The Peace Corps Press Office is looking for a student majoring in public affairs, communications, or journalism for a paid internship position starting this summer.

This is your chance to:

• See your story ideas become reality
• Increase your portfolio of written articles, press releases, etc.
• Learn how a press office operates
• Acquire knowledge on how an international organization works
• Earn academic credit for your internship experience

As a Press Office Intern you will have the chance to:

• Write press releases for media distribution and the Peace Corps Web site
• Write profile stories on Volunteers serving around the world
• Assist in pitching stories to regional, national, or specialty media
• Assist with the design and layout of a full color newsletter for Peace Corps volunteers
• Search, review and archive news clippings on the Peace Corps
• Put together press kits for reporters and special events
• Fulfill the requests of media and the public through mailing press kits, faxing press releases, updating fact sheets, answering inquiries, and other responsibilities

These are just a few ways you can gain press/international experience and help spread the word about the Peace Corps’ 47-year old mission and the grass-roots development work of Volunteers in 74 countries, working in the areas of education, youth outreach, and community development; business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS; and information technology.

You must be able to work 20-30 hours a week. Graduate students preferred. Working hours are designed to accommodate student class schedules. The intern will report to the Press Relations and Publications Specialist and will work on projects for the Press Director and Deputy Press Director within the Peace Corps Press Office.

If interested, please send your resume, cover letter and a short writing sample to: pressoffice@peacecorps.gov

After reading an article on the Industrial News Room, I was left with a few questions. None of them really came from one cohesive train of thought. First, should the leaders of today’s government and business be held accountable for their actions outside of the office? The article mentions the recent downfall that was Governor Spitzer’s career and how ethics and moral behavior is always being pushed into public discourse when it comes to business. The question here is, do the leaders that tout themselves for being socially responsible in the boardroom, need to be socially and morally responsible in their personal lives? Does it even matter, unless it directly affects the consumer?

Another question that stemmed from further reading was whether or not the costs of compliance tests are too high for these businesses? Could this be a downfall to having governmentally regulated CSR standards? Or are big businesses just looking for a way to explain their outsourcing so they don’t look like the “bad guy”?

Development Intern Position

Intern will provide support to the Development and External Affairs department. This department is responsible for maintaining and raising funds to support the operation of My Sister’s Place, Inc. (MSP); identifying new sources of funding; engaging in campaigns or events; developing materials for external use; and increasing the overall visibility of the organization. Intern responsibilities include: researching prospective funders including corporate and foundation organizations, assist with direct mail operations, write and help prepare grant proposal packages and applications, database management, special projects and assist with other administrative duties when needed.

Qualifications
Completion of at least 30 hours of coursework; knowledge of Microsoft Office; strong writing skills.

 About Us

For nearly three decades, My Sister’s Place, Inc. (MSP)’s programs and services have addressed the comprehensive and holistic needs of domestic violence survivors in the District of Columbia. Toward that goal, MSP provides crisis intervention over the telephone and in-person, information and referrals, individual and group counseling, clinical case management, extensive community outreach and education, emergency food/shelter and transitional housing and other supportive services. MSP’s success in serving victims of domestic violence, and always responding to the needs of our clients, shows that the sanctuary which our agency provides is conducive to helping victims establish and maintain violence free lives.

 To Apply

Email cover letter, resume and writing sample to:

Johnica J. Garrett
jgarrett@mysistersplacedc.org
202-529-5261 ext 302

Today our beloved Bethesda, MD based beverage firm, Honest Tea, announced that it sold the Coke Corporation a 40% stake in its business with an option to by within the next 3 years. Many question the motives of the holistic company’s CEO Seth Goldman.

Is he selling out to the big corporation for the money or are his intentions just as wholesome as the tea he’s served for the past 10 years? Goldman argues that with the Coke Corporation backing him he will need 10 times as many organic ingredients thus creating a demand for “a more sustainable system of agriculture, one that doesn’t rely on chemical pesticides and fertilizers”. Goldman continues to insist that as opposed to him “selling out” they are “buying in”.

What we want to know from you is whether or not socially conscious independents can do more good with the backing of large corporations or are they better off remaining independent? For the Washington Post article on the purchase click here.

JOB OPENING

Position:                     Internship

Location:                   Washington, DC

Compensation:                    Hourly based on experience

Gibraltar Associates, a consulting company in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., is seeking an intern to work with multinational clients on public policy, public relations and brand management projects. The ideal candidate brings outstanding written and oral communications skills, an interest in public relations and international policy, as well as strong academic, technology and research skills. The successful candidate will provide administrative support to firm principals by conducting media and issue research, project and event support, report generation various office tasks.

Must be available for a minimum of three months.

Qualifications:
• Enrolled in undergraduate degree program in a related field with an above average GPA
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and contribute to projects under tight deadlines

• Superior time-management skills and proven ability to execute long-term projects

•Avid interest and understanding of news media and the interplay between public perception and public policy
• Proactive with a strong work ethic
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@gibraltar-llc.com

Corporate Social Responsibility is at the forefront of “bigger, better, brighter” business. Many companies have voluntarily adopted policies that make them more appealing to the eco-friendly and socially responsible consumer, but for the most part these efforts are left largely uncoordinated across the varying fields of business.

An event hosted by the Brookings Institute discussed topics relating CSR to government policy and what the link between the two should potentially be. The question that this brings to mind is: should the government have regulation over CSR practices? If the government does gain control of these policies will the “good natured” connotation behind a company practicing social responsibility change? How could government regulation affect business? The event summary and transcript from the event can be found here. Seeing the growth of CSR in the recent years, what do you see for its future (with or without government regulation)?

One of our students, Matt Dowthit, e-mailed out this recent NYTimes article highlighting Wal-Mart’s promise to be more socially responsible. As many of you know, Wal-Mart has an all but retched reputation when it comes to corporate citizenship. The article describes chief executive, H.Lee Scott’s promises:

“In a lofty address that at times resembled a campaign speech, the chief executive of Wal-Mart Stores, H. Lee Scott Jr., said that ‘we live in a time when people are losing confidence in the ability of government to solve problems.’ But Wal-Mart, he said, ‘does not wait for someone else to solve problems.’”

Can Wal-Mart actually change its perception? Can it really be responsible? Will you start shopping at Wal-Mart because of these promises?

Council on Foundations is a clearinghouse for charitable foundations. Each year the Council gives an award called the Wilmer Shields Rich Award for Excellence in Communications to foundations that compete against each other (in their own size categories) by submitting annual reports, newsletters/magazines, websites, or special reports.  They need evaluators to work in teams and rate each entry on a pre-printed evaluation sheet.
 
This year the evaluation session will be on Friday, February 1, at the Council’s new headquarters in Crystal City, Virginia (exact location is 2121 Crystal Drive, Suite 700 · Arlington, VA 22202 · 800/673-9036)  The session will start at 9:00 a.m. and will run a good deal of the day (depending upon the number of entries received).  Breakfast and lunch will be served and the Council will reimburse for parking fees.  Further information can be found at the Council’s website address:  www.cof.org 
 
If you are interested please e-mail Ashley Duque Kienzle, adk38@georgetown.edu, with your name and contact information (the Council likes to send out thank you letters to participants) and also a short (one paragraph) bio.

MENTORS, INC. Mentors, Inc.’s mission is to increase the success rates of Washington, DC’s public high school students by pairing them with caring, adult volunteers in structured and enriched mentoring relations that promote personal, academic and career development.  Our goals are to ensure that each of our students graduate from high school ready to transition into meaningful work or higher education. We provide access to enrichment opportunities in college preparation and career exploration, community service and life skills development.  Graduating seniors are eligible for scholarships and all students and their mentors enjoy free or low-cost tickets to local sports events, museums, concerts and other cultural events.  Marketing/Communications Internship Purpose: The Marketing/Communications Assistant is responsible for helping build organizational capacity by raising Mentors, Inc.’s visibility among its multiple constituents (e.g. youth, mentors, businesses, community organizations and funders).  Reports: The Marketing/Communications Assistant reports to the Development Manager and the Executive Director. Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Maintaining, updating and enhancing the Mentors, Inc. website to serve as a resource for program participants and to communicate with the public;
• Producing outreach and publicity materials;
• Drafting and disseminating press releases and public service announcements to support recruitment efforts and visibility;
• Helping to design and produce events that will elevate the organization’s profile in the community.
• Designing and disseminating quarterly online and print newsletters;
• Drafting/disseminating/formatting program materials;
• Producing weekly “Cool Ideas” newsletter for mentors/protégés;
• Developing mentor-protégé profiles for use in organizational publications;
• Creating a template for and producing an annual report;
• Updating and maintaining development database and e-newsletter data system;
• Assisting development and fundraising efforts, including but not limited to conducting grant research and providing administrative support for special events.
• Performing daily news searches and keeping staff abreast of relevant local and national news related to youth, education, and mentoring.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with web editors and skill in and/or willingness to learn more about web-based communications;
• Exceptionally strong writing and oral communication skills;
• Experience in document layout, design and/or production;
• Proficiency in basic office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access) and basic database skills;
• Ability to organize information graphically for presentations and publications;
• Strong information and resource gathering skills;
• At a minimum an undergraduate degree – ideally in one of the following: English, mass communications, journalism, graphic design or marketing;
• Interest in improving circumstances of low-income, minority youth;
• A desire to be part of a busy organization undergoing change and seeking to establish itself as a leader in its field.
• Event planning experience is desired, extremely useful, but not essential.

 The candidate must be highly organized, creative, critical thinker who is at ease in both professional and informal environments, attuned to the interests of youth, able to interact comfortably with diverse organizations and individuals, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team to plan and complete tasks.  Contact:                    Karin Sheets                                    KSheets@mentorsinc.org                                      (202) 783-2115