A series that runs every Tuesday, where I ask questions unrelated to the environment, fair trade, or local politics that I’ve been wondering about but haven’t been able to google the answers to. Any advice is appreciated.
What’re you doing this summer?
For those undecided — Some activities to consider (or to sponsor me to do):
Intern at the aforementioned better thinking.
Bike in the Sustainable Energy in Motion Bike Tour. 503.239.8426. Bike hundreds of miles across Oregon and participate in amazing service projects while meeting cool people. You’ll do everything from promoting sustainable organic farming practices to studying and working with Native American communities. There are a few different programs planned — Join in!
If you’re a student, become a National Convergence Coordinator for the United Students for Fair Trade (USFT) and plan the 2007 conference — the vision, the logistics, the programming, the outreach — for a stipend. You gotta apply by April 17, 2006, cuz the project begins in May and ends March 2007-ish. Send resume, cover letter, and bid form to Michele Hart at Michele.Hart@gmail.com.
I’m not sure what I’ll be doing this summer. I really should try and take this making money thing more seriously — After all, it pays for organic food and liquor. If you know of an enviro-friendly gig that’ll actually help me pay rent and support my organic wine habit, drop me a line –
Update, 4/5/06: A couple more summer options:
Spend a weekend at the Fair Trade Symposium — Fair Trade: People, the Planet, and Profits — at York Univ. in Toronto, from June 2 to June 4. Just $40 (Canadian, I think) for students! Register and get more info here. Email Ian at ianhussey@fairtradenetwork.ca with questions.
Be part of a Fair Trade Coffee Delegation to the Heart of Chiapas from June 11 to 17. You’ll learn about organic coffee production in Zapatista and Las Abejas fair trade coffee co-ops working to create community sustainability. For more info, visit Higher Grounds Trading Co., and contact Chris at chris@javaforjustice.com
For something more permanent: Work at Equal Exchange! A Food Service Sales Rep position’s avaliable :)
Update, 4/14/06: One more –
Get into Centro de Idiomas‘ 12-week summer Spanish language immersion program which focuses on community involvement in Nicaragua or Octal.
Maybe you should try getting an internship at starbucks…
Comment by james — April 4, 2006 @ 11:56 pm
James’ idea isn’t bad, a little inside scoop could be very enlightening.
One thing I have always wanted to do is to work on an organic farm as a laborer. I did landscaping during summers in college and I loved being outdoors enjoying the sun (and occasional rain) while getting plenty of excercise. But an organic farm would be much more eco-friendly. Another idea for folks to consider is to volunteer at your local farmer’s market. Often just a few hours one day a week can be very helpful in keeping these vital community markets operating in your neighborhood.
Comment by Wheeledmenace — April 5, 2006 @ 7:15 am
cool and very good-cause and interesting summer activity options. wish i were in california still and ‘available’ i’d do the bike (getting scoops in organic farming) and trip to Chiapas :-) wish i’ve done many of these above options before, but i’ll be at SAYA in antibes trying to make this fair trade shop works this summer and on :-) i’d ‘hire’ you if i could ;-P for the summer in cote d’azur. how about that?
good luck for your summer decision…i’m sure it’ll be fun and rewarding for you.
Comment by Maya — April 6, 2006 @ 8:34 am
Well, back in the day when Major of Starbucks visited LA, he told me about how Starbucks is really a great place to work. “This isn’t a recruiting trip, but…” he said. I would guess, however, that about a half year of Starbucks challenge failures later, he wouldn’t be so enthused about me joining the mermaid ;)
Interesting suggestion about working at organic farms or the farmer’s market though. Do they really take volunteers? Will try to find out –
Comment by Siel — April 9, 2006 @ 9:56 am
Have you ever heard ‘Sorry’ of Madona … hot song. I love C# :)
Comment by Smart — April 9, 2006 @ 9:06 pm