Discussion Question 5

This week, I'd like you, individually and collectively, to construct a vision for the United States' food system 30 years from now.

Think about how food in the US is currently grown, produced, marketed, moved, packaged, sold, consumed, and discarded. What needs to change? Why? What does a sustainable food system look like?

Then, importantly, I want you to consider how your desired changes can be made to occur. What needs to happen if your vision is to made real? Who will do the work of producing change, and what kinds of work must be done?

Looking forward to your responses, in anticipation of next week's discussion and our conversation with Professor Maniates.

AU Wecycling

Climate Change Communication Paid Internships, Summer 2013

National Park Service (National Capital Region) & George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication

Deadline: March 31, 2013

Description:

The National Park Service (NPS) cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.  In this capacity, NPS is in a unique position to observe changes brought about by global warming, and to engage park visitors and neighbors in conversations about climate change.  George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) conducts research on, and teaches about, climate change public engagement strategies.

Seven interns will have the opportunity to work with 4C, NPS park staff and the NPS’s Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance on climate change communication projects at National Parks  in the Greater Washington, D.C. area in the summer of 2013.

Qualifications:

The 10-week internships are open to graduate students or exceptional rising senior undergraduate students studying in any relevant field.   Students must be attending a U.S. accredited college or university and must be legally allowed to work in the U.S.   All interns must pass a Federal government background check.

Please indicate in your resume and cover letter your experience or knowledge on the following::

-Background in communication, marketing. journalism, social science, or environmental sciences

-Experience with social media in an organizational context

-Volunteering or volunteer management experience

-Outdoor education, interpretation or natural resource management experience

One intern will serve the multimedia production needs of the intern team. This individual should have a background in visual and audio media, including photography, videography, sound/radio production, and/or graphic design.  If you would like to be considered for this position, please indicate so in your cover letter.

Dates, Duration, and Location:

Internships are full time (40 hours per week) for ten weeks, running from June 17 to August 23, 2013, with the possibility of extension through early September for individual interns if there schedule permits.   All work will take place in the Washington, DC metro area.  Housing is not provided.  Having a personal vehicle is strongly recommended but not required

Stipend: Interns will be paid $250 per week, paid biweekly.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit the following materials (combined as one PDF file with applicant’s name as the file name) tojrolfere@gmu.edu with “NPS4C:[Applicant Name]” as the subject line:  (1) your resume or CV; (2) your undergraduate and/or graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable); (3) a one page cover letter discussing your specific interest in the internship and highlighting your qualifications.  The cover letter should also contain the name, contact information, and nature of the relationship (e.g., professor, employer) for two individuals who may serve as a reference. Inquiries regarding this internship may be directed to jrolfere@gmu.edu.  Applicants will be notified by mid April if they have been selected.

Deadline for all application materials: March 31, 2013

Diversity

The NPS and 4C seek a diverse cohort of interns.  Applicants with diverse backgrounds from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Paul Smith's College Job Openings

Paul Smith's College Job Opening

Positions:  Full-time temporary (approximately 25) and part-time temporary (few) positions available.

Full-time (40 hours) position works all weekends plus 3 days per week (5 days per week total);
Part-time position works weekends, plus Thursday mornings.

Background & Mission of the Program:
The Watershed Stewardship Program (WSP) at Paul Smith's College is a community-based program designed primarily to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS) issues pertaining to specific watersheds. Stewards interact with visitors at boat ramps and perform watercraft inspections intended to prevent the transport of AIS. The WSP also fulfills research and service functions.

Steward locations: 
Upper St. Regis Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake Placid (boat launch), Saratoga Lake, Tupper Lake, Raquette Lake, Fulton Chain of Lakes, Cranberry Lake and other lakes. Some stewards will be based in the west-central Adirondack area; others based in Saranac Lake-Lake Placid area.

Term of appointment:
May 20 – August 25, 2013 (14 weeks); 1 additional week until Labor Day required, depending on employee’s fall semester school schedule (15 weeks grand total).

Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Public education and natural/cultural history interpretation.
2. Perform watercraft inspections; remove AIS.
3. Data collection and analysis: recreational use patterns, AIS removal.
4. Service projects: exotic AIS mapping and control, operation of boat wash station, trail maintenance, etc.
5. Report writing.
6. Stewards will spend most of your days outdoors, in all weather.

General Qualifications:
1. Completed or pursuing a degree in natural resources, biology, environmental studies, science, or a related field.
2. Capable of performing duties independently and proactively.
3. Strong verbal communication, writing, and environmental interpretation skills.
4. Ability to work in inclement weather, both on and off the water.
5. Meet the College’s standard for effective medical coverage during the period of this appointment.
6. Experience operating and navigating small watercraft preferred.
7. Capacity to carry and maneuver up to 50 pounds and perform other strenuous activities preferred.

To Apply:
Applicants may submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.
Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged and should be sent in Word format to: employment@paulsmiths.edu

Mailing address: Recruitment Manager, Paul Smith’s College, PO Box 265, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.
Faxed to: (518) 327-6161. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Discussion Question 4

Hi all --

As you know, we'll be talking about food and agriculture during our next couple of sessions. Here are some questions to ponder (and respond to on your blogs) as we look to our next class:

1. What, exactly, do you think about when you make food choices? Do you have environmental considerations in mind? Or other stuff?

2. Take a few moments to consider everything you've eaten in the last day or two. Of the food or beverage items you've consumed, which, in your estimation, has had the greatest environmental impact? Why? 

Intern with Winrock International

Intern, Sustainable and Equitable Food Systems, Winrock International

Arlington, VA

BACKGROUND:

The Wallace Center has been a key organization in fostering a more sustainable food and agricultural system in the U.S. since 1983. Today, the Wallace Center is focused on expanding and accelerating the expansion of sustainable and community-based food systems throughout the U.S., with a vision to bring more good food—healthy, green, fair, affordable food—to more people. Wallace Center is doing this through business models and social networking that bridge the gaps between producers, consumers, non-profit organizations, government, and for-profit food companies; in order to “scale up” good food distribution beyond the direct marketing realm to wholesale and traditional food outlets (e.g., food service, institutions etc.). Another project provides technical assistance and capacity building for limited resource and historically disadvantaged farmers and farmer groups to meet local market demand in the Deep South. Another project provides technical assistance, training, and fosters a community of practice with WK Kellogg Foundation Food and Community Grantees to support the growth and development of community based value chains. These initiatives and others serve to move forward sustainable and equitable food systems across the country.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This internship is focused on supporting the Deep South and WKKF projects described above. The Intern will provide support to outreach, technical assistance provision, research, conferences, events, and meetings, and communications. This position offers the successful candidate a diverse and meaningful experience in the area of food systems with a dynamic and leading organization in the field. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support on management of grantees, consultants, and contractors.
• Provide support to Wallace Center events and meetings.
• Provide support on project evaluation.
• Provide staff support for travel.
• Provide meeting support including coordinating meetings and note taking.
• Assist in the maintenance of Wallace Center project files, websites and social media.
• Communicate with wide range of stakeholders working in food systems and market-based change.

• Assist with research as needed.

• Assist with targeted outreach to local, state, and national organizations and research institutions to identify relevant materials and contacts.
• Other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:          MA/MS or BA/BS degree in food systems, business, journalism, communications, policy, research, or related field. 

Experience:        Past coursework, internship, work, or volunteer experience in food systems and food research, program development or communications. Experience working with those with limited food access and/or disadvantaged populations is a plus. 

SALARY:  Internships are paid based upon experience level.

START DATE:  ASAP, March 1, 2013 ideal

END DATE:  August 31, 2013 (with the possibility to extend)

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants may go to Winrock’s Job Page at www.winrock.org to complete an online application, submit a current resume and cover letter by February 22, 2013. Winrock International is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Discussion Question 3

This week, I'd like you to focus on finding and analyzing examples of positive actions and innovations. Please search news sites and other sources to find a story that you think represents an effective response to some particular environmental challenge. Provide a link and short description of the story. Then, I'd like you to blog about the following: What's the story about? What makes the action you have chosen to focus on an effective one? Is it replicable? Does it give you hope?

To get you started, check out the "General Environment Links" on the right side of this page.

US-Denmark Workshop on Renewable Energy

US-Denmark Workshop on Renewable Energy July 29-August 23, 2013

Join us this summer in Denmark!
The U.S. - Denmark Summer Workshop takes place annually in California and Denmark alternately, with the 2013 edition in Denmark. The four-week workshop starts with one week of online preparation and continues with three weeks of lectures, seminars and field trips to renewable energy sites and facilities in Denmark; providing students with real-world experience of the technological and social aspects of RE implementation at a local level. The faculty is composed of U.S. and Danish professors, as well as, external professionals and researchers with
proven experience in their field. Students will work on team-based projects related to renewable energy solutions to specific problems.

Applications Due 3/8/2013
For details on how to apply go to: http://pire.soe.ucsc.edu/2013/summer

Course Fees: $1,897 (Based on 2012 rates)
Estimated Airfare: $1,500
Estimated Lodging, Food, and Travel: $1,200
This course is worth 7 credit units and is offered
through UC Santa Cruz Summer Session.  Financial aid
fellowships are available for current qualified students who are
U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For more information contact:
Sheryl Robertson
Program Coordinator, UC Santa Cruz
Center for Sustainable Energy & Power Systems
831-459-2921
sherylr@soe.ucsc.edu
U.S.-Denmark Workshop on Renewable Energy
July 29-August 23, 2013
         Funding provided by NSF–PIRE Award #1243536

Are you a leader passionate about healthy food, farms and kids?

Become a FoodCorps Service Member!

FoodCorps recruits talented leaders for a year of paid public service building healthy school food environments in high-obesity, limited-resource communities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

FoodCorps service members implement a three-ingredient recipe for healthy kids:

• TEACH children about what healthy food is and where it comes from
• BUILD and tend school gardens 
• BRING quality local food into public school cafeterias

WHERE YOU’LL SERVE

As a service member, you will be placed with one service site for your year-long term. Service sites are community organizations that operate in partnership with one of our twelve to fifteen host sites, statewide organizations that help run FoodCorps in each of the places FoodCorps serves: Arizona, Arkansas, California (pending), Connecticut, Hawai'i (pending), Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey (pending), New Mexico, North Carolina and Oregon. 

Visit WHERE YOU’LL SERVE to learn more about our host sites, their work, the service sites they partner with, and what your service might look like in each location.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

For your year of full-time service, you are eligible to receive the following benefits:

• A $15,000 living allowance
• A $5,550 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award
• Student loan forbearance
• Health insurance
• Partial childcare reimbursements
• Training and mentorship
• Alumni network
• The experience of a lifetime

Explore what FoodCorps has to offer by visiting BENEFITS.

"It feels awesome to serve with a community that wants me to succeed and reach my goals. The connections I have made over the course of this year, nationally and locally, are invaluable - and I know these relationships and networks will guide me and support me in the future." —Kirsten Gerbatsch, service member

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Successful FoodCorps service members:

• Are passionate about building a healthier future for school children
• Are motivated to serve full-time in a limited resource community
• Have experience working in or studying food systems, agriculture, public health, education, community organizing, or public service
• Are seeking an opportunity to gain hands-in experience for their career
• Are committed to working hard in order to make a difference

Additionally, in order to be considered for a FoodCorps service member position, you must:

• Be 18 years or older by the start of service (August 13, 2013)
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent

To learn more about other qualifications, visit WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR.

APPLY 

The 2013-2014 Service Member Application is now open. Applications will be due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time, March 24th 2013. late applications will not be accepted.

You can read more about our application process here. Please read all of the information on all of these pages before completing your application. When you are ready, the application can be found here.

We will be hosting 3 informational open conference calls to address questions about the process. The dates of the calls are:

• Thursday, January 24 at 2 pm PT / 5 pm ET
• Wednesday, February 13 at 2 pm PT / 5 pm ET
• Tuesday, March 12 at 2 pm PT / 5 pm ET

Dial-in info:

Number: (218) 936-4700
Participant access code: 7904113#

If you have any further questions about FoodCorps recruitment or the service member application process, please visit our FAQs page. If you have other questions not answered within our FAQs, please contactserve@foodcorps.org

Apply for the Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute this Summer

Interested in sustainable agriculture and food studies? Apply for the second annual Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute at Hampshire College, a six week summer academic program.

Overview: From June 3 to July 12, students, faculty, staff, and alumni will come together as a living and learning community at Hampshire College. Students will gain hands-on work experience with the guidance of the Hampshire College Farm Center staff, learn through inquiry-based projects mentored by faculty with a range of expertise, and acquire ownership of knowledge through independent research projects. The institute will follow food from its origin in the soil, through plant cultivation and animal management, address issues in public health and politics, and end up in the kitchen, breaking bread and assessing the character of the food we produce and eat. There will be numerous opportunities for community building through roundtable dinner discussions with local farmers and food producers, a weekly film series, and field trips to local farms emphasizing environmental and community sustainability.

Required costs to students include $3,100 for tuition and $400 for communal meals during program hours. Lodging is an additional $1,050 for students who wish to reside on campus. 

Hampshire recommends 8 academic credits for completion of the 6-week program. Students are encouraged to check with their home institutions for credit equivalent.

Online Application Deadline: March 1, 2013

For more detailed information about the Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute, please visit the website: ffs.hampshire.edu. If you have any questions, please contact ffs@hampshire.edu

REU Research Opportunity

This NSF-funded Site REU offers a diverse array of research opportunities resulting from an extraordinary combination of ecological focal areas and processes studied by SIU Center for Ecology faculty in southern Illinois, a distinctive physiogeographic region where prairie, forest, wetland, floodplain, and river systems converge. 

This REU Program will provide research opportunities for up to 10 undergraduate students under the guidance of faculty mentors associated with SIU’s Center for Ecology.  The goal of this REU program is to provide students hands-on training with a variety of tools used to conduct ecological research across a spectrum of research areas (to include soil, plants, animals, and multiple ecosystems) and processes (ecological pattern and variability, ecological response to environmental degradation, ecological response to restoration, and conservation and management) made possible through the diverse research programs of faculty members affiliated with SIU’s Center for Ecology.  The program will immerse students in research and educational activities aimed to foster (1) hands-on scientific inquiry, (2) development of a diverse ecological skills-set through guided quantitative field and laboratory methods, (3) comprehension of and confidence in communicating science through weekly reading and discussion, (4) a broad awareness of ecological science through weekly seminars, and (5) a better understanding of biodiversity (to include human culture) through educational field trips to local natural and cultural areas.  The program will culminate with The Colloquium of Undergraduate Research in Ecology (The CURE).  

Financial Details:  Lodging for REU students will be provided by SIU campus housing at no cost to participants. This is a paid program; students will receive a stipend of $5,000 during the 10-week summer program (May 28 - August 5, 2013).  Up to $800 per student will be available for research supplies.

Qualifications:  Applications will be considered from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline related to the field of ecology.  Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by summer 2013.  Students must be U.S. Citizens.

Application Procedure:  Instructions and application are available athttp://www.ecology.siu.edu/pages/reu.html.  Applicants will need to submit an electronic application, unofficial transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to sgbaer@siu.edu.

Application Deadline:  March 15, 2013

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is completed and submitted on time.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Contacts:  Dr. Clay Nielsen (kezo92@siu.edu; 618-453-6930) and Dr. Sara Baer (sgbaer@siu.edu; 618-453-3228)

Intern for Winrock International

Intern, Sustainable and Equitable Food Systems, Winrock International

Arlington, VA

BACKGROUND:

The Wallace Center has been a key organization in fostering a more sustainable food and agricultural system in the U.S. since 1983. Today, the Wallace Center is focused on expanding and accelerating the expansion of sustainable and community-based food systems throughout the U.S., with a vision to bring more good food—healthy, green, fair, affordable food—to more people. Wallace Center is doing this through business models and social networking that bridge the gaps between producers, consumers, non-profit organizations, government, and for-profit food companies; in order to “scale up” good food distribution beyond the direct marketing realm to wholesale and traditional food outlets (e.g., food service, institutions etc.). Another project provides technical assistance and capacity building for limited resource and historically disadvantaged farmers and farmer groups to meet local market demand in the Deep South. Another project provides technical assistance, training, and fosters a community of practice with WK Kellogg Foundation Food and Community Grantees to support the growth and development of community based value chains. These initiatives and others serve to move forward sustainable and equitable food systems across the country.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This internship is focused on supporting the Deep South and WKKF projects described above. The Intern will provide support to outreach, technical assistance provision, research, conferences, events, and meetings, and communications. This position offers the successful candidate a diverse and meaningful experience in the area of food systems with a dynamic and leading organization in the field. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide support on management of grantees, consultants, and contractors.
• Provide support to Wallace Center events and meetings.
• Provide support on project evaluation.
• Provide staff support for travel.
• Provide meeting support including coordinating meetings and note taking.
• Assist in the maintenance of Wallace Center project files, websites and social media.
• Communicate with wide range of stakeholders working in food systems and market-based change.

• Assist with research as needed.

• Assist with targeted outreach to local, state, and national organizations and research institutions to identify relevant materials and contacts.
• Other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:          MA/MS or BA/BS degree in food systems, business, journalism, communications, policy, research, or related field. 

Experience:        Past coursework, internship, work, or volunteer experience in food systems and food research, program development or communications. Experience working with those with limited food access and/or disadvantaged populations is a plus. 

SALARY:  Internships are paid based upon experience level.

START DATE:  ASAP, March 1, 2013 ideal

END DATE:  August 31, 2013 (with the possibility to extend)

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants may go to Winrock’s Job Page at www.winrock.org to complete an online application, submit a current resume and cover letter by February 22, 2013. Winrock International is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Feb 17 Call to stop Keystone XL

Come join the largest climate demonstration in U.S. history on February 17th on the National Mall in D.C. Tens of thousands of people will come together to call on President Obama to move our country forward on climate in his second term -- beginning with decisive action to reject the Keystone XL tar sands oil pipeline.

RSVP to join us Feb 17th. Call on President Obama to stop Keystone XL and move our country forward on climate.

President Obama’s legacy will rest squarely on his leadership in the face of the climate crisis. It's time for him to lead on the scale and with the urgency needed to phase out carbon-intensive fossil fuels, get moving on energy efficiency, and fire up clean, renewable energy sources.

The first big step for President Obama is to reject the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The State Department is working to finalize its environmental review of Keystone XL -- a decision is coming soon. The fossil fuel industry and their backers in Congress are doing all they can to pressure the president to do the wrong thing.

RSVP to join us Feb 17th. Call on President Obama to stop Keystone XL and move our country forward on climate.

Everyone will be gathering on the National Mall by the Washington Monument at noon. You can get more information at http://forwardonclimate.org.

Apply for Greenpeace Semester

The Greenpeace Semester

 Do you care about the environment and want to learn skills to make a real difference?  Greenpeace is looking for the next environmental leaders who want to:

-Learn the practical skills of environmental activism, effective communication, leadership, and strategic campaigning in a supportive environment. 

-Travel to witness environmental destruction first hand and put new knowledge to use

-Get necessary experience that can give them a foot in the door to a career in environmental or social change

During the Greenpeace Semester, young adults learn what it takes to save the planet and gain career experience to become an environmental leader.  The program combines intensive workshops, groups projects, and real experience working on important issues in different communities, working side-by-side with Greenpeace staff. 

     You will:

• join in conversation on critical issues with experts on climate change, protecting our oceans, nuclear energy, forest conservation, toxic pollution, and corporate abuse of the environment
• learn the skills of environmental advocacy, strategic campaigning, communication, and grassroots organizing to win real victories for the planet
• discuss the philosophy of non-violence as a means of making change in the world

Click here to apply!
  

Over 400 participants have joined the Greenpeace Semester to learn the skills of organizing, campaigning, and environmental leadership. Alumni have become leaders on their campuses, secured jobs in the environmental and social justice fields, and some have even started their own organizations.

We invite you to review information about the Greenpeace Semester, including the curriculum, travel details, and the application process.  Please visit http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/semester/ to learn more about the Greenpeace Semester

Internship Fair

 

For more information: http://bethesdagreen.org/Programs/FieldsofGreenInternshipFair2013/tabid/339/Default.aspx 

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon D'Emidio at Sharon@bethesdagreen.org. 

Film Discussion: War Elephants

TODAY (Tuesday February 5) Wechsler Theater - 3rd Floor Mary Graydon Center - American University One of National Geographic’s top writer/producers, David Hamlin, shows clips from War Elephants and discusses the stories behind the film. In Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, elephants are in crisis. Years of civil war and ivory poaching have left them frightened and hostile toward humans. The world’s foremost elephant researcher Dr. Joyce Poole works to build trust and retrain the animals away from their violent behavior.

Eco-Comedy Video Competition Spring 2013

Click here for more details

$1000 prize! Sponsored by the Sierra Club and AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking

GUIDELINES

The contest is open to anyone who prepares a short, funny video for YouTube, which communicates a clear message about climate change.

Submissions must:

• Be humorous!
• Address the issue of climate change. We are interpreting the topic very broadly, so it includes topics like disasters, fossil fuels, clean energy, wildlife (like polar bears), politics, deniers, and so on.
• Reach a broad audience beyond just environmentalists.
• Be an original production.
• Be less than three minutes (including title and credits).
• Posted to Eco-Comedy Video Competition 2013 YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/ecocomedy2013
• Submitted by 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on Friday, March 1, 2013.

There will be six judges representing the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Sierra Club, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Mill Reef Productions, and EcoSense. The decision of the judges is final. Awards are based on overall merit of the entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award. The organizations listed above reserve the right to post submissions on their websites.

Submissions are due by Friday, March 1, 2013.

Instructions for submission:

1. Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/ecocomedy2013

2. Click on the “Eco-Comedy Video Competition 2013” video.

3. Below the video, click inside the Comments box.

4. Below the right side of the Comments box, click on “Create a video response”.

5. Upload your video by either clicking on “Choose a Video”, if you have already uploaded it to your account; OR if you have not, click on “Upload a Video” to begin the process. Then follow the upload instructions on the screen.

NOTE: Submitted videos will not be visible under “video responses” until they have been approved.

We look forward to watching your videos and awarding the winner $1,000! Good luck!

The winning entry will be announced and shown at American University on Tuesday, March 19 at the DC Environmental Film Festival at 7:00pm in the Wechsler Theater. The creator of the winning entry will receive a $1,000 award from the Sierra Club. In the event of a tie, the monetary prize will be split between the winners equally.