Environmental Studies Impact Internship

The City of St. Louis was the first jurisdiction in the Midwest and 4th in the nation to pass its Building Energy Awareness Ordinance, its benchmarking law in the year 2017. It requires large buildings over 50,00 square feet to submit energy and water usage to the City’s Office of Building Performance on an annual basis. In 2020, the city adopted the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) ordinance, following similar policies in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Washington State. This policy outlines BEPS energy targets by building type, which building owners are required to meet. Benchmarking and BEPS policies are aimed to accelerate energy efficiency in the buildings to achieve a city-wide Sustainability plan to decarbonize by the year 2050. The year 2024 is the last year of the first BEPS cycle for most of the buildings, where all benchmarking data will be analyzed in the year 2025.The city continues to be a front-runner in energy efficiency and participates in the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge to improve energy efficiency in municipal buildings. 

Start & End Date:

January 16, 2025, through May 2025 with the possibility of extending into Summer/Fall 2025.

Hours & Schedule:

Hybrid work, Flexible. But only PART-TIME (130 total hours) during the Spring of 2025.

Specific hourly schedules are determined by each intern and their supervisor. Initial orientation will be at City Hall, 1200 Market St., Room 422. 

Brief Description of Internship Deliverable:

Interns will initially focus on updating the City’s energy benchmarking project as part of the White House’s Better Buildings Challenge through the Office Building Performance and participate in Supporting Equitable Building Performance (SEBP) Standards meetings.  Once this work is complete, the interns may assist the City of St. Louis with the following: reviewing and updating communication materials and procedures, reviewing stlbenchmarking.com and making suggestions to improve user experience, participating in fieldwork and analyzing buildings energy efficiency performance.   

Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable Sustainability Action Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project progress allow:

• Benchmark City buildings through EPA’s website Energy Star Portfolio Management
• Review and update Office of Building Performance communication materials and procedures where needed.
• Review Office of Building Performance’s website stlbenchmarking.com and recommend changes
• Join SEBP meetings to observe and experience the co-governance design process
• Shadow Office of Building Performance’s staff during meetings with building owners, stakeholders and other government agencies.
• Possible fieldwork measuring gross floor area for selected city buildings.
• Analyze and evaluate buildings’ energy efficiency performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Appropriate for environmental sciences, business or engineering undergraduate or graduate student
2. Strong interpersonal skills
3. Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail
4. Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)
5. Creative design skills using (MS Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat or Canva)
6. Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software.
7. Ability to work professionally in a virtual setting using Zoom or Google Meet technology as a communication tool.

This position will provide the opportunity to work with Ujima, learn more about philanthropy, and become more involved in the St. Louis community. Food justice, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment are Ujima’s foundations. As a non-profit, pay-what-you-can service provider, they provide equitable access to food, education, and employment to marginalized communities. Ujima cultivates community through food justice, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.

The intern will provide support to George Washington Carver Farms (Ujima’s urban farm), produce donations, Apprenticeship Program, Be Well Cafe’s Farmer’s Market, Fairground neighborhood clean up efforts and additional programming support. An ideal candidate has some level of experience in grassroots and community philanthropy, urban agriculture, community engagement, social media management, fundraising, and/or data entry. Personal and reliable access to transportation is essential because we will meet at multiple sites.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Access to reliable transportation is required
• Helping Founder with planning and executing special events
• Support staff to plan and manage social media content for Ujima’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. 
• Support staff with farm and garden maintenance 
• Support staff with neighborhood clean up efforts and other special events
• Lead or co-lead tours and volunteer groups as needed
• Coordinate produce and meal donations as needed
• Developing an evaluation for participants in Ujima’s Sunflower Institute Program.
• Learn about Ujima, and issues in the St. Louis community by attending meetings with staff, board members, and other volunteers as needed
• Support planning and coordination of Apprenticeship Program workshops, field trips, and camping trips
• Ensure implementation of policies and practices during Apprenticeship Program
• Monitor project budgets and track expenditures/transactions
• Keep all members of the team up-to-date with relevant project information
• Bi-Weekly check-ins will Founder to discuss Apprenticeship Program progress
• Keep updated records of attendance and create reports as needed
• Create presentations, summaries and helping materials to ensure better communication for information sessions and board meetings

Skills/Qualifications:

• Efficient – able to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner
• Flexible – able to respond to a variety of tasks and needs; able to work some evenings and to attend community events on occasional weekends (work schedule adjusted to provide equal time off during the work day)
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Desire to learn more about philanthropy
• Desire to learn about community development, food justice, cooperative ownership, social enterprise, community wealth-building, and local economic development
• Desire to learn more about effective nonprofit practices, and what makes strong nonprofit and community groups
• Experience working or volunteering with diverse groups.
• For more information about Ujima, visit www.ujimastl.org.

The Community Energy Engagement and Policy Intern will support  Cabanne District CDC in promoting and implementing electrification, energy efficiency, and EV charging network initiatives. This role will engage community members in understanding the benefits of electrification, “Solar for All” programs, and other state and federal energy efficiency resources and tools. Additionally, the intern will assist in developing an accessible EV charging network plan for the community. Responsibilities include creating a community newsletter, participating in regional and Midwest energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives, and helping shape policies and strategies to support local energy transition goals. The intern will also assist with youth energy efficiency education and support faith based energy access initiatives through workshops and outreach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Educate and engage community members on electrification, energy efficiency, and EV charging network resources, including “Solar for All” programs.
• Develop and distribute a community newsletter covering energy efficiency, electrification, and EV charging network updates and resources.
• Participate in regional and Midwest energy efficiency and decarbonization meetings to support Cabanne District CDC’s goals.
• Assist in designing a community focused EV charging network plan in alignment with local and state energy transition priorities.
• Contribute to formulating energy efficiency and electrification policies and strategies for practical application.
• Support youth focused energy efficiency initiatives and faith based workshops, helping increase energy access and understanding across communities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align with state and federal energy and sustainability goals.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an environmental studies, public policy, urban planning, or related field.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage with diverse community groups.
• Interest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, EV infrastructure, and community development.
• Experience or interest in policy development, outreach, and program implementation.
• Proficient in digital tools for newsletter creation and social media engagement

Host Site/Location: Northside Workshop 1306 St. Louis Avenue, 63106 

Brief Description of Organization: Northside Workshop (NSW) is an art nonprofit located in Old North St. Louis offering programs that focus on the importance of bees and pollinators to our communities. Our art studio, chemical-free teaching garden, and bee sanctuary aim to inspire self-expression, environmental stewardship, and community building. Our workshops and curriculums are rooted in experiential learning, collaboration, and radical empathy with the urban ecosystem. 

For more information see www.northsideworkshop.org
Native Bees Stewardship Network https://vimeo.com/827074818
Growing Safe Spaces https://youtu.be/eDpAR4RhCvI?feature=shared

Intern Role To work alongside Artist and Director, Juan WIlliam Chávez and Master Gardener, Director of Sustainability & Programming, Kiersten Torrez. Interns will help maintain the teaching garden and native bee sanctuary, support projects, workshops, and events.

Start & End Date Mid September, – Mid December with the possibility of extending into Spring of ’25. Hybrid work, flexible. Specific hourly schedules are determined by intern and their supervisor. 

Brief Description of Internship Deliverables
● Practice growing techniques that incorporate Permaculture and chemical-free gardening using native plants to create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. 

● Assist in development of educational materials and experiential learning workshops related to native bees and plants. 

● Use Social Practice Art to address environmental issues. 

Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverables 

Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project progress allow: 

● Assist with maintaining our teaching garden. 

● Support projects, programs, and events by preparing materials, organizing supplies, and reviewing documents and presentations. 

● Communicating and interacting with community members, volunteers, and partners in a professional manner as a representative for NSW. 

● Assist with keeping the building and grounds orderly and accessible for the public. ● Conduct research and administrative tasks. 

● Assist with social media posts and website. 

Required Qualifications 

● Be responsible, punctual, motivated, and communicative. 

● Have a reliable form of transportation. 

● Comfortable working outside. 

● Able to conduct research and administrative tasks independently in a timely manner. 

Preferred Qualifications 

● Have an interest in sustainable growing practices, native plants, and pollinators. ● Have an interest in the arts, education, and community building. 

● Have an interest in environmental justice, environmental racism, environmental stewardship, and Native/Decolonization issues related to St. Louis. 

Prospective interns must provide their resume, course schedule, and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications for the position. Application can be found here.

The Restorative Justice Movement Center is a community resource in The Ville neighborhood for formerly incarcerated individuals or those facing drug addiction to re-integrate into the community. The RJM Center hosts support group meetings, sober events, and community outreach events to reach this goal. They also have a community garden to host educational events and help provide fresh produce in a food desert.

The Outreach & Garden Intern will help develop an outline for seasonal maintenance of the the RJM Center’s community garden, along with tending the garden, planting, and harvesting. In addition to community garden work, Intern will research Restorative Justice methodology and practices, manage documents and databases for compiled data and research, and help organize two fundraising events. There is ample opportunity for interns to gain experience related to nonprofit administration, events coordination, and to get to know community members. Past interns have assisted the RJM Center with initiatives like hosting health clinics, hosting Narcan trainings, and becoming a food pantry outreach site with the St. Louis Food Bank.

Internship Duties: 

• the intern will research RJM methodology, outreach, and grant information
• track data using developmental programs outlined by grant requirements
• maintain a database for community resources
• facilitate workshops and relations with WashU organizations and professors
• keep up with community garden maintenance
• and assist with event planning for the center. 

Required Qualifications:

• Commitment to environmental justice and anti-racism work
• Desire to work with people who are unhoused, recovering from addiction, formerly incarcerated, or otherwise marginalized.
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Strong sense of initiative and independent problem-solving
• Patience and a go-with-the-flow attitude
• Highly organized and detail oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Applications
• Experience working with people who are unhoused, recovering from addiction, formerly incarcerated, or otherwise marginalized.

Location: This internship will take place at the Restorative Justice Movement Center, located at 2401 Annie Malone Dr at the Antioch Baptist Church in The Ville neighborhood of St. Louis.

The City of Clayton is recognized throughout the metropolitan area for an outstanding quality of life combining a bustling downtown with quiet, secure residential neighborhoods. Just west of the Washington University Danforth Campus, and the City of St. Louis, Clayton is the seat of St. Louis County. While 81% of Clayton’s land is dedicated to residential or park use, the City’s Central Business District combines 7,000,000 square feet of office space with the vitality of 1,000,000 square feet of retail space. For more information see: https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/about-clayton.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) advises the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and City Manager with respect to the development and support of ecologically sound and sustainable programs and practices within Clayton’s municipal government, the community and metropolitan St. Louis Region.

Hours & Schedule:Full time (260 total hours), hybrid, flexible work hours during the Summer of 2024. Specific hourly schedules are determined by each intern and their supervisor with availability Monday thru Friday. It is also hoped that Interns will attend the SAC monthly meetings (third Tuesday of the month between 4:30 and 5:30pm) in person at Clayton City Hall

Brief Description of Internship Deliverable: The Intern will focus on various projects within the plans developed by the Sustainability Advisory Committee which may include (1) the City’s Building Efficiency program, (2) planning for Fleet Vehicle Electrification, (3) Urban Dark Sky recognition, (4) Strategic Partnership Development, (5) Waste reduction and (6) Communications (the “Projects”). 

Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable: Sustainability Advisory Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project progress allow:

1)   Regularly attend SAC meetings and participate in the engagement process leading to fulfillment of the SAC plans and where necessary, revisions to our plans.

2)  Assist with the development of Clayton’s Building Energy Efficiency program. 

3)  Assist with the plan for the electrification of Clayton’s fleet.

4)  Assist with the plan for recognition of one or more of the City’s parks as Urban Dark Sky Areas.

5)  Assist with the City’s participation in strategic partnerships including One STL, Mid- County Sustainability and Midwest Climate Collaborative as well as the Clayton School District and Chamber of Commerce.

6)  Assist with further level achievement for the SolSmart program working with the U.S. Dept of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. The city currently has a Bronze level designation and is working toward Silver. Once that is completed, the city will work toward Gold level which can only be achieved in coordination with the County of St. Louis.  

7) Assist with data collection, interpretation, and application in connection with each of the program tasks as well as crafting presentation materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Appropriate for environmental sciences, business or engineering undergraduate or graduate student.

2. Strong interpersonal skills

3. Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail

4. Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)

5. Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software.

6. Ability to work professionally in virtual setting using zoom technology as a communication tool.

Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) is a grassroots organization composed of St. Louis area congregations of all faiths. They put faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations, and communities to change public policy for the common good. Since our organization’s founding in 1991, MCU’s efforts have utilized relational organizing tools to build grassroots community power by developing strong relationships grounded in trust and leadership building to fight for collective social justice. MCU is the Environmental Justice campaign started in 2020. This campaign aims to support clergy leaders, community groups, and impacted residents to build the power necessary to fuel a local environmental justice movement and fight for policy change that addresses the disproportional impacts of environmental racism on low-income communities of color. 

      MCU is partnering with 19 organizations to hold air quality monitors and do community meetings, working as a coalition to implement recently passed legislation in Missouri on Get Out the Lead, and continuing to push for illegal dumping reform. The 2019 Environmental Racism in St. Louis report detailed the lack of available outdoor air quality data in St. Louis City. High rates of asthma and many point sources of air pollution in North St. Louis City. In response, we have created and found funding for the Community Based Air Quality Monitoring Program to launch the campaign in a larger way in 2021.

      The Air Quality Monitoring Intern will report directly to Beth Gutzler, Lead Environmental Justice Organizer for MCU, and will work with other members of MCU as needed. This internship is expected to be mainly remote, with periodic socially-distanced, masked, in-person activities. Regular communications with your supervisor will occur by phone and video. 

Internship Activities:

• Assist MCU’s environmental justice team with outreach to develop strong relationships with local congregations, clergy leaders, and residents of color throughout St. Louis, MO utilizing basic relational organizing tools. Training for organizing leadership development will be provided. 20% of role
• Intern will assist with the sharing of results with community based air quality monitoring work with members of the Washington University Jay Turner Lab with stakeholders. 20% of role
• Assist with providing presentations and education workshops on air quality and other EJ topics for the Interfaith Environmental Justice Task Force, youth groups, and community leaders. To form environmental justice focused policy change for 2024 and beyond. 20% of role
• Maintain communication with MCU Environmental Justice Campaign Staff and attend MCU activities. 20% of role
• Researching the needs for the upcoming issues and concerns for impacted communities. Environmental Justice policy changes involve a high level of science and there is a need for complex information to be presented ready for public forums. For example, reading and interrupting an air quality permit, so that a community can decide if there should be a public hearing held or appeal made by neighbors concerned about new pollution in their community. 20% of role 

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the “Environmental Racism in St. Louis” report prepared by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic at Washington University’s School of Law. 

Applicants can also review the report “Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide,” produced by Health Equity Works in the Brown School at Washington University. 

Qualifications:

• Experience navigating conversations about race and racism, the environment, science, and public policy 
• Working toward a major or minor in, or have taken significant coursework in, a combination of public health, engineering, data analysis, and/or environmental studies preferred 
• Excellent relationship building skills; bilingual welcomed
• Demonstrated love of the St. Louis community 
• Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail 
• Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)
• Ability to work professionally in virtual setting using zoom technology as primary communication tool 
• Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software. Include information on any relevant courses you’ve taken in which you have analyzed data.  

Hours: A required amount of 260 total hours between May and July 31st. Specific hourly schedules are determined by the intern and their supervisor.

United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) is seeking a full-time Environmental Justice Intern to lead and organize communities and organizations to work on restorative, transformative, and environmental justice issues in the Illinois Metro-East, throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties. This role is primarily responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local congregations and key actors throughout the Metro-East. Additionally, this role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with statewide and national coalition partners.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to foster coordination and cooperation among diverse groups. They are committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment and can handle a heavy workload without dropping the ball. This position is an opportunity to engage with faith organizations, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and constituents to help bring about real systemic change. 

Position Summary 

The Environmental Justice Intern will assist in the development and implementation of environmental justice initiatives within United Congregations of Metro East. This position will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain experience in community organizing, research, and advocacy while making a positive impact on the environment.

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct research on environmental justice issues and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Assist in planning and organizing events related to environmental justice, such as workshops or community forums.
• Collaborate with other organizations and community members to support environmental justice initiatives.
• Develop informational materials and resources to educate the community about environmental justice issues.
• Help with data collection and analysis for ongoing environmental justice projects.
• Assist in maintaining social media accounts to raise awareness about environmental justice issues and promote our organization’s initiatives.
• Serve as Environmental Justice Intern for congregations in St. Clair County and/or Madison County IL.
  • Build relationships with current leaders
  • Recruit new member organizations
  • Facilitate network video calls, events and gatherings
• Train and develop grassroots faith leaders on how to engage others within their congregations in the fight for justice.
• Guide grassroots faith leaders in conducting research and developing action plans for winnable issue campaigns.
• Recruit new grassroots faith leaders and congregations into the organization.
• Organizing public actions.
• Support in coordinating an annual fundraising drive.
• Build relationships and accountability with UCM leaders and Pastors

Qualifications  

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week, with preference given to those who have flexible hours Monday-Friday and are available for as-needed Saturday and Sunday assignments.

Candidates must have access to a reliable vehicle. 

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day

United Congregations of Metro East Communications Intern works primarily to support the upkeep, growth, and development of the UCM base and provide creative, logistical, and organizational support for all programs. This role includes liaising with UCM program staff across the organization, with members, and their families, and supporting the escalation of members of the UCM base to take action and engage with UCM programs.

The Donor cultivator Intern, who is based in East St. Louis, reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the following: 

Development 

• Audit and assess existing recurring donors – Sustainers. 
• Review the existing giving circle model and recruitment strategy. 
• Develop a new strategy for recruitment, including structure and membership benefits for the sustainers’ circle, using previous research to make recommendations.
• Create materials for marketing and recruiting new members and retention of established members. 
• Audit and assess existing peer-to-peer campaign materials and identify areas of needed improvement:
  • Review existing materials from campaigns to consolidate and make them more concise. 
  • Research fundraising best practices for peer-to-peer campaigns and compare existing practices to devise the best strategy for new campaigns. 
  • Develop new peer-to-peer campaigns using previous research to create procedures, materials, and timelines. 
  • Implement and assess campaign effectiveness and provide a report of recommendations for future changes.
• Audit and assess existing fundraising vehicles in the East St. Louis market and outline a plan to implement new ones:
• Review existing materials from campaigns and marketing collateral. 
• Review funding mix and assess opportunities for new revenue vehicles. 
• Review fund development cycle, specifically donor stewardship. Make recommendations for improvements. 
• Create a database/document of recommended new funding opportunities including (but not limited to):
  • Third-party event sites/vendors
  • specific grant opportunities
  • specific sponsor prospects
• Support fund development efforts by owning the creation of event branding & running the event communications components on social/digital platforms. 
• Collaborate on marketing materials for fundraisers, special events, and awareness campaigns. 
• Summer Specific: Participate in UCM annual community guidebook adsales campaign
• Summer Specific: Build partnerships with community businesses to sponsor and be vendors at UCM Back to School event
• Summer Specific: Create funder specific collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice.
• Summer Specific: Support in building and launching a Peer-to-Peer fundraising campaign.

Additional Responsibilities 

• [Dependent on class schedule] Active participation in weekly staff meetings 
• Active participation in weekly Development team meetings

• Engage in Ongoing Political Education in support of UCM programs. 
• Carefully execute work as needed and deliver on the goals/strategy for the team. 
• Occasionally represent UCM for public speaking opportunities, networking events, and conferences, (no more than 10% of work hours).
• Summer Specific: Highlight UCM canvassing efforts through media postings, donor mailings, and donor briefings.
• Summer Specific: Create collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice.

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day

United Congregations of Metro East Communications Intern works primarily to support the upkeep, growth and development of the UCM base and provide creative, logistical, and organizational support of all programs. This role includes liaising with UCM program staff across the organization, with members, and their families, and supporting the escalation of members of the UCM base to take action and engage with UCM programs.

The Marketing/Communications Intern, who is based in East St. Louis, reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the following: 

Communications and Brand Management 

• Develop strategies to engage our base in our programs: transformative justice, policy & advocacy, and organizing. 
• Support social media strategy creation and help coordinate content calendar.
  • Specifically, support the organization & creation of content for TikTok and Twitter.
• Monitor social media trends and engage with partners, community leaders, and followers, and make recommendations for adjustments to communications strategies and practices. 
• Develop & use digital design skills and our organization’s branding guidelines to create visual branding & graphics to represent the organization’s events, programs, and campaigns. 
• Work with the UCM base of directly impacted people to harness and promulgate their stories. 
• Write a variety of different content to support communications and marketing efforts, including newsletters, website copy, brochures, and press releases. 
• Summer Specific: Support UCM in promoting Back to School community event 
• Summer Specific: Highlight UCM canvassing efforts through media postings, newsletters, and blog writing.
• Summer Specific: Create collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice.

Development 

• Support fund development efforts by owning the creation of event branding & running the event communications components on social/digital platforms. 
• Collaborate on marketing materials for fundraisers, special events, awareness campaigns, and UCM merch store. 

Audience Engagement 

• Identify content creators and influencers to support our public relations drive, and projects, and contribute to departmental reporting. 
• Develop UCM brand ambassadors, digital content creators and cultural workers with an eye on connecting the local to the state and federal with the work UCM is trying to do. 
• Support UCM in building press connections and publication opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities 

• [Dependent on class schedule] Active participation in weekly staff meetings 
• Active participation in weekly Communications team meetings 
• Engage in Ongoing Political Education in support of UCM programs. 
• Carefully execute work as needed and deliver on the goals/strategy for the team. 
• Occasionally represent UCM for public speaking opportunities, networking events, and conferences, (no more than 10% of work hours). 

Qualifications 

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week, with preference given to those who have flexible hours Monday-Friday and are available for as-needed Saturday and Sunday assignments.

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day.

A Red Circle (ARC) launched the Food and Justice fellowship in 2021 so as to offer opportunities for young adults to develop skills and experience in three crucial areas: environmental justice & agriculture, understanding & navigating systematic inequalities, and entrepreneurship. ARC is seeking peer mentors to assist both in tailoring the program to the fellows’ interests and needs and readily adapting the program to a rapidly changing world and political climate.A Red Circle launched its Food & Justice Fellowship in 2021 with young adults from St. Louis County and City.  The Fellows will work from A Red Circle’s urban farm, community garden, and online.  The Fellowship will cover three topics: Equity & Justice, Growing Food & STEM, and Business & Entrepreneurship.  The Fellows will also read and discuss three books, related to the current topic.  We are seeking peer mentors to work and learn alongside the Fellows.

North St. Louis County’s economy can be traced to racist laws and public policies. A Red Circle’s vision is to restore North County to a safe, vibrant, sustainable, and economically viable community that remains diverse, and in doing so, help heal racial strife. Located in The Promise Zone, A Red Circle’s programming is designed to address five focus areas: employment, education, holistic living, policy, and the arts.

This position will be performed in person – with some time spent at A Red Circle’s office in Wellston, Missouri, near the Wellston Metrolink Station, and some time spent in the garden or at the urban farm.  “Transportation can be arranged from A Red Circle.”

Internship Activities

• Perform supervisory tasks such as prepare curriculum, create documents, monitor attendance, administer an evaluation survey, and more. (2hrs/wk)
• Work on A Red Circle’s urban farm and community garden. (4hrs/wk)
• Share their insights into the topics from their educational experience. (2hrs/wk)
• Help with outreach events. Mostly weekends (4hrs/wk)
• Assist with preparing Outreach materials as needed (2hrs/wk)

Experience and requirements

• Passion for social and environmental justice
• Experience in peer mentorship
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines to effectively reach goals
• Self-motivated, flexible, and independent worker
• Experience living, working, or volunteering in North St Louis County preferred (not required)
• Means of personal transportation
• Personal phone and laptop preferred

Site Supervisor:  Deborah Rice-Carter, deborah@aredcircle.org

Site location:  A Red Circle’s office, 6439 Plymouth Ave, and North County Agricultural Education Center