International Rescue Committee, Baltimore, Maryland
3516 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
United States
Tel: (410) 327-1885
SCOPE OF WORK:
This is an unpaid internship.
The International Rescue Committee of Baltimore is a non-profit, non-sectarian refugee resettlement agency dedicated to working together with legally admitted refugees to assist them in rebuilding lives and reuniting families in the greater Baltimore area. A committed staff of professionals and volunteers provide essential resettlement services to refugee families including basic necessities, education, employment, social services and advocacy.
The Public Health Program at the IRC operates with the overall goal of maximizing public health awareness, access, and advocacy for all refugee and asylee clients. Significant portions of the newly arrived refugees and asylees population are considered medically vulnerable, and suffer from serious conditions that are worsened by living conditions overseas and further exacerbated by systemic barriers to accessing healthcare and social services upon arrival to the U.S. The New Roots program at IRC is an initiative to support nutrition, food security, gardening, enterprise, and production activities within the US network of IRC offices so that resettled refugees are empowered to be self-sufficient and lead healthy lives. In the summer of 2012, the IRC in Baltimore successfully launched its first New Roots Community Garden in the Highlandtown neighborhood. As the gardening program develops, the New Roots Gardening Intern will assist IRC staff to expand the size and scope of the IRC-managed community garden, increase clients access to locally grown and healthy foods, foster community ties between native-US born and newly arriving refugee groups, and work to increase the overall health of our local community.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Support development of New Roots initiative in Baltimore through collaboration with IRC staff.
- Collaborate with IRC staff, community and neighborhood representatives to identify participants, materials, and plants needed for the maintenance of the New Roots Community Garden.
- Assist in securing donations of materials and technical advice to support community gardeners.
- Explore opportunities for expansion of New Roots Garderning program through the acquisition of vacant lots and/or land.
- Organize and help to facilitate community meetings to gauge interest and locate refugee and neighborhood participants in small-scale gardening project(s).
- Research models of refugee and community farming in the state of Maryland, across the New Roots network and with other refugee agencies across the US to provide advice to New Roots gardening in Baltimore.
- Interface with farmers market representatives for potential collaboration, technical support, or mentorship.
- Support Health Advocate in additional tasks as necessary to design and maintain New Roots programming in Baltimore.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience or demonstrated interest in farming issues, nutrition, gardening, garden design, or food security issues, preferably in a multicultural context.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment.
- Organized with great attention to detail and great flexibility.
- Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects and ability to work independently.
- Strong writing and editing skills, specifically in developing print and visual training materials. Experience with computer-based interactive training tools a plus.
- Excellent computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and proficient in a graphic design.
- A car/driver's license is beneficial
- Preferred proficiency in a foreign language, including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Burmese, Chin, or Nepali.
TIME COMMITMENT:
- Fall and Spring interns are asked to work at least 10-15 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for a minimum of 12 weeks
- Summer interns are asked to work at least 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, for a minimum of 12 weeks
- To apply please send your resume, cover letter, and contact info for 2 references directly to Kafiya Ismail, Volunteer Coordinator ( ) and Karine Nankam, Health Advocate ( ).
- IRC leading the way from harm to home.
- IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2013
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