Workshop: Charting a Course for Meaningful Overseas Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships

Come join faculty, staff and students for a workshop on Charting a Course to Successfully Implement Out-of-Classroom Projects

WHEN:  Monday, November 14 @ 7:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Axinn 103

Students: Are you considering, currently designing, or about to embark on an experience abroad—be it through service, research, internship, study abroad, or other means? If yes, you are encouraged to attend a one-hour workshop designed to help make the most of your experience—both for yourself and the community and/or organization(s) with which you will be working, connect to available resources and funding opportunities, and learn about corresponding College policies and protocol.

Please note:

  • Some funding sources will require attendance at this workshop.
  • If your travel is during Winter Term, or if your travel is during Spring Term but you will not be on-campus during Winter Term, or if you are currently designing a proposal, be sure to attend this Nov. 14th workshop.
  • The workshop will be repeated in January and March, as well.

Sponsored by the Rohatyn Center for International Affairs (RCFIA), the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Center for Education in Action (EIA).

 

Welcome Back from Break! Let’s Talk About a Career/Experience with Impact

Now that we’re both back on campus, let’s get started in thinking about how you can translate your interests and passions  into a career with an impact! There are lots of opportunities while here at Middlebury to explore social change both inside and outside the classroom.  For instance, the newly formed Center for Education in Action (EIA) is a great place to start: you’ll find opportunities for civic engagement like volunteering in the community; attending or leading an alternative break trip (MALT); a vast number of competitive post-graduate fellowship resources and some undergraduate fellowships too; resources to obtain funding for an unpaid summer internship; internships offered by alumni, parents and employers looking for Middkids; advice on how to jump-start your job search and lots of employer information sessions throughout the year — just to name a few!

There are also lots of other initiatives on campus to explore and to connect your academic and outside the class experiences.  Check out MOJO to find a J-term internship off campus for credit and don’t forget to visit the Project on Creativity and Innovation to unharness your creative ideas and juices!

There is lots to share with you, so feel free to come into EIA and set up an appointment to talk to me about your passions, ideas and plans…we’re all ears here!  For now, I hope to get out interesting information that is relevant to CCG and finding opportunities that will help you to make a positive impact in the world.

Since we know some of you will refer back to this blog after graduation, we will start tagging articles that promote opportunities so that they fit into several categories: undergraduate opp(ortunities) or alumni opp(ortunities). Feel free to comment as well; we love the feedback!

NYC: The American Museum of Natural History seeks part-time Research Assistant on Food

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition. The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world’s cultures.

Part-time Research Assistant (12 month term), Center for Biodiversity and Conservation

The purpose of this position is to assist the CBC with background research on food, exploring intersections with human health, culture and identity, diversity, environmental impact, the future of food and critical questions such as where food comes from and what to eat.

Responsibilities and duties:

Conducting background library and internet research on the various themes and topics, building literature and contact databases, and researching recent exhibitions, events, and publications on related topics. Assistants will gain a valuable understanding of the process of communicating science to the public and will conduct in-depth research of topical issues.

Qualifications:

Intern must possess a BA or BS in related field (nutrition, public health, anthropology, food studies, museum science, environmental science, culinary arts, etc.) with demonstrated interest in this broad topic.  Applicants should have experience conducting library research (literature searches), proficiency in internet research, and knowledge of bibliographic software systems such as Endnote.  Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, acute attention to detail and the ability to work independently are required. Demonstrated organizational skills, must be able to integrate information from various sources, and must be able to process multiple tasks under pressure of deadlines.

Applicants may email resume with cover letter to: ebetley[at]amnh.org

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate due to age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Green Mountain Nutrition & Ag. Educator (AmeriCorps)

Nutrition and Agriculture Educator

Start-Date: August 22, 2011
Location: Newport, Vermont

About Green Mountain Farm-to-School Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) is a nonprofit organization promoting the health and wellbeing of Vermont’s children, farms and communities by providing programs to connect schools and farms through food and education. In the 2010-2011 academic year, GMFTS aims to serve 24 school communities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont with school gardens, educational programming and fresh local farm foods, benefiting over 2,500 students. For more information about GMFTS, please visit www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org.
Position Description:
The primary responsibilities of the Nutrition and Agriculture Educator will be to develop, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ educational programs and provide general operational and administrative support. This is a full time year long AmeriCorps position.

The Educator will: Lead weekly 2-hour after-school program at school sites; Lead in-class nutrition, agriculture workshops, and farm field trips for students; Lead summer program activities for students and community members, and more.

Qualifications: A Bachelors degree or equivalent experience; Strong interest in working with children, teaching experience preferred; Knowledge of gardening and vegetable production preferred; Excellent organizational skills; Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing non-profit environment; Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Compensation: AmeriCorps Members who complete their term of service in a full time position will receive: A biweekly stipend totaling $11,900 for the year; Health insurance, if not covered under another policy; Child care, if necessary; Student loan forbearance; A $5,350 Education Award for past or future education; Available housing; Career mentoring, professional development, and strong work experience.

For more detail about the job description click HERE.

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to jobs[at]gmfts.org. Applications accepted after May 1, 2011. Deadline for applications is June 15, 2011. EOE

Green Mountain Farm-to-School Coordinator (AmeriCorps)

Farm-to-School Coordinator

Start-Date: August 22, 2011

Location: Newport, Vermont
About Green Mountain Farm-to-School Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) is a nonprofit organization promoting the health and wellbeing of Vermont’s children, farms and communities by providing programs to connect schools and farms through food and education. In the 2010-2011 academic year, GMFTS aims to serve 24 school communities in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont with school gardens, educational programming and fresh local farm foods, benefiting over 2,500 students. For more information about GMFTS, please visit www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org.

Position Description:
The primary responsibilities of the Farm-to-School Coordinator will be to continue to expand GMFTS’ Farm-to-School Network and provide general operational and administrative support. This is a full time year long AmeriCorps position.

Qualifications: A Bachelors degree or equivalent experience; Knowledge of local food systems and sustainable agriculture; Excellent public speaking and writing skills; Excellent organizational skills; Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing non-profit environment; Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Compensation: AmeriCorps Members who complete their term of service in a full time position will receive: A biweekly stipend totaling $11,900 for the year; Health insurance, if not covered under another policy; Child care, if necessary; Student loan forbearance; A $5,350 Education Award for past or future education; Available housing; Career mentoring, professional development, and strong work experience.

For a full description of the job position click HERE.
To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to jobs[at]gmfts.org. Applications received after May 1, 2011. Deadline for applications is June 15, 2011. EOE

The Food Project-Summer Job in Boston

The Food Project seeks individuals with a strong desire to become fully invested in their enterprise during their time with them. They hold high expectations for their youth and in order to foster their potential they require their Crew Leaders to be strong role models. Ideal candidates possess enthusiasm for working with youth, interest in The Food Project’s mission, a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. While the organization is deeply committed to building a sustainable food system, Read more

2011-2012 New Sector Alliance Residency in Social Enterprise

New Sector’s Residency in Social Enterprise (RISE) is a competitive program that provides young professionals with up to ten years of work experience the opportunity to be trained and serve as an AmeriCorps member at a nonprofit organization for one year.

New Sector AmeriCorps Residents are selected from a competitive applicant pool to provide Boston or San Francisco-area organizations (“host sites”) support that enhances the organizations’ service to their constituents. Residents engage in capacity-building projects such as measuring impact, developing collaborations and partnerships, promoting effective use of technology, engaging volunteers, and expanding communication and strategic marketing efforts. We develop each project in coordination with service sites to ensure a substantive, high-impact experience that builds the character of the Resident and benefits the service site and larger community. Read more

WORKSHOP: Meaningful International Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships

Thinking about studying abroad or pursuing international service work, research, internship, or other form of international immersion experience?

If yes, then broaden your thinking and enhance your preparation by attending the following workshop!

Meaningful International Research, Civic Engagement, and Internships: Charting a Course to Plan, Fund, and Implement Out-of-Classroom Projects

  • Wednesday, February 16, 4:30-6 p.m., Robert A. Jones House conference room

This workshop will address how to:

  • design effective projects
  • prepare for the practical aspects of overseas experiential learning: research, internships and volunteering
  • enhance cultural awareness
  • optimize effectiveness abroad
  • reflect on the experience and integrate it back home

For further information:  Peggy Burns (x3450, mburns@middlebury.edu) or Tiffany Sargent (x5082, tiffanys@middlebury.edu)  (ACE/EIA)

Sponsored by Center for Education in Action and Rohatyn Center for International Affairs

Student comments after a previous offering:

“I am a little disappointed that I did not do more abroad because I did not have this knowledge.”

Community Water Solutions Summer Fellowship in Ghana

Kate Clopeck is a recent graduate of the Technology and Policy Masters Program at MIT and co-founder of a non-profit, Community Water Solutions, that works to bring safe drinking water to rural villages in Ghana.  She joins us here again at Middlebury to talk about the Fellowship program.

CWS recently  launched a new fellowship program and would love to get Middlebury students involved.

WHEN:   Thursday, February 10,2011

TIME:  4:30 PM

LOCATION:  Axinn 220

Kate will be making a presentation on Community Water Solutions and opportunities to volunteer there next summer.  Joining Kate will be four Midd students who spent J-term in Ghana, working with CWS:  Eleanor Horowitz, Shalyn Getz, Hannah Stonebraker, and Rachel Goodgal.

For more information about CWS, check out: http://www.communitywatersolutions.org/fellowship.html

Hope you can join us!  Please forward to anyone you think might be interested.

For Seniors/Febs-Want to Make a Difference Working on Environmental and Sustainable Food Issues in VT?

The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) seeks applicants for a two-year paid Environmental Philanthropy Associate located in Middlebury, VT.

The work of the fellow will be focused in two primary areas: the High Meadows Fund (HMF, www.highmeadowsfund.org) and the Vermont Food Funders Network. HMF’s mission is to promote a healthy natural environment while encouraging long-term economic vitality in Vermont. High Meadows focuses on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, making agriculture viable and food affordable, and encouraging vibrant compact settlements surrounded by working farms and forests. Read more

For Seniors/Febs-Interested in Working in the Nonprofit Sector?

The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) seeks applicants for a two-year paid Community Philanthropy Associate position located in Middlebury, VT.

The fellow works with the Foundation’s communications team and philanthropic advisors to help our giving partners, including donors and grantee organizations, understand community need and the role of philanthropy in addressing those needs. Issues supported by our grantmaking include, but are not limited to:  affordable housing, healthcare, the arts, education, domestic and sexual violence, homelessness and hunger, and drug and alcohol abuse. Read more

Information Session: Fellowship Opportunity in Ghana

Co-founder of the non-profit, Community Water Solutions, Katy Clopek, will introduce you to their Fellows program that works to bring safe drinking water to rural villages in Ghana, West Africa. The program is organized around two Winter Term and Summer sessions.

The Community Water Solutions Fellowship Program is a three‐week water education and leadership training experience in the northern region of Ghana. The purpose of the fellowship is to teach individuals about the global water crisis and inspire them to become leaders in the field of international development.

Visit their blog: http://communitywatersolutions.wordpress.com/ to read about other Middlebury students who participated during this past January term (2011).

Information Session:

February 10

4:30-6:00 PM

Axinn 220

Charter House Emergency Housing Facility Seeks New Volunteers!

Looking for a low-key, flexible way to volunteer and meet a critical need in the community?
Look no farther than the Charter House, an emergency housing facility in town!

Charter House is in great need of new volunteers, and shifts are only 3-4 hours long each.
Volunteer once a month, once a semester, or once a week–it’s up to you!

THIS SUNDAY, January 23rd, current J-term interns will run an information session and training on-campus (complete with baked goods!)
8:00-8:30pm
Library Room 201

Please join them and bring a friend (or several!)

Questions? Email Laura at lkwillia(at)middlebury.edu

Shepherd Alliance Summer Internships Fight Poverty

Fight Poverty this Summer–apply for the Shepherd Alliance Internships

Intern for 8 weeks this summer and learn first-hand about the multiple dimensions of poverty at a rural or urban site in the United States.

Come to an Information Session:

Friday, Jan 7th at 12:00pm

Center for Education in Action, Resource Library, Adirondack House

2010 Interns Dan Murphy ’11 and Tiernan Meyer ’11 will be on hand to answer questions and share their experiences. There will also be a power point with more detailed application information.

**************

Shepherd Alliance Internships are available with agencies that work to benefit impoverished members of society. Students learn first-hand about the multiple dimensions of poverty in the United States by working for eight weeks to strengthen impoverished communities and work alongside individuals seeking to improve their communities. The agencies, located in various urban and rural sites in the United States, focus on education, healthcare, legal services, housing, hunger, social and economic needs, and community-building efforts. Students work with agencies that fit their intellectual interests in order to develop their experience and skills for civic involvement and employment.

All returning undergraduates in good academic standing are eligible to apply. Two students will be selected to represent Middlebury within the Shepherd Alliance.

To apply: go to MOJO!  www.middmojo.com Log in and search for keyword: “Shepherd Poverty” under Midd-friendly Internships and follow the instructions!

DEADLINE is January 20, 2011.

For more information about the Shepherd Alliance Summer Internship Program and a complete list of established internship sites, please view http://www.wlu.edu/x12105.xml . Please contact Jill Hall (ACE) with additional questions about this internship.

Divine Chocolates: Entry-Level Position Available

Divine Chocolate is the world’s first farmer-owned Fair Trade Chocolate brand. The company, Divine Chocolate Inc, is owned in part by the farmers of Kuapa Kokoo a cocoa cooperative in Ghana. Our mission is to bring the benefits of the chocolate trade to cocoa farmers through the creation of a dynamic branded proposition. We realize this mission by delivering high quality chocolate products made of the ‘best of the best’ beans from Ghana, creative marketing and sales, and education of retailers about Fair Trade and cocoa growers in Ghana, and through creating awareness in consumers that their purchasing power can create a sweeter world for cocoa growers. We are seeking an energetic, highly motivated Outreach Associate to increase sales of and engagement with the Divine brand. Read more

El Pomar Fellowship Applications Due Jan. 18

El Pomar Foundation, one of the largest and oldest private foundations in the Rocky Mountain West, with assets totaling approximately $450 million currently contributes approximately $20 million annually through its grant-making and programs.

They are now accepting applications for the Fellowship Class of 2011. Please review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria to determine if the Fellowship opportunity is right for you.

Eligibility Requirements and Selection Criteria  Read more

Career Services Seeks Digital Media Specialist

As the Career Services Digital Media Specialist you will create cutting edge student, staff, employer and professional video content for Career Service’s projects, i.e. Web site, blogs, and video clips for presentations.

Responsibilities

  • Produce videos and multimedia for the Web site, presentations and educational and outreach efforts.
  • Access via proper channels, digital editing systems, and other equipment and facilities provided by different departments on campus.
  • Conduct post-production editing of video for use in projects directed by CSO and potentially used by other College offices/programs.
  • Set up staging and equipment for video shoots of interviews used in educational clips.
  • Coordinate with various constituencies on- and off- campus, i.e. students, alumni, employers, professionals and staff.
  • Transfer content to Web from a variety of software programs.
  • Proofread text.
  • Responsible for the storage of video footage and audiotape related to the projects.
  • Collaborate with Media Services and Communications Office staff as necessary.

Experience & Qualifications

Experience in digital multimedia technologies and post-production editing required.

  • Working and exhibited knowledge of multimedia software and hardware, i.e. FinalCut Pro/Express, iMovie, Photoshop.
  • Working knowledge of audio and video technology and basic knowledge of desktop environment.
  • Working knowledge of the Middlebury College Web site using Drupal and other social media technologies.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with others, meet deadlines, enjoy ongoing educational and professional development.
  • Enthusiasm!

The position would be 6-8 hours per week. Looking for a student who can start preferably during winter term through spring, but is negotiable.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter and a link or samples representative of recent digital media work to:

Tracy Himmel Isham, Career Services

thimmeli{at}middlebury.edu

Bard CEP Seeks Leaders in Environmental and Climate Policy

The Bard Center for Environmental Policy offers two master of science degrees in environmental policy and climate science and policy . We are guided by the belief that today’s young people are coming of age at an extraordinary moment in human history. By virtue of being born around 1990, their generation must shepherd humanity through this critical bottleneck: in which rapidly rising populations, all seeking a better way of life, are running up against critical resource limitations and profound environmental challenges—chief among these, the ever-thickening blanket of carbon dioxide that is quickly heating up the planet. Read more