Position: Advocacy Internship

Posted:  September 2007

Contact:  Christine Dutton, christined@foodbankwma.org, (413) 247-9738 x104
Weekly Time Commitment:  Flexible according to student's availability and credit needs
Duration:  Fall, Spring, Winter, or Summer semester
Supervision:  Report to the Director of Programs
Location:  Most of the work will take place in The Food Bank’s Hatfield, MA office. Student will be encouraged to participate in community meetings in the four western Massachusetts counties.  Transportation support/stipends are available.

Description:  Interns will work on projects related to macro policy change at the state and federal levels, as well as local grassroots and national advocacy initiatives dedicated to increasing community food security.

Background:  Founded in 1982 and located in Hatfield, Massachusetts, the mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is to work with our community to reduce hunger and increase food security.

Tasks Include:

¨      Undertake organizing tasks such as research, outreach material development, etc.

¨      Assist with the development of email newsletters and website material

¨      Assist with development and execution of community programs

Qualifications:

¨      Ability to work effectively and respectfully within diverse communities

¨      Accurate data entry and word processing skills

¨      Good verbal communication skills, both face-to-face and by telephone

¨      Attention to detail

¨      Access to a car

Preferences:

¨      Conversant in Spanish or Russian

Benefits:   The Food Bank is unable to offer a stipend for this internship. We offer reimbursement for mileage for field work. This internship will increase student's awareness of hunger issues through involvement with The Food Bank; provide direct service experience working with emergency and non-emergency food providers; provide experience in a non-profit environment.  Academic credit can be arranged.