Environmental Justice and Food Security

Environmental Justice and Food Security


Vassar Preserve

https://www.vassar.edu/preserve Non-profit 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie NY 10-15 team members Issue Areas: Conservation About:  The mission of the Vassar Ecological Preserve is to protect and preserve the ecological diversity of the land to ensure that its educational value will be maintained in perpetuity. The Vassar Ecological Preserve promotes increased understanding and appreciation of the natural systems on the preserve through fieldbased education and research. Position Descriptions: Preserve and Trail Steward (reports to Keri VanCamp) Job Description:  This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Preserve and natural areas on campus.  The Preserve and Trail Steward monitors and maintains the trail system at the Vassar Ecological Preserve.  Stewards work to improve trail conditions by clearing debris and vegetation, constructing boardwalks, and improving drainage.  Other responsibilities include monitoring and improving general conditions on the preserve.  The Steward submits monitoring reports to the Preserve Director.  They promote a leave no trace ethic by educating visitors about rules and the potential impacts of visitation. They will also work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects.   Job Requirements:   Interest in learning about management of the Ecological Preserve.  Must enjoy working outside and have experience working in various weather conditions.  Must be able to use power and hand tools. Previous carpentry experience is desirable.  Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Invasive Species Management and Restoration Assistant (reports to Keri VanCamp) Job Description: This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Preserve and natural areas on campus.   The Invasive Species Management and Restoration Assistant monitors and manages high priority invasive species populations.   They collect seed, propagate and plant native species. They work to create volunteer opportunities for land stewardship and lead guided walks to increase public awareness.  They work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects.  Job Requirements: Interest in learning about invasive species management and ecological restoration. The applicant must have experience working outdoors in various weather conditions, ability to use hand and power-tools, and experience leading groups of people.  Knowledge of local flora and fauna is helpful.  Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Environmental Monitoring Assistant (reports to Keri VanCamp) Job Description: This position is part of a team that works to protect and maintain the Ecological Preserve and natural areas on campus.  The Environmental Monitoring Assistant will work to implement monitoring that is outlined in the Preserve’s Conservation Action Plan.  They will maintain the weather station, monitor plants and animals, set up new types of environmental monitoring, and work on ongoing research projects.  They will also work with the other work study students on joint stewardship, monitoring, and outreach projects.  Job Requirements: Interest in learning about environmental monitoring projects occurring at the Preserve. They must enjoy working outdoors, have excellent written and oral communication skills, plant and animal identification skills, be able to follow monitoring protocols, and collect accurate data.  Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Native Plant Propagation Assistant Job Description:  The Native Plant Propagation Assistant will work to collect and start native species to support restoration efforts on the Preserve.  They will assist with restoration projects on the Preserve. Job Requirements: They must enjoy working outdoors, have plant identification skills, and be able to follow collection protocols.  Although not required, a driver’s license is preferred. Preserve Gateway Assistant Job Description: This position will assist with the Gateway Project which aims to improve access and restore the entry to the Preserve. They will assist with the restoration of a riparian buffer by planting trees, coordinating volunteers, maintaining plantings, and helping to remove invasive species. They will develop outreach materials to help communicate the project to the public. They will assist with other projects as needed. Job Requirements: Student should have an interest in restoration, native plants, and public engagement. They must enjoy working outside. Skills:
  • Gardening/farming experience, GIS/Mapping, Previous experience in this field, Research skills
Hours: 4 hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with The Preserve? Visit here for your next steps.


Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

clearwater.org Non-profit 724 Wolcott Av Beacon NY 12508 10-15 team members Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Environmental education, experiential education About:  We are a 501(c)3 organizations that works to protect and restore the Hudson River through education and environmental advocacy. Position Description: The student will aid our Environmental Action department in organizing the currents campaigns on environmental issues, e.g. the PCB cleanup, climate change mitigation in NY Harbor, and safe drinking water for the City of Newburgh. They will also take part in our education programs, with logistical support and program delivery. Skills:
  • Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Clearwater? Visit here for your next steps.

Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth

About: To be a wellspring of spiritual and educational grounding and practical support for bold, accountable action for environmental justice, climate justice, and the flourishing of all life. Position Descriptions:
  • UUMFE is looking for students interested in working for climate justice and the amelioration of climate chaos through an intersectional and inter-spiritual lens to work with us on a number of ongoing and emerging projects.
  • Education – review and/or creation of Earth-based curricula for learners of all ages
    • Support the Young Adult and BIPOC Caucus teams; support our fundraising and grant writing efforts, coordinate our communications and outreach efforts
  • Media/Outreach – development of outreach materials, movies, and/or social media campaigns
  • Environmental Resources – create documentation, training, and/or outreach to increase awareness
  • Religion – collaborate with our lead ministers on programming for clergy and others
  • Anthropology/Sociology – create case studies about climate concerns to raise awareness
Hours:  4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with UUME? Visit here for your next steps.

The Environmental Cooperative

https://offices.vassar.edu/environmental-cooperative/ Non-profit 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie NY 5-10 team members Issue Areas: outdoor education and outreach About:  The Environmental Cooperative works to engage the community in conservation efforts in the local community.  We run education programs and outreach events to teach about nature in Poughkeepsie. Position Description: Student will assist with education program that we run with local school districts as well as outreach events.  We are also looking for a student that can help us translate from English to Spanish our written materials as well as to be present during in person events.  Finally we are looking for some one to help us organize our large database of photos that has accumulated over the years. Skills:
  • Bilingual Spanish-English, Graphic design, education, working with kids
Hours: 4 hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Environmental Cooperative? Visit here for your next steps.

Dutchess Outreach, Inc.

https://dutchessoutreach.org/who-we-are/about-dutchess-outreach/ Address: 29 N. Hamilton Street (multiple areas in the building) Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Food Security Advocacy About:  Dutchess Outreach acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief programs in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need. Position Description:
  • Students will be assigned and dedicated to one or two Programs areas for the semester. 
  • Lunch Box
  • Farm Stand
  • Garden on property
  • Encourage students interested to speak to Melissa Sebastian Tomas to learn more about the expected experience here at Dutchess Outreach.
Skills:
  • Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Gardening/farming experience, Research skills, Data collection/analysis, Comfortable with community engagement, able to lift 10 pounds or more, empathetic, compassionate and self motivated
Additional Requirements: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (Free) Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Dutchess Outreach? Visit here for your next steps.

Food Systems Foresight

https://www.foodsystemsforesight.com/ Issue Areas: Food Security, city planning; community consultation About:  We are a group of consultants and community members working for a City government in the Hudson Valley to devise a Community Food Systems Plan! Position Description:
    • The student could aid our work to develop the plan through some of the following research and analysis-based activities:
    • GIS/Spatial analysis of public food systems data
    • Researching similar food systems plan from other communities
    • Landscape research on organizations and actors working in food equity, justice, and security in the Hudson Valley region
  • Limited in-person support to community consultations and workshops may be possible
Desired Skills:
  • Research
  • GIS & spatial analysis
  • Accessible writing for general audiences
  • Spanish (desired, not required
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Food Systems? Visit here for your next steps.

Nature’s Impact

www.naturesimpact.org Poughkeepsie/ Hudson Valley 1-5 team members Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture About:  Nature’s Impact is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. Through environmental education, sustainable garden design, and thoughtfully curated events, we empower individuals to appreciate, protect, and celebrate the natural world while promoting sustainable practices. Position Description: Students will be able to assist with environmental programming, art programming, social media, and research if necessary. Students will learn about organic gardening and working with children. Skills:
  • Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week, I am open to both depending on the students time. Are you interested in getting involved with Nature’s Impact? Visit here for your next steps.

The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley

www.pechv.org Non-profit 430 Main Street Unit C Rosendale NY 12472 1-5 team members Issue Areas:Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice, peace, justice, climate change About:  The mission of the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley is to empower individuals and organizations to create and sustain ecologically-minded, just, and peaceful communities. Founded by The Rev Dr Leonisa Ardizzone in 2023, the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley offers programs and dialogical space for youth, families, educators, religious professionals, and community members. Position Description: Assist with Peace-Builder day camp for elementary and middle school kids, and grant writing and community outreach Skills:
  • Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Writing, (Bilingual is not required, just helpful)
Additional Requirements: Driver’s license would be great if students could be on site in Rosendale for part of the time. Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with the Peace Education Center? Visit here for your next steps.

Sustainable Hudson Valley

https://www.sustainhv.org Non-profit 7 Livingston St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 1-5 team members Issue Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice, direct climate mitigation and adaptation  About: Sustainable Hudson Valley’s mission is to speed up, scale up, jazz up and leverage progress against climate change, creating communities where people and nature thrive. We are the only regional organization devoted to on-the-ground programs and projects that concretely reduce greenhouse gas emissions, draw carbon out of the atmosphere and create economic opportunities in the process. Position Descriptions: Sustainable Hudson Valley is seeking three CEL interns for Spring 2024, all with GIS and data collection/ visualization skills. Graphic design / familiarity with Canva desirable. These projects support the use of the Regional Climate Action Road Map and Tool Kit created by SHV with over 90 collaborators. Two are GIS mapping, one os supporting an outreach campaign with materials, tabling, and social media. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with SHV staff, partners and advisors, and to write narrative to support their projects, which will be published on SHV’s website. Textile recycling mapper – create GIS maps of the locations in 9 counties where used clothing and textiles can be dropped off for recycling, working from existing Google maps and other source data that will be provided. Investigate each of the major companies that collect the items to determine whether they benefit charities or are for-profit ventures, and where the materials are sent. This map will be used by the recycling coordinators of several counties to increase textile waste diversion and proper recycling. May work remotely. Bioeconomy feedstock mapper – create GIS maps of farm and forest locations generating significant volumes of organic waste from crops, storm damaged wood, invasive plants and other feedstocks that could be used to produce biochar. Work with support of project advisors at Cornell Cooperative Extension and a biochar expert. May work remotely. Coolest Recycling Drive – support The Coolest Recycling Drive, an April into May project in collaboration with New Yorkers for Cool Refrigerant Management. Refrigerant gases in cooling equipment, heat pumps and other appliances are actually the most potent greenhouse gas. They are often improperly managed both in working heat pumps and in appliances when they are discarded. NY4Cool has piloted The Coolest Recycling Drive to collect these appliances and works with Hudson Technologies to remove the gases for recycling. SHV will be managing a regional version of The Coolest Recycling Drive, with the City of Kingston as a definite partner. The intern will help SHV’s outreach team to line up additional community partners, develop the detailed procedures for collecting and storing the materiais, and especially to help partner communities publicize the drive. Must have own transportation and be able to devote substantial time to this project in April and the first half of May.
  • Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, GIS/Mapping, Graphic design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 4 hrs/week; 8hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with Sustainable HV? Visit here for your next steps.


Poughkeepsie Farm Project

About: The PFP is a member- supported farm with the mission to cultivate local leadership in sustainable farming, food access and education, and foster an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone. We grow fresh vegetables and fruit for our CSA, train future farmers, provide hands-on educational programs on the farm and in the Poughkeepsie City School District, and improve access to healthy, locally-grown food. Address: 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie, NY farmproject.org Project or Position Title:  Garden Education Assistant Supervisor: Education Director Position Description: The main projects students will assist with are facilitating farm visits and other garden-based education sessions. This may include gardening and culinary workshops for students and the broader community, garden maintenance, supporting emergency food distribution efforts, our seed saving program, and other special events. Food Justice is a key value of our organization and our education department strives to keep it at the center of our work with children and families. Desired Skills: ● Interest in organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and language justice work ● Experience or strong interest working with youth ● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in variety of weather conditions ● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of equity, mutual respect and collaboration; ● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of our work at PFP. Hours: ● Tuesday through Thursday hours 8:30-12:30; Fridays 9-2; Wednesdays 4-6 pm. Other shifts outside these hours for special events may be available. Project or Position Title: Marketing and Communications Intern Supervisor: Education Director or Director of Special Initiatives Position Description:The Marketing and Communications Intern will work to assist with all aspects of PFP’s communications. Responsibilities include: updating our website, creating content for newsletters and social media, contributing to the creation and design of marketing materials, and supporting our staff team with fundraising and development communications and events. Desired Skills: ● Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite needed; some experience with Square Space and MailChimp preferred; ● Graphic Design skills required; skills in Adobe Creative Suite or Canva preferred; ● Familiarity with Facebook, Instagram and other social media; Experience using social media on for an organization or business a plus; ● Capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing; ● Interest in organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and language justice work; ● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of equity, mutual respect and collaboration; ● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of our work at PFP. Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 9am – 5pm. Preferably available in the afternoons. Project or Position Title: Seed Library Manager Supervisor: Education Director Position Description: The student will be in charge of general maintenance of the seed library located near the community gardens at PFP. Maintenance includes but is not limited to: updated inventory of available seeds, adding seeds when stock is low, communicating with PFP and any other organizations about seed donations, keeping seed packets organized, helping the education team organize and run any seed/seed saving related workshops, seed garden upkeep, actively participate in community garden events such as volunteer days, and be available for communication with community members who are interested in the seed library. Desired Skills: ● Interest in seed saving, community building, organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and language justice work ● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in a variety of weather conditions. ● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of equity, mutual respect and collaboration; ● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of our work at PFP. Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 9am – 5pm. Preferably available in the afternoons. Project or Position Title: Farm Production Intern Supervisor: Workshare Coordinator Position Description: The student will be in a supportive role of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project farm crew. This position includes contributing to all aspects of farm production including but not limited to harvesting, seeding, weeding, sowing, thinning crops, support with CSA customer relations and food distribution efforts, assisting with volunteers and workshare members, clean up and maintenance of all tools and spaces, and meetings with farm crew members as necessary. Desired Skills: ● Interest in the inner workings of a full-year round production farm with a social justice mission and ties to community partners. ● Interest in seed saving, community building, organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and language justice work ● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. ● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of equity, mutual respect and collaboration; ● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of our work at PFP. Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 8am – 4pm.

Are you interested in getting involved with the PFP? Visit here for your next steps.


Hudson Valley Regional Council

https://hudsonvalleyregionalcouncil.org/dutchesscapi/ Non-profit Address: 105 Anne St., Newburgh, NY 15-20 team members Issue Areas:Environmental Justice and Food Security, Public Health, Climate Resilience About:  HVRC is one of 7 regional councils in NY State providing technical and strategic assistance to local governments. We cover 7 counties in the mid-Hudson region and are focused on issues such as sustainability, water quality, economic development and climate resiliency. Position Description:
  • Assist local municipalities with Climate vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation plans.
Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, GIS/Mapping, Research skills Hours: 4hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with HVRC? Visit here for your next steps.


Schooner Apollonia

About: Regardless of how sustainably a product is produced, we are almost completely dependent on fossil fuels for shipping. In order to create a resilient regional economy we need local renewably powered shipping options. The Hudson River is the original super-highway of this region and can provide practical carbon neutral shipping. Since 2020 The Apollonia, a 65 ft Schooner, has been sailing freight and cargo throughout the Hudson Valley. To date we have completed 11 round trip voyages to NY Harbor, delivering over 110,000 lbs of cargo and connecting with 20 different Hudson River ports. In addition to delivering cargo the schooner creates activity at waterfronts and promotes public interaction with the River. The Apollonia delivers cargo & promotes cultural exchange, spark conversation and hope to inspire other vessels to do the same. They have done collaborative flotillas with the Sloop Clearwater and Solairs and next season we plan to partner with more vessels to create waterfront events – music, theatre, book tours and more as we travel along the Hudson. Being able to share information about docking and logistics is key to planning these types of collaborations. Website | Social Media Address: Hudson River from Albany to NYC Position Description:
  • Help develop a database and map to support trade, commerce and public activity at waterfronts along the Hudson River. (This work was started though CEL in 2021 and you will have the opportunity to build upon this existing work.)
  • Gather and input basic docking infrastructure, water depth, ownership
  • Students are encouraged to go beyond docking infrastructure to include information such as: local markets, producers, public spaces for events and potential retail partners.
  • The scope is the Hudson River from NYC to the first lock in Troy, NY.
Desired Skills: Interest in Sustainability and the Hudson River, Proficient in Map Reading / Creation, Basic GIS skills, Friendly personality and willingness to make phone calls and gather information, and ideally some boating / on the water experience.

Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with The Apollonia? Visit here for your next steps.


Town of Gardiner Environmental Conservation Commission

https://www.townofgardiner.org/departments/environmental-conservation-commission Address:  2340 STATE ROUTE 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525 Issue Areas: Environmental Conservation About:  We have been partnering with Vassar CEL for 2 years in creating and updating our online mapper for our Natural Resources Inventory for the Town of Gardiner. The NRI is an official town document that describes all the natural areas of the town and other related data about the landscape and town features. We have some final updates that need to be completed using the ArcGIS online mapping program from ESRI.  Position Descriptions: In conjunction with Vassar staff, students will complete updates to several mapping features and make some adjustments to specific items in the mapper. This mapper is a critical tool in assessing applications to the building department and planning board and in understanding the natural features of the town that need special attention.  Skills:
  • Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, GIS/Mapping
Additional Requirements: Background check, Drug test, Orientation and medical health screening Hours: 4hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with The Town of Gardiner? Visit here for your next steps.


The City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development

https://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/245/Planning-Development Address: 123 Grand Street 1st Floor Newburgh, NY 12550 About: The City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development manages a variety of services and programs that assist the City in land use development, economic growth, and neighborhood revitalization aimed at sustainable living. The Planning and Development Department has a broad range of responsibilities including: (Brownfield Investigation and Remediation, Census and Demographics, Community Development, Disposition of In-Rem City-Owned properties, Economic Development, Environmental Assessment, Heritage, Land Use Boards management, Land Use Planning, Long Term Master Planning, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Planning) Position Description: The City of Newburgh Conservation Advisory Council (“CAC”) has been an awarded a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) Hudson River Estuary Program to complete a Natural Resources Inventory (“NRI”). The NRI will identify, describe, and map natural resources occurring within the City of Newburgh and adjacent properties that constitute the boundaries and watersheds of the City-owned Washington Lake and Brown’s Pond/Silver Stream drinking reservoirs. The City is seeking one or more students (number to be determined by CEL faculty advisor) to work with a City representative to create an NRI interactive web map. The interactive web map will complement the NRI report and allow the Planning Board, City Departments, as well as the general public, to interact with the data obtained by the NRI study more easily. Click here to see the work that previous CEL students have done on the NRI map. The maps will be developed under the supervision of the College’s supervising consultant, Neil Curri. The student will also provide a narrative to each map that explains the context of the map and its layers. The NRI interactive web map will consist of the below maps: • Land Use • Zoning • Climate Resiliency • Physical Setting • Water Resources • Habitats and Wildlife • Cultural and Historic Resources • Comprehensive Jonathan Midler, City Planner, will serve as the student’s point of contact and liaison between the CEL student and the City of Newburgh. Neil Curri, of Vassar College, will be advising and supervising the student related to the technical and logistical aspects. It is anticipated this project can be conducted virtually unless otherwise advised by the CEL faculty advisor. During the course of the project, the CEL student will meet bi-weekly virtually with the City Planner as well as other City representatives whose input is needed. They will also meet with Neil Curri as needed. The student is encouraged to attend monthly CAC subcommittee meetings for the NRI. As part of the learning experience provided by this project, at the completion of the project, the student may make a presentation to the CAC to introduce the features and functionality to potential users, the overall benefits and use of the Interactive Mapping. Ideally this would be an in-person presentation, however, this can be completed virtually if needed. The prospective student should have experience in GIS mapping, in addition to having some experience in science-based writing. Ideal candidates should have a major related to urban planning, environmental science/studies, geography, or a related field.

Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week

Are you interested in getting involved with The City of Newburgh? Visit here for your next steps.


Woodstock, New York – Planning Board

Woodstockny.org Address: 45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498 Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Housing Insecurity/Justice, Public Health, Voting Rights, Legal Access About:  The Planning Board and the Complete Streets Committee use maps for a variety of internal processes and also for public information. Position Description:
  • Support a local trail guide transcribe paper logging roads and other trails
Skills:
  • GIS/Mapping
Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Town of Woodstock? Visit here for your next steps.

Bedford2030

https://bedford2030.org/about/ Address: Bedford, NY Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Environmental Advocacy & GHG Reduction About: Bedford 2030 addresses the urgent issue of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preservation of natural resources. We organize a grassroots effort in our community to achieve aggressive climate action goals identified in the Bedford Climate Action Plan. Position Descriptions: We are looking for a student to help us conduct interviews and create content to promote and expand our energy coaching program. The energy coach is a program that provides free coaching to community members to decrease the environmental impact of their homes. We would like to do a big push to encourage people to sign up in the spring and are looking for an intern to help us create all the content necessary to highlight and promote the program this fall. Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Research skills, Social media management, Video editing/production, Data collection/analysis Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Bedford2030? Visit here for your next steps.

Town of Lloyd Environmental Conservation Commission

https://www.townoflloyd.com/environmental-conservation-council Municipal Volunteer Advisory Council Address: Lloyd, NY 5-10 team members Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Environmental Conservation About:  The Environmental Conservation Council (ECC) is a town-appointed council that advises the Town of Lloyd on the preservation, development and use of Lloyd’s natural and historical resources. Position Descriptions: The student will assist the ECC in the creation of a CSC Task Force, which will serve as a central body of leadership that promotes and supports climate mitigation and adaptation in the community. The student may assist with outreach and communications to municipal officials and residents, and help prepare materials for CSC Task Force meetings.  The student will also work with the ECC and Hudson Valley Regional Council to complete a Greenhouse Gas Inventory report for the Town of Lloyd, as well as gathering information and documentation for energy benchmarking (tracking energy use, measuring performance over time). These projects will build a baseline of information against which Lloyd can measure the success of future Climate Smart actions.  In addition, the student may also assist in gathering information and documentation related to other CSC actions, such as LED street light replacement, and other infrastructure improvements, projects, and plans the Town has completed or is in the process of completing, which may be points-earning CSC actions. Desired Skills:
  • Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Research skills, Writing, GIS/Mapping and Data collection/analysis desired but not required
Hours: 8hrs/week, If the interested student or students only have 4 hrs/wk to commit to the project, we’ll take it and it will make an impact. Are you interested in getting involved with The Town of Lloyd ECC? Visit here for your next steps.

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

uwdor.org Non-profit Address: 75 Market Street, Poughkeepsie 12601 15-20 team members Issue Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Housing Insecurity/Justice, LGBTQAI+ Rights, Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, Racial Justice, Legal Access About:  We fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.  Position Descriptions: We have several opportunities related to resource development, event management, donor stewardship, community impact, DEI and marketing.  Desired Skills:
  • Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Research skills, Writing, GIS/Mapping and Data collection/analysis desired but not required
Hours: 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The United Way? Visit here for your next steps.

Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC)

dutchessny.gov/dctc Government organization 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 107 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 1-5 team members; There are 3 staff for DCTC, but we are housed in the County Planning Department, which has about 20 staff Issue Areas: Transportation Planning, Livability, Sustainability, Safety, Access About: The DCTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Dutchess County. We do county-wide transportation planning and local transportation studies for municipalities. Position Descriptions:
  • data analysis, mapping, and transportation studies
Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, GIS/Mapping, Graphic design, Research skills, Writing, Data collection/analysis, organization & attention to detail Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with The Transportation Council? Visit here for your next steps.

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

https://www.luckyorphans.org/ Non-profit 2699 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY 30+ team members Issue Areas: Mental Health Access and Support, animal welfare, humane education About:  People Helping Horses Heal People is the mission that guides everything we do. It holds us to the highest standard of care and rehabilitation for our horses and is at the heart of our educational approach and programming. As a sanctuary, we are committed to the life-long wellbeing of our horses and believe in the healing bond between humans and horses.  Since Lucky Orphans opened its barn doors in 2008 we have helped many horses, along with some sheep and goats, find a more promising and meaningful future. It is our goal to not only save these wonderful animals but to also strengthen the relationship between people and animals to build a more compassionate future. Position Description: Students can engage in equine experiential education, equine-assisted therapy, volunteer opportunities, event planning, social media/website design. Skills:
  • Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management, Web design, Video editing/production
Additional Requirements: Background check Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with Lucky Horses? Visit here for your next steps.

Center for Economic & Environmental Partnership, Inc.

https://www.ceepartnership.org/ Non-profit 1-5 team members Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Public Health, Environmental Justice About:  CEEP’s Mission is to serve as a bridge between economic and environmental perspectives. We encourage evaluation, development, and implementation of policies and programs supportive of the environment and the environmental industry. We work with municipalities to grow their climate mitigation and resiliency efforts. Position Description: Examples of potential projects include:
  1. Supporting municipal and community GHG inventories, as well as other Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities projects
  2. Coordination of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs, in collaboration with partnering municipalities and the CCA program administrator. Activities include outreach, community education events, and help line support services.
  3. Supporting the municipality to pilot a composting program. This would include developing educational materials, creating sign up lists, and conducting outreach. The intern would maintain a data platform/tracking plan and create a survey for residents to share feedback on community composting and backyard bin usage.
  4. Researching potential areas of collaboration between the municipalities and local school districts.
  5. Organizing community campaigns on heating and cooling systems, as well as community solar and other community energy programs.
  6. Supporting website content, social media posts, designing marketing materials for the organization
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Graphic design, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Video editing/production, Data collection/analysis Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with CEEP? Visit here for your next steps.

Garden Street Farm Market

Address: Garden st (between Mill & Main) Poughkeepsie 1-5 team members Issue Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Economic Justice About: The idea behind the farm market is to make it a weekly Sunday event from April – October. We are hoping to unite and grow the Poughkeepsie community and help create a platform for local business, farms and artisans to reach more people and inspire people out of town to come and visit, but more importantly four our local community to have a place to come gather and grow! Position Description: Check in /out, vendor set up and break down, customer guidance, social media content, customer service Hours: 4hrs/week Are you interested in getting involved with the Farmer’s Market? Visit here for your next steps.

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