Notes for URI GSLIS students: message from Dr. Eaton:
Questions about the internships should be addressed to Emilie Aries at Emilie@oceanstateaction.org or 401-489-2892.
But before sending you the information, I checked to find out if they would meet our requirements for LSC 595 - and the answer is, no. If you are interested in doing one of them as an elective for academic credit, I'm willing to talk about it; it would have to be an independent study (LSC 593) and we would have to negotiate what assignments you'd turn in for academic evaluation purposes.
<-- message ends! -->
The Program: OSA seeks summer organizers to work on our pressing legislative priorities, which include closing corporate tax loopholes, passing marriage equality and establishing a robust health insurance exchange for Rhode Island.
1), New Media & Visual Arts Internship: OSA’s New Media & Visual Arts Interns will contribute to social justice campaigns through artistic mediums and online communication. New Media & Visual Arts interns will contribute their skill(s) in photography, videography, video editing, graphic design, etc. and gain experience working as a part of an organization that values artistic expression as an integral part of campaigning and learning to use new media technologies to effectively broadcast their work as a part of Ocean State Action’s message.
This may involve:
• Taking photos at events, uploading, editing and sharing them through our email campaigns, website and social networks.
• Designing campaign flyers, posters, and other media as needed.
• Taking video at events, uploading, editing and sharing them through our email campaigns, website and social networks.
• Managing Ocean State Action’s social networking accounts.
• Writing and posting blogs and emails that reinforce Ocean State Action’s message and highlights the work of our volunteers, partners and campaigns.
• Attending and/or leading trainings.
• Working with other OSA volunteers and non-New Media & Visual Arts interns.
Ideal candidates for these internships have 1-2 years of experience with digital media, visual arts and/or graphic design, and are interested in learning more about the intersection of campaigns and new media. Candidates should be committed to social and economic justice, organized, able to reliably meet deadlines and conduct themselves professionally, have strong writing skills and be independent workers. Fluent Spanish-speakers are a plus!
2), Summer Organizers: This may involve:
• Activsim, advocacy and lobbying at the State House
• Recruiting, developing and managing volunteers
• Phone banking and canvassing
• Planning and executing events
• Attending trainings
• New media work to expand our online presence
• Database management for the long-term sustainability of the organization
Ideal candidates for the summer organizing program are committed to social and economic justice, want to get involved in politics and advocacy in Rhode Island, are organized, meet deadlines, conduct themselves professionally, have strong written and verbal communication skills, are independent, are proactive and love working with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent Spanish-speakers are a plus!
About Ocean State Action:
Ocean State Action is a proudly progressive coalition of community organizations, environmental groups, professional associations, and labor unions that have been fighting together for over two decades in Rhode Island to win public policy and political victories for social and economic justice. Our shared vision for Rhode Island is a community in which the ideals of equality, justice, and the common good prevail -- where businesses thrive and where every Rhode Islander has access to a clean environment, as well as quality health care, education, housing, and a livable wage job that supports him or her and their families in achieving their greatest potential.
FAQ
Is this a paid position?
Funding may be available for candidates who apply before March 25, 2011 via the Brown University Internship Award Program (find details online here: http://careerdevelopment.brown.edu/internships/funding). We are able to help students fulfill the necessary requirements and oversight to receive course credit.
What are the requirements for being an Summer Organizer?
No previous experience is necessary. People with all different backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Those who enjoy working closely with people and empowering citizens to take ownership over their communities will enjoy the working as a Summer Organizer. If accepted, Summer Organizers are required to commit to work 15 to 40 hours or more per week from June 4 through August 6.
How do I apply?
Send your resume, letter of interest and examples of digital work to info@oceanstateaction.org
Will I be able to set my own schedule?
To gain a full experience as a Summer Organizer there are certain required program elements for everyone, but there will be some flexibility in scheduling. If you are accepted, schedules will be worked out with the OFA staffer you are working with.
Can I do work from home?
Working side by side with people is essential to organizing, so your time will be spent out in communities with other organizers, OSA staff, community members and OSA volunteers.
