Environmental Justice Internship Incubator

# Environmental Justice & Leadership Internship Incubator

## Position Overview
The Voice Up Program is seeking passionate advocates to join our Environmental Justice Internship Incubator. This transformative opportunity allows participants to apply the Voice Up Theory for Learning to environmental justice initiatives while developing leadership skills that connect personal purpose with ecological stewardship. Interns will work with communities affected by environmental inequities, helping them find their voice and create positive change through purpose-driven action.

## About Voice Up
Voice Up has expanded to over 490 cities, 29 countries in 6 months, demonstrating the powerful impact of our purpose-centered approach for learning. Our theory is built on the belief that people learn most effectively when their learning directly connects to their purpose, and that each person possesses unique talents and abilities that, when developed in connection with a clear purpose, can create meaningful impact in communities and the world.

## Internship Focus
In this role, interns will select one of three tracks, focusing on different aspects of environmental justice work. Through guided application of the Voice Up Theory's four-step process, interns will:
- Discover how their personal purpose connects to environmental advocacy
- Channel their passion for justice into effective community engagement
- Develop communication skills to amplify marginalized voices
- Support communities in navigating environmental challenges with proper resources

## Internship Tracks
Interns will select one of the following three tracks:

### Community Education & Empowerment Track
Working with communities affected by environmental injustice with focus on:
- Facilitating workshops that help community members identify environmental concerns
- Creating safe spaces for dialogue around environmental issues affecting marginalized communities
- Developing educational materials that connect environmental justice to community health
- Supporting community members in finding their voice and purpose as environmental advocates
- Building resilience within communities facing environmental challenges
- Fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives on environmental issues are valued
- Helping community members channel concern into purposeful advocacy
- Documenting community knowledge and experiences with environmental injustice

### Youth Environmental Leadership Track
Working with young environmental advocates (ages 14-22) with focus on:
- Mentoring youth in connecting their purpose to environmental action
- Creating supportive spaces for young people to develop environmental justice initiatives
- Helping youth address eco-anxiety through purpose-driven environmental projects
- Connecting young advocates with mentors in environmental justice movements
- Building youth coalitions focused on specific environmental justice issues
- Developing leadership skills that enhance youth advocacy effectiveness
- Supporting authentic expression of environmental concerns and hopes
- Fostering intergenerational collaboration on environmental justice projects

### Policy & Systems Change Track
Working on structural approaches to environmental justice with focus on:
- Researching environmental policies that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities
- Analyzing environmental data to identify patterns of inequity
- Developing purpose-driven frameworks for evaluating environmental justice implications
- Creating safe environments for affected communities to engage with policymakers
- Building networks of support around policy advocacy initiatives
- Drafting policy recommendations based on community input
- Supporting community resilience during lengthy policy change processes
- Documenting case studies of successful environmental justice policy initiatives

## Responsibilities
- Facilitate small group meetings with community members or youth advocates twice weekly
- Apply the Voice Up methodology to environmental justice contexts
- Help participants identify how their purpose connects to environmental advocacy
- Support development of effective communication strategies for environmental justice
- Create safe spaces where community members can authentically share experiences
- Participate in coalition meetings and community gatherings
- Collaborate with environmental justice organizations and community leaders
- Guide development of environmental justice projects (minimum 3-month duration)
- Document community impacts, advocacy outcomes, and personal growth stories

## Qualifications
- Strong commitment to the Voice Up core principles: collaboration, humility, precision, patience, and empathy
- Passion for environmental justice and community empowerment
- Basic understanding of environmental justice concepts and issues
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse communities
- Willingness to learn and apply the Voice Up Theory in environmental contexts
- Creativity and problem-solving abilities when facing complex challenges
- Reliability and strong time management skills

## Compensation Options
This internship can be structured as:
- Academic credit
- Volunteer position
- Potential stipend (based on qualifications and program funding)

## Benefits
- Comprehensive training in the Voice Up Theory and environmental justice advocacy
- Hands-on experience in community organizing and environmental advocacy
- Opportunity to create meaningful impact in communities affected by environmental injustice
- Connection to a global network of purpose-driven environmental advocates
- Development of transferable leadership and communication skills
- Enhanced understanding of the connections between purpose, justice, and environmental health

## Application Process
Send to info@voiceup.life 
To apply, please submit:
1. Resume/CV with any relevant experience
2. Cover letter explaining your interest in environmental justice and purpose-driven advocacy
3. Brief statement describing your personal connection to environmental issues and how you hope to grow through this internship

Join us in transforming environmental advocacy by placing purpose at its center and helping communities discover not just what environmental challenges they face, but how their voices can create meaningful change.

*Voice Up believes in connecting environmental justice work with meaningful contributions to community wellbeing and ecological health.*