Position Description

Roots of Change (ROC) seeks a team of interns to assist with policy research, communications and food justice work.  We are looking for 3 unpaid interns to support our work with the California Food Policy Council and our efforts to catalyze the ROC network. Our internships offer hands-on experience and invaluable practical experience.  We are seeking interns that can commit to at least 16 hours per week for a period of 3 months between April 1^st and September 1^st.

 About Roots of Change (ROC)

Roots of Change is working within California’s food system to create a new mainstream in food and farming that will improve the health of people, increase access to healthy fresh food for all communities, lift the fortunes of the food production industry, demonstrate the highest standards of environmental stewardship, create pride of place, offer dignity and opportunity to workers, and lead worldwide demand for health and quality in everyday living.

 We believe that every aspect of our food—from the time it’s grown to the time it’s eaten— can be healthy, safe, profitable, affordable and fair.

 Projects May Include the Following Responsibilities:
Web Development & Communications:

• Assist in updating website and social media profiles
• Explore creative ways to engage and expand ROC’s network
• Help maintain ROC’s presence on online social networking sites
• Contribute to the creation and editing of (proofreading) content

 Policy Research:

• Tracking of legislative and administrative actions affecting food systems in CA
• Prepare briefing papers on model policy opportunities for targeted issue areas
• Present updates to the CA Food Policy Council
• Compile reference list of existing efforts of orgs in network that are already working on policy efforts in targeted issue areas

 Movement Building:

• In person and virtual meeting and event planning
• Compile best practices in diversity and food justice work
• Potential travel to communities participating in ROC diversity work
• Assisting administration tasks for general support
• Assisting creation of resources for ROC network

 Qualifications and experience
ROC is seeking interested candidates who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or those interested in gaining experience for a career transition. An interest in food, public health, organizing, and the legislative process are preferred. Ideal candidates will have the following qualities:

-       Self-motivated and good interpersonal skills.

-       Excellent writing, and verbal skills

-       Excellent skills in word-processing, web research (database use/maintenance preferred).

-       Experience working with diverse groups of people on collaborative projects.

 Web Development & Communications

-       Experience using graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator desirable.

-       Experience using social media for a cause a plus.

Policy Research

-       Strong Interest in food politics and the regulatory process

-       Knowledge of the CA legislative landscape

-       Any experience in policy analysis and/or interacting with elected officials, including coursework or volunteer work (preferred).

 To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to staff@rootsofchange.org and include “Roots of Change Internship” in the subject line.

 Please be sure to explain why you are applying for an internship and what goals you would like to accomplish as a Roots of Change intern. Make sure to specify which of the areas described in the project description interest you, and why you would like to focus on those tasks.

 Email materials by Word or PDF only. 

 Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications on March 21, 2012. Candidates that apply by that time will be given preference, but we will accept applications until all of the positions are filled. 

 For more information visit: http://www.rootsofchange.org/content/careers-0