Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Internship with the "Sludge Safety Project"

Sludge Safety Project Internship Opportunity


The Sludge Safety Project (SSP) seeks an intern to help West Virginians build power and pass legislation in the 2009 legislative session. Depending on skills and experience, the legislative intern will perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate citizen lobby days at least weekly. This includes sending mailings, making phone calls and making sure people have rides to get to the Capitol; keeping track of where legislators stand on our issue; preparing for each lobby training; helping people navigate the hallways; and offering general support.

• Develop and improve informational packets and outreach materials such as postcards and letters to educate and move citizens to take action (make phone calls, meet with their legislator, write letters to the editor, etc.).

• Regularly check in with allies and lobbyists with the West Virginia Environmental Council, Council of Churches and Clean Elections; and stay informed on recent information, health articles, technical breakthroughs, etc. pertinent to sludge safety. Provide updates to the group.

• Set up meetings between citizens and their legislators to discuss important issues as needed.

Desired Skills and Qualifications Include:

• Strong interpersonal skills, not afraid to pick up the phone or meet new people

• Attention to detail and well organized

• Dependable and on time

• Self-motivated, able to work with limited supervision

• Basic understanding of the issue of sludge and water in the southern West Virginia coalfields.

• Basic understanding of the role legislation has in making change

• Able to create Word documents and send through email

• Experience with graphics and mail merge a plus

• Lobbying experience a plus


Location:

Internship involves some travel. Preferred base of operation is Charleston, West Virginia. Must be available to be at the state capitol at least two days per week.

Compensation and Hours:

Full or part time starting ASAP and committing through April 2009, the end of the legislative session. Stipend and mileage reimbursement provided, depending on commitment and experience.

How to Apply:

Send an email to patricia@sludgesafety.org or call 304-235-2618. Deadline is rolling until we fill the position.


What is Sludge Safety Project?

SSP is a coalition of West Virginia communities and organizations working for clean water and community safety in the midst of coal waste sludge impoundments and underground coal sludge injections.

We provide support to communities by building a capacity to organize and connecting people to resources that will support their efforts. We offer a forum for communities to work together across county lines for solidarity and policy change in the state. Together, we have passed state and county legislation, won emergency alert systems near impoundments and worked with communities to get clean drinking water to families whose wells are contaminated.


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Patricia Feeney
304-235-2618
www.sludgesafety.org

Monday, July 28, 2008

Volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica

Correos
Labriegos Intercultural Exchange and Volunteer Center

Our Community

The Labriegos Intercultural Exchange and Volunteer Center is located in the community of Tabarcia, in the county of Mora, about an hour from the capital city of San José in Costa Rica. The community has all basic services, including a clinic, potable water, telephones, internet, public transportation, and schools.

As a rural community, the residents have long dedicated themselves to farming, even before Spanish settlement when local indigenous peoples gave the valley the name of Tabarcia, which means “land between waters.” The name alludes to the beautiful rivers, rapids, and waterfalls that cross the valley and give much pleasure to locals and visitors.

In Tabarcia, you can appreciate the authentic value of a small community, focused around the town center. There are “pulperias”, small markets that serve as a place for young people to spend their afternoons and community members to chat with each other; the beautiful and historic Catholic church, and the central park, which is a place for families to bring their children to enjoy the afternoon sun and for sporting events and soccer on the weekends. Residents still value many of their traditions, especially in food, which is kept alive and vibrant through an exchange of food and recipes with visitors.

In all parts of the community, nature can be seen everywhere: the cool, green climate allows farmers to grow all kinds of delicious fruits and vegetables, and nature herself to grow hundreds of colors and varieties of flowers, unique and colorful birds, butterflies of all sizes, and many indigenous animal species.

Our Project

The goal of Labriegos is to keep alive these traditions and values: love, respect, solidarity, and cooperation. These are the values we would like to share with you, and the reason we invite you to be a part of this volunteer program, sharing with Costa Rican families and collaborating in building gardens and traditional kitchens, in bettering the roads and bridges, and cleaning up the watershed to improve the life of the community.

As well, you will have the opportunity to learn Spanish through classes and through practice in the community as another way to grow and to serve.

Labriegos is a project born of living experience with visitors, and a desire to share our values with you. We want to share the customs of Tabarcia and of Costa Rica and to prevent language from being a barrier to those who want to share and to help the global community. We want to create an unforgettable experience, in which every moment will be one of learning and living fully in community with the families you stay with, with children and youth, with the places you visit, and with those who receive your help.

We have developed programs in environmental education and human and personal development, worked with schools to teach environmental responsibility to students with disciplinary concerns, collaborated with the Family Businesses Association on rural community tourism, and partnered with the United Nations University for Peace to give students hands-on experience in sustainable development. We have also hosted students from many international universities.

Mission: To provide an opportunity to interact with Costa Rican culture through volunteer experience with the added value of the Spanish language.

Vision: To be the leaders in the exchange of cultural experiences, in volunteerism, and in the learning of Spanish through interactive techniques.

Objective: To teach about Costa Rican traditions through the exchange of languages and experiences while engaging in volunteer activities.

Sample Schedule

Arrival: A bilingual guide will meet you at the airport to orient you to San Jose and to put you on the right bus to Tabarcia.

Welcome Activity: Students will see the school facility, meet the families with whom they will be staying, and enjoy games with the families.

First Day of Work: Students will be introduced to local and family customs, some safety rules, and some training and background in the work they will do so that the volunteer project develops as best it can.

Monday and Tuesday: Spanish class from 8a.m. to noon, afternoon free to spend with families.

Wednesday: Class in Costa Rican culture and history from 8a.m. to noon, afternoon free to spend with families.

Thursday and Friday: Volunteer activities from 8a.m. to noon, with free afternoons.

Other Activities:
-Visit the city of Puriscal to practice Spanish, to shop in the local stores and farmers market, and eat in local restaurants.
-City Tour of San José, including important and historical buildings.
-Rural Community Tourism experience with the Family Businesses Association to learn about the local environment and economy.

Graduation: A ceremony with the families celebrating the completion of the volunteer project and the course.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Two jobs with Calvert Investments

Job Title: Social Research Analyst I Interest Category: Research
Position Type: Full Time
Company: CALVERT GROUP, LTD.
Division: CALVERT
City: BETHESDA
State: Maryland
Qualifications: SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM JOB:

• Bachelor degree
• 2-4 years experience in some aspect of ESG research
• Proficiency in research with developing skill in advocacy; emerging knowledge pertaining to ESG issues
• Familiarity with mutual fund/financial industry preferred, series 6 or 7 within 12 months.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Stong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and experience with use of electronic database software, such as Microsoft Access, preferred.
Associate work schedule: Monday - Friday External Job Description: JOB PURPOSE:
The incumbent is responsible for conducting research and analysis together with shareholder/public policy advocacy on across the range of corporate responsibility and sustainability issues, including environmental, workplace, human rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, product safety and integrity, community interaction, and governance performance. Particular consideration for this current position will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience and expertise on environmental, climate change and alternative energy issues, along with extractive industries (oil and gas, mining).

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB RESULTS:

• Responsible for conducting environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and analysis for Calvert funds and the Calvert Social Index as assigned, and working with portfolio managers to assure that they have social research decisions on companies in their investment universes, as needed
• Responsible for providing ESG research and analysis for other Calvert investment portfolios, as needed
• Responsible for contributing to in-house company grading/rating methods on ESG issues as assigned
• Responsible for conducting corporate dialogues and advocacy on ESG performance-related issues, as needed
• Participate in and, as assigned, lead departmental projects, including but not limited to shareholder and related l public policy advocacy or writing, report writing, development of new screens or screening criteria, and coordination of advocacy campaigns with other investors, nonprofit groups, and other experts
• Responsible for writing papers and making presentations on issues, as assigned

Job Title: Social Research Analyst II Interest Category: Research
Position Type: Full Time
Company: CALVERT GROUP, LTD.
Division: CALVERT
City: BETHESDA
State: Maryland
Qualifications: SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM JOB:

• Bachelor degree, advanced degree beneficial
• 4-6 years experience in some aspect of ESG research
• Proficiency in research, analysis and advocacy pertaining to ESG issues
• Developed knowledge of industry sectors/issues
• Familiarity with mutual fund/financial industry preferred, series 6 or 7
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and experience with use of electronic database software, such as Microsoft Access, preferred.


Associate work schedule: Monday - Friday External Job Description: JOB PURPOSE:
The incumbent is responsible for conducting research and analysis together with shareholder/public policy advocacy on across the range of corporate responsibility and sustainability issues, including environmental, workplace, human rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, product safety and integrity, community interaction, and governance performance. Particular consideration for this current position will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience and expertise on environmental, climate change and alternative energy issues, along with extractive industries (oil and gas, mining).

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB RESULTS:

• Responsible for conducting environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and analysis for Calvert funds and the Calvert Social Index as assigned, and working with portfolio managers to assure that they have social research decisions on companies in their investment universes, as needed
• Responsible for providing ESG research and analysis for other Calvert investment portfolios, as needed
• Responsible for contributing to in-house company grading/rating methods on ESG issues as assigned
• Responsible for conducting corporate dialogues and advocacy on ESG performance-related issues, as needed
• Participate in and, as assigned, lead departmental projects, including but not limited to shareholder and related l public policy advocacy or writing, report writing, development of new screens or screening criteria, and coordination of advocacy campaigns with other investors, nonprofit groups, and other experts
• Responsible for writing papers and making presentations on issues, as assigned

Contact Information:


Bennett Freeman
Senior Vice President
Social Research and Policy
Calvert Group, Ltd.
4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1000N
Bethesda, Md. 20814
Phone: 301-951-4865
Fax: 301-654-2960
www.calvert.com

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Jobs in Colorado with the Bureau of Land Management

Click here for details of an "ePlanning Facilitator" position with the Bureau of Land Management. The position is based in Denver, Colorado.

Internships with Diplomatic Courier

Editorial Intern

Looking for a place to have your own voice heard? At The Diplomatic Courier we have opportunities for students interested in foreign policy, international relations, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and international negotiations. Interns will have the chance to contribute to the Web site, the blog, and the print version of the magazine, while building important publishing points for their resume in the process.

The interns work directly with the Editor-in-Chief and the editorial team of The Diplomatic Courier to update the blog; research materials; attend events; update the content of the website; to assist with other writing and editing tasks involving the print version of the publication.



Eligibility:

· Must be at least a college junior in good standing, advanced, or graduate student.
· Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution.
· Must be independent, self-driven, and able to multi-task.
· Must demonstrate interest and knowledge of the subject matters covered in the magazine.
· Must demonstrate superior research skills.

Application Deadlines:

· Fall semester: July 30
· Winter- Spring semester: November 30
· Summer semester: March 30

Application Procedure:


Applicants should submit a current résumé and a cover letter via email. Both documents should be in either Word or PDF format. Only completed applications will be considered. Writing samples are desirable but not required at this time. They should be addressed to:

The Diplomatic Courier
Attn: Editorial Interns
Email: info@diplomaticourier.org


No calls or walk-ins, please. Only applications submitted via email will be considered.

******

Marketing Intern

At The Diplomatic Courier we need someone who wants to learn how to market and is ready for hands-on experience. You will work on building databases, mailers, e-blasts and other marketing tools. The successful candidate must be internet savvy and able to help support our sales force. Marketing interns should have good organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to research, analyze, and utilize market data.

We offer a flexible working environment—interns can work from their home or our office. Hours are flexible, but you must be able to commit to 15-20 hours per week during workday hours. This position is a non-paid position but you have the opportunity to earn commission as well as academic credit. Ideal candidate is a junior or senior in college who is working towards a business or marketing degree.

Application Deadlines:

· Fall semester: July 30
· Winter- Spring semester: November 30
· Summer semester: March 30

Application Procedure:


Applicants should submit a current résumé and a cover letter via email. Both documents should be in either Word or PDF format. Only completed applications will be considered. They should be addressed to:

The Diplomatic Courier
Attn: Marketing Intern Position
Email: info@diplomaticourier.com


No calls or walk-ins, please. Only applications submitted via email will be considered.


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The Diplomatic Courier
A Global Affairs Magazine
1319 Eighteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
www.diplomaticourier.org