Company/Organization: U.S.PIRG

Description:

Every day decisions are being made at the state capitol, the Governor’s office, and Congress that impact our health, environment, economy and democracy. MASSPIRG works to ensure the voice of the public is represented and fights to protect the public interest. We start with hard-hitting research on the issues and make the case for reform to our decision makers through advocacy. However, just having the facts is often not enough, so we build power through grassroots organizing, coalition building, media work and public education to achieve tangible benefits for Massachusetts and overcome the opposition from powerful special interests.

Fall interns at MASSPIRG will work with our professional staff on a public interest issue—local, statewide, regional or federal—and then learn to develop a campaign, educate and mobilize the key constituencies, stakeholders, and the general public.

One of our priority campaigns right now is to reduce the amount of waste produced and unsustainably disposed of in Massachusetts. The failure to pass a recent ballot initiative to update Massachusetts’ most successful recycling program, the Bottle Bill, has forced those interested in increasing the rate of recycling in the state to consider new legislation and options.

The purpose of the proposed expansion of the Bottle Bill was to address the large discrepancy between the 80% recycling rate of “deposit containers” – soda and beer bottles covered under the redeemable $.05 deposit – and the 23% rate of remaining containers, such as water bottles, sports drinks, and juices.

MASSPIRG will be working as part of a broad coalition of environmental and civic groups, elected officials, representatives of responsible industries, committed activists, and members of the public to arrive at the best method of closing this gap and ensuring that all beverage containers are recycled at a rate at least as high as 80%.

Responsibilities:
• Research waste issues in Massachusetts and the most effective ways to address them.
• Communicate our campaign messages to media, political leaders, and coalition partners.
• Build and organize support among the public.

Qualifications:

Requirements:
• All majors are encouraged to apply.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally.
• An interest in social and political issues.
• Previous campaign experience is a plus.
• Previous campaign experience is a plus.

Hours:

Candidates must commit to 10-15 hours per week. Sc

Length/Availability:

The internship would start immediately and continu

Start Date:

Immediate

End Date:

0501/2015, May 20,2015 (flexible)

Tags:

Environment  political  activism  non-profit 

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