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    Current Internship Opportunities

    Rethink the System, Work for Change

    Before you choose, please read the Internships with the Alliance and Internship Structure & Expectations pages for important information that applies to all internships!

    Campus Sustainability 2.0 – Since most of the independent colleges & universities in the Lehigh Valley now have an active sustainability coordinator and/or sustainability committee, we have revised the campus sustainability internship. [More info… →]

    Following is a brief description of current opportunities, with links for more detailed descriptions.) Note that preference may be given to certain ongoing projects and urgent calls for action – see Special Projects.

    Campus Sustainability 2.0 – Examine & analyze sustainability efforts on your campus and identify opportunities for action. [More info… →]

    Clean Air – The Lehigh Valley consistently fails to meet standards of the Clean Air Act — but most people aren’t even aware that there’s a problem! Work to increase awareness and improve air quality! [More info… →]

    Climate Action! – With atmospheric CO2 now exceeding 400ppm, global warming is becoming more critical every day. Help communities, schools & colleges, healthcare institutions, businesses, and individuals in the Lehigh Valley raise awareness and create & implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. [More info… →]

    Communications & Media – Help communicate the concepts and challenges of sustainability to promote meaningful community dialogue and report on local events and current actions such as the Transitions movement. [More info… →]

    Community & Restorative Justice – The justice system tends to focus on punishment and incarceration, but the high rates of recidivism show that these are not working. Explore community-based & restorative justice and community problem-solving to strengthen communities, reduce crime, and help individuals build better lives. [More info… →]

    Community Engagement – Explore ways to move from public comment to true community engagement — empowering people, exchanging knowledge, and encouraging more democratic processes. [More info… →]

    Democracy in Action / Social Entrepreneurship – Take action to create change in public or institutional policy in connection with sustainability and social justice issues, working with the Alliance and/or other local organizations. Turn your ideas into action! [More info… →]

    Editing & Publishing – Interns help update content and publish Sustainable Lehigh Valley, our annual directory of organizations that promote sustainable communities. (This internship is generally available only for the spring semester, but other internships dealing with writing & editing are available from time to time—if this is of interest to you, let us know. [More info… →]

    Education for Democracy – How can schools help create a more sustainable future?Most of our schools concentrate on transferring information and fail to prepare students to participate actively in a democratic society. [More info… →]

    Fair Trade – Many elements of the current trade systems exploit laborers, growers, and farmworkers — and consumers — and they degrade and destroy the ecosystems on which life depends. Work to end these abuses by changing the irresponsible purchasing that sustains them. [More info… →]

    Food, Health, and Sustainability – Thanks to the industrial food system, much so-called food actually undermines our health, increases green­house gas (GHG) emissions, exploits producers and farm workers, and generates excess waste—yet many people in the world cannot afford to eat. Help build awareness of the need for change and take steps to create that change. [More info… →]

    Graphic Design – Put your talents to work to help create a more sustainable world—help raise awareness of sustainability issues and assist with graphic design aspects of the public health project, the Clean Air Campaign, the publication of Sustainable Lehigh Valley, the Alliance website and other sustainability projects. [More info… →]

    Public Health & Sustainability – Help create wider awareness of how unsustainable practices impact public health. Clean air, pure water, healthy food, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are essential to our health and the health of our communities. [More info… →]

    Public Policy  – Much of our work has a focus on public and institutional policy. This internship may involve one or more specific topics or projects, with added emphasis on the processes by which public and institutional policy is—and should be—developed.

    Sustainability in Business – Environmental responsibility and sustainability are sometimes thought of as being contrary to good business practices. Even if this were true, businesses would have an obligation to help protect the ecosystems on which life depends — but sustainability is also good business. Reducing unnecessary use of resources, conserving energy, and eliminating waste all reduce costs at the same time they protect the health of people and natural ecosystems. [More info… →]

    NOTE: It is our intent to offer all listed internships in the coming term, but availability may change or a given internship may be filled. Some internships may not be offered at all colleges.
    Most schools allow you to change courses without penalty during the first week or two of the semester, but we urge you to apply well in advance if possible.

    ? Send an email to internship coordinator Peter Crownfield