Reclaiming Our Food Supply
The silent commercialization of genetically engineered food eight years ago has profoundly altered people's relationships to their food supply, raising questions about corporate undermining of democracy, privatization of a basic need, and industrial agriculture as a means of food production. Much of the world has rejected genetically engineered crops citing a lack of proof regarding safety and the patenting of living organisms. In order to fend off corporate pressure to accept genetically engineered food and seed, many countries are looking to US as one of the last remaining markets where genetically engineered food remains unopposed.
Recognizing the lack of data regarding safety of genetically engineered foods and the environmentally destructive practices of the corporations now engineering food, Clean Water Action's Safe Foods Campaign is working to remove genetically engineered food from both the food supply and the environment in an effort to create a sustainable and economically equitable food future. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups, coalitions and campaigns to protect our environment, health, economic well-being and community quality of life.
The Safe Foods Campaign is currently targeting Shaw's Supermarket and Star Market to remove genetically engineered ingredients from store-brand products. We are also helping to facilitate regional efforts to pass Town Resolutions restricting genetically engineered foods. We employ a variety of tactics from direct action to public forums.
Internship Description
Skills training will be provided at the start of the internship on the basics of grassroots organizing and campaign planning. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced grassroots organizers and environmental campaigners in one of the following project areas:
Student/Campus Outreach
Publications/Volunteer Communications
Media
Action Planning
Requirements
Interest in Genetic Engineering or Agriculture
Excellent Written and Oral Communication Skills
Ability to Work Independently
Quark Express, Photoshop (for Publications Intern Only)
The Safe Foods Campaign has internship opportunities available in Boston, MA and Providence, RI. Interns will be asked to work 10-15 hours per week and to keep a set schedule throughout the semester. Internships are unpaid. To apply please send a resume, a 2-3 page writing sample and a cover-letter explaining your interest in working with the Safe Foods Campaign to:
Linda Setchell
Clean Water Action
36 Bromfield St. #204
Boston, MA 02108
Fax: 617-338-6449 or 401-331-7072
Email: lsetchell@cleanwater.org
Student & Community Outreach Internship: This internship is designed for someone who is interested in learning the basics of grassroots organizing. Hours will include evenings and weekends. Ideal candidates will be comfortable on the phone and interacting with new people. - recruitment of student activists on campus - working w/ student groups to set up public education presentations/forums on campus - organizing skills workshops for student activists - updating Safe Foods Campaign Volunteer Packet
Publications/Materials Development Internship: This internship is designed for someone who is looking to gain experience in graphic design. Interns will have the opportunity to be in charge of their own design project from initial design to printing. - compiling weekly email update - updating listserve & database of activists - writing & layout of volunteer newsletter/calendar - factsheet design - updating website - contacting printers
Media Internship: This internship is ideal for someone who is interested in public relations or work in the media. Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience pitching stories to reporters, writing releases and setting up media events. - write press advisories - write press releases - keep media contact lists up to date - draft sample letters to the editor - draft sample op-ed pieces - pitch calls to media
Action Planning Internship: Interns will gain experience in the basics of organizing actions, the art of non-violent civil disobedience and creating public friendly actions. - help recruit action volunteers - gather materials - set up legal briefings - arrange for legal assistance - other logistics related tasks
