration, play a leading role in marketing and promotional efforts for all the above mentioned AI education and certification programs.
·        Lead in the organizing, promotion, management, and implementation of special events or summits held periodically and designed to market and sell AI programs and services.
·        Coordinate with appropriate AI’s staff to ensure that information maintained in the organization’s web-based member database is up-to-date and accurate.

Website Development and Publications
·        Assume primary responsibility for managing all content (i.e., news releases, programmatic information, graphical content, blogs, etc.) that appears on Audubon International’s official website, as well as social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
·        With appropriate assistance from program staff, assume primary responsibility for developing and disseminating the organization’s formal publications and newsletters.
·        Serve as a liaison, as appropriate, between the organization and external contractors periodically retained to perform needed IT software and hardware upgrades.

Administrative and Development
·        Assist the Director of Finance and Administration with the recruitment of corporate sponsors to generate financial support for the organization’s operations and capital budgets, as well as increase the organization’s capacity, public visibility, reputation, and professional credibility.
·        Assist the Director of Finance and Administration with the identification of major donors, as well as cultivating meaningful professional relationships with these donors.
·        Work with the Director of Finance and Administration to ensure effective planning and delivery of ongoing fundraising, business affiliations, sponsorships, and other efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:
·        A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study (i.e., environmental studies, mass communications, journalism, etc.) and at least 3 years of related professional experience, OR a graduate degree in an appropriate field of study (i.e., environmental studies, mass communications, journalism, etc.) and at least 1 year of related professional experience.
·        Self-starter with creativity and desire to make a positive impact.
·        Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience working with diverse. constituencies and membership demographics.
·        Ability to excel both by working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
·        Strong persuasive writing skills.
·        Skills and/or experience managing newsletters or other publications.
·        Experience and comfort with public speaking.
·        Experience and comfort with event planning/administration.
·        Familiarity and experience with website development.
·        Working knowledge of IT systems (or ability to quickly gain such knowledge)
·        Computer proficiency (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, database management, internet-based research, professional applications of social media, etc.)

Compensation: This is a full-time, permanent position. Audubon International offers a mission-driven work environment that promotes continued employee growth and development. The organization offers its employees a strong compensation package, including competitive salary, excellent health benefits, retirement benefits, and generous vacation. Diversity is highly valued.

Deadline for Application: December 21, 2012

How to Apply:
Submitted applications will be reviewed upon receipt and must include the following:
·        Cover letter summarizing the candidate’s qualifications for the position, including a description of how prior educational training, experience and skills prepare the candidate to fulfill the job responsibilities detailed above.
·        Curriculum vitae or resume.
·        Contact information (name, job title, phone and email) for 3-5 professional references
·        Persuasive writing sample (5 pages maximum) which demonstrates an ability to effectively communicate technical concepts or analysis to a non-technical audiences.
·        Application materials should be submitted via e-mail to ryan@auduboninternational.org with the job title and your name in the subject line (i.e., External Communications Coordinator – Jane Smith).

Audubon International is an equal opportunity employer committed to practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Intern for the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa



The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa is seeking a Winter/Spring Communications and Administrative Intern. Please share with your contacts.

About the Partnership:

The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa (www.partnership-africa.org)  is a non-partisan, non-profit membership organization made up of US and African policy leaders, technical experts, and practitioners who are committed to increasing the level and effectiveness of public and private investments in sustainable, Africa-led, agriculture-based economic growth activities in Africa.

The Partnership convenes constructive dialogue on important policies and practices, conducts objective research on key topics, and advocates for the adoption of best practices and policy reforms that improve economic growth and food security among the poor in rural and urban Africa. We also help to create effective public-private sector partnerships that lead to successful implementation of agricultural projects on the ground, generating benefits to farming communities, private investors, and local governments.

Position Description:

The Partnership is seeking a Communications and Administrative Intern to join its small team in Winter/Spring 2013. Interns can expect to: play an active role in the Partnership’s day-to-day tasks; become involved in a wide range of communications, outreach, and administrative activities; expand their knowledge of African agriculture, global food security, and US policymaking; and gain a much greater understanding of how non-profit advocacy organizations in Washington, DC operate. A minimum commitment of 20-30 hours/week is preferred, beginning November 2012. Internship should be for university credit and will pay $13/hour.

Responsibilities:

Communications 
• Draft, edit, and distribute web content, including social media, events,  news briefs, publications, meeting & events notes, and other communications related to Partnership activities; 
• Managing membership database and related outreach to include maintaining up to date and accurate records
• Manage general inboxes
• Translate documents between French and English, as needed;
• Provide web-based research support to senior staff, as needed.
• Manage Social Media integration

Administrative
• Answer and route telephone calls.
• Assist with data entry and filing
• Support Partnership staff in planning and executing staff meetings and outreach events, including a two day forum in Washington, DC, and educational programs.
• Assist with international travel arrangements including visa coordination, air and hotel
• Assist with post travel expense reconciliation
• Assist with gathering and compiling information for annual grant reports


Qualifications: 
• Excellent writing, research, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Administrative experience preferred;
• Event/conference organizing experience preferred;
• Web content development and database experience preferred;
• Background or strong interest in agriculture and development issues in Africa as well as related US policies;
• French language skills preferred
• Candidates should be in their 3rd or 4th year of Bachelor’s work.

How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to Patty Viafara at pviafara@partnership-africa.org by Monday, November 26, 2012. Candidates should indicate when they can start and their weekly availability. Please contact us with any further questions.



This e-mail was sent from Partnership To Cut Hunger And Poverty In Africa (Partnership@partnership-africa.org) to simon.nicholson@american.edu.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

New Spring 2013 Course: COM 589 Sustainability Communication


COM 589
SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATION
Navigating a Hot, Flat and Crowded World

Prof. Matthew C. Nisbet
Spring 2013

Wednesdays
11:45AM - 2:25PM

Open to All Majors with
2.5 GPA and Junior, Senior, or Graduate Standing

Problems related to sustainability -- including climate change, energy insecurity, income inequality, and extreme weather -- are the dominant social challenges of our time.  Effectively navigating these challenges will require a shift in how we participate in politics, think about the economy, define policy action, communicate with others, and invest in media and communities.  As a consequence, employers across sectors will be looking for graduates who understand sustainability challenges and who can communicate about them effectively and strategically.

In this seminar, students will be introduced to major areas of research, principles, and strategies for engaging the public, the media, and decision-makers on sustainability-related problems.  Readings, discussion, and assignments will be applied to debates such as those over climate change policy, organic and biotech food, natural gas fracking, biodiversity loss, ocean conservation, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, and efforts to protect communities from extreme weather events.  Across these topics and others, we will examine the communication strategies employed by the scientific community, government agencies, environmental groups, the conservative movement, industry organizations, and journalists. 

Readings will draw on scholarly studies and book chapters, reports, news articles, and popular books.  Students will also view documentaries and online presentations from experts and thought leaders.  Assignments include 4 two-page analysis papers, a midterm and final, and a 15-20 page research paper on a topic of the student’s choosing.  Students will also have the opportunity to turn their analysis papers into blog posts at BigThink.com.  Examples of past student posts are at the link below:


About the Professor

Matthew Nisbet, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Communication and Co-Director of the Center for Social Media at American University. His research investigates the role of communication in policymaking and public affairs, focusing on debates over science, sustainability, and public health. He is the author of more than 50 peer-reviewed studies, book chapters, and monographs; writes and edits the Age of Engagement blog and is a contributing columnist to The Breakthrough.  Nisbet has been a Health Policy Investigator at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a Google Science Communication Fellow, and is currently a Shorenstein Fellow in Press, Politics, and Policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. In 2011, the editors at the journal Nature recommended Nisbet's research as “essential reading for anyone with a passing interest in the climate change debate,” and the New Republic highlighted his work as a “fascinating dissection of the shortcomings of climate activism.” He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Communication from Cornell University and an A.B. in Government from Dartmouth College.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SustainUS Fellowship Opportunity: Apply by Nov 30

SustainUS is offering emerging young leaders an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and get their ideas off the ground to enable a more economically, environmentally, and socially just future. The Lead Now Fellowship is a new youth-led fellowship program to support people age 13-26. 

Fellows will be awarded $1,000 and provided with trainings, mentorship, and opportunities to help them make their project ideas take off. Projects might range from innovative community initiatives to statewide campaigns to projects with an international reach.

For over a decade SustainUS has worked to empower other young people to advance sustainable development and during this time we have seen first-hand the remarkable impact that young people can have when they stop waiting for others to blaze a trail and start building their own initiatives and leading the way. The Lead Now Fellowship will draw on SustainUS's network and experience working at international negotiations on climate change, sustainable development, and more to support fellows in realizing their ideas for enabling a sustainable future.

Find out more and apply before November 30th at: http://sustainus.org/leadnow/apply

Friday, November 2, 2012

C2C Fellows Sustainability Leadership Workshop



The Bard Center for Environmental Policy will host the northeast-regional C2C Fellows Sustainability Leadership Workshop at Bard over the weekend of November 30th. As Sandy has reminded us, the world is changing, and the work that today's young people do will determine if the planet heats up 4 degrees, or 12 degrees, within their lifetimes. 

Undergrads and recent graduates are invited to apply.  

What C2C Fellows Sustainability Leadership Workshop
Where : Bard College, Annadale-on-Hudson, NY (RKC 103 and OlinLC 115)
When : Friday, November 30th (5pm) to Sunday December 2nd (12pm)
Who : Dr. Eban Goodstein (Bard CEP and MBA in Sustainability), Jamie Henn (350.org), and more!

C2C stands for Campus to Congress, and also for Campus to Capitol, to City Hall, and to Corporation. C2C Fellows convenes regional weekend training workshops that support students to envision a path to early leadership and to develop their skills. The workshop covers communication, entrepreneurship, environmental and climate science, media, raising capital, and other critical topics

Apply now! Applications are due by November 20th, and space is limited. For more information, visit our website.