Position: Southwest Environmental Justice Initiative Intern

Supervisor: Southwest Environmental Justice Lead Coordinator

Status: Intern, unpaid

Location: remote

Duration: Negotiable

Position Description

Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) is uniting women on the frontlines of environmental causes through the coordination of resources, training and technology – because when women thrive, communities thrive. The Southwest Environmental Justice (SEJ) Initiative is the only environmental justice-focused pro bono advocacy initiative in the United States Southwest, providing unprecedented opportunities for the intersection of Native American women environmental activists and pro bono technical legal advocacy. Currently our partners include Native American grassroots groups throughout the Southwest, including New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada.

The SEJ Intern primarily fulfills a support role for the initiative, providing research relative to the partners we work with and the environmental and human rights issues facing these communities. Specifically, the SEJ Intern will assist with research related to coal-fired power plants, uranium mining and processing, restoration of the land and water systems, public exposure to reclaimed sewage water, bisection of national boundaries across traditional Indigenous lands, US Homeland Security (border patrol) abuses, medical waste recycling facilities, depletion of natural water aquifers for industrial use, unprecedented levels of air pollution from high concentration of petroleum-based power facilities. This research will benefit both the initiative and our Native American grassroots partners throughout the Southwest.

The SEJ Intern will participate as a member of a dynamic team, utilizing their skills to advance the aims of protecting Native communities and the entire nation from the adverse effects of conventional, industrial business models of pillage and plunder. The SEJ Intern will also be responsible for conducting and sharing research in culturally sensitive ways, with a focus of anti-oppression and commitment to environmental justice and human rights.

Qualifications:

·         Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills;

·         Attention to detail, excellent organization skills and ability to multi-task;

·         Interest in critical research and systems-building

·         Demonstrated ingenuity, creativity and initiative required;

·         A deep commitment to Indigenous and women’s full participation in social and environmental justice movements throughout the world;

·         Experience working with others of different backgrounds, including (but not limited to) economic, cultural and racial backgrounds.

Responsibilities and Priorities:

·         Prioritize the research needs of Native American grassroots groups related to environmental and social injustice to benefit the grassroots community work of our partners;

·         Compile research and information for educational purposes to be shared in various mediums, including WEA website, WiserEarth, printed fact sheets, etc.;

·         Assist with organization of internal information related to the initiative;

·         Provide additional research support to SEJ Delegates when necessary and appropriate;

·         Participate in and contribute to conference call with partners and WEA staff;

·         Report to SEJ Lead Coordinator regularly on accomplishments and plans of action;

·         Contribute to the overall success of the organization by assisting wherever and whenever appropriate;

·         Support WEA’s commitment to diversity and anti-oppression.

To apply for this internship, please send your cover letter and resume to info@womensearthalliance.org. If you have questions about this internship, call 415-623-9231.