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Monthly Newsletter
TJI


A newsletter published by the
Macalester Environmental Studies Department

September 27, 2024

Any upcoming events, job opportunities, conferences, or other environmental news received by the ES Department are included in this newsletter. More information on the items listed in This Just In! can be received by contacting the ES Department. Current and archived issues.

In This Issue….

1.  Macalester: Globalization, the Environment, and Society in Cape Town Study Away Informational Session – October 2
2.  Opportunities with Environment America
3.  Back to School for Democracy Collaborative Fellowship
4.  Internship Opportunities at Citizens’ Climate Lobby
5.  University of Chicago Semester in Environmental Sciences Program
6.  DANTA Field Courses
7.  University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability
8.  Green Corps
9.  Ecosystem Field Studies Course
10.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

1.  Macalester: Globalization, the Environment, and Society in Cape Town Study Away Informational Session – October 2

If you want to learn more about the study away program Macalester: Globalization, the Environment, and Society in Cape Town, there will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, October, 2, 2024, from 4:45-5:45 pm in Carnegie 005.

2.  Opportunities with Environment America

Do you know someone who is passionate about the environment and looking for an entry-level job? Environment America is hiring campaign associates to work in locations across the country on their campaigns to defend our oceans and public lands, to advocate for clean energy solutions and to campaign for clean air and clean water.

Here are some of the things their associates do:

  • Work with coalitions to create shared campaign strategy and demonstrate support for their campaign goals.
  • Organize events and work with volunteers: Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize media events and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
  • Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with champions in Congress or in State Houses. Make a convincing case to legislators who are undecided on a particular vote. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you’ve been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
  • Recruit new people: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
  • Run a grassroots campaign office each summer to raise money to support their campaigns, build their organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns while honing your organizing and management skills. 

Candidates can learn more and apply here.

3.  Back to School for Democracy Collaborative Fellowship

The Back to School for Democracy Collaborative Fellowship, a rapid response mini grants program (up to $1,000) that Project Pericles is launching this fall. Their hope is that you will share this RFP with constituencies you think might be interested and who you think would bring value to your campus, and I am copying key campus leaders to help spread this opportunity. 

About the grants: As you know so well, the current times demonstrate the crucial need to develop a new generation of diverse civic leaders who embrace their role in making a difference in society. This fellowship aims to empower faculty, staff, students, and administrators to effectively engage with relevant civic and social justice issues on your campus in collaborative ways that create more positive participation and unity. 

Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 in funding to design and implement a project, event, or event series to build capacity and vitality to address challenges and opportunities your campus is facing this academic year through one or more of three tracks: 

  • Bridging Differences Through Dialogue
  • Fostering Constructive Expressive Speech
  • Promoting Voter Activation

How to Apply: You can access a more in-depth description through the Request for Proposals here and through the application itself here. Applications should include a description of the key players, how much money is requested, a brief proposal of what the team plans to do, an overview of intended outcomes or impact, and a description of what will be documented and shared.

Applications will be accepted and awarded on a rolling basis from now through October 1. It is advantageous to apply as soon as possible. We commit to getting back to applicants within a week of submission and to disbursing funding within a week after an application is approved. This program is supported by the Mellon Foundation and the Eugene M. Lang Foundation.

4.  Internship Opportunities at Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is recruiting students and recent graduates to join their team as interns or fellows in the spring. Each semester, they have opportunities with a variety of different departments that may appeal to students across many disciplines. These experiences provide valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and may include academic or financial benefits. All openings are posted on their website and they invite applications through October 1, 2024.  

Students can also attend one of their regional conferences. This year, their North Wind Regional Conference is taking place on October 11th – 13, 2024, at Lakeside Laboratory in Milford, Iowa. This is a great opportunity for students to network and learn more about how climate disruption is impacting communities in your region.

CCL is a growing organization and often has open positions. They also post climate-related jobs from other organizations in their jobs forum and in a weekly jobs round-up.  

5.  University of Chicago Semester in Environmental Sciences Program

Located in beautiful in Cape Cod,  the University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Environmental Sciences (SES) program has been running for 26 years. SES offers undergraduate students an immersive field and laboratory-based experience focusing on ecosystem science and the biogeochemistry of coastal forests, fresh water ponds and estuaries. Courses are intended for majors in biology, ecology, biogeochemistry or adjacent fields who have completed a introductory biology and chemistry courses.

6.  DANTA Field Courses

DANTA announces their 2025 field courses in tropical biology. Their courses are intended for undergraduates or early graduate level students who have a keen interest in tropical ecosystems and conservation but have little or no experience of working in a tropical environment. Participants may enroll on either a credit or non-credit basis. For more information, please visit their website at or email [email protected].

7.  University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is looking for the next generation of sustainability leaders to help them transform research into action and tackle the world’s most pressing environmental issues. The Fall 2025 application for SEAS master’s and doctoral programs is now open! 

Here are the key dates and deadlines:

  • December 2, 2024: PhD application deadline
  • December 16, 2024: Early master’s degree application deadline
  • January 15, 2025: Funding consideration deadline

SEAS is committed to helping prospective students navigate the application process, which is why they are hosting an in-person Fall Visit Day on November 15, as well as two webinar series beginning in October.

8.  Green Corps

Green Corps is a one-year, paid training program for environmental organizers. They have more than 400 alumni using the skills they learned with Green Corps in their current roles as executive directors, organizing directors, and communications directors at leading environmental nonprofits. Next year’s Organizer program will run from August 2025-August 2026. They also have a shorter-term opportunity, Campaigner program, which will run from January-April 2025 and is a great opportunity for recent or December 2024 graduates. Questions? Contact Renee Willman, Executive Director, 317-999-5213, [email protected].

9.  Ecosystem Field Studies Course

Ecosystem Field Studies (EcoFS) courses are a valuable complement to students’ classroom knowledge and an excellent opportunity to practice scientific field research skills. The course, Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies, Dec. 28-January 17, 2025, is accredited for 3 undergraduate semester credits by the University of Montana at Missoula, Environmental Studies Program (ENST 391).  EcoFS is an official academic partner to the University of Montana. Undergrads of any year in an ecosystem related department/major are welcome to apply.

10.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

handshake logo

Handshake at Macalester is our career services platform.

Students:  Handshake is preloaded with your basic profile data. Simply log in with your Macalester user id and password.

Read Getting Started with Handshake Guide for Students

The more you use Handshake, the better it works for you. Personalize your experience by filling out career interests and profile. As you choose opportunities and events that interest you, Handshake will learn to present you with opportunities best suited to your needs.

Any questions regarding this newsletter or to be removed from the mailing list, contact Ann Esson at [email protected].