TFF Offering Five Internships
Monday, August 29th, 2005 (New Projects)
The Forest Foundation, whose goal is to promote Sustainable Livelihoods through environmental education and “green” business development services, is offering the following internships for the Fall Semester. In addition to learning fundamental aspects of office and non-profit management, graphics and website development and communications, we offer opportunities to apply ones’ creativity and knowledge in the environmental field. Projects include:
Carolina Biodiesel, Inc. and Bull City Biodiesel Cooperative
The Forest Foundation (TFF) is initiating the development of a one million gallon annual production biodiesel plant in southern Durham as a part of its Green Business Development Services Division (See attached “Executive Summary, Biodiesel Business Plan”). Since spring of 2005, TFF has started Bull City Biodiesel Cooperative with Piedmont Biofuels, opened a B99 tank and purchased Carolina Biodiesel, with its assets of a tanker truck and storage tank. TFF has initiated a dewatering facility for trap grease, assisted in financial planning of a mobile processing unit and has started a diesel vehicle donation, locator and refurbishing service.
The major goal is to use the development and operation of the plant as a learning lab for local schools, colleges and universities, using a model similar to Central Carolina Community College. The Plant will be built using a multi-phased approach with the goal of creating closed-loop energy systems for recycling waste and processing raw materials. The initial phase will entail revitalization of existing infrastructure, research on feedstocks and markets, and liaison with community organizations to build support.
Volunteers are needed to assist in various components and phases of this project. Students should be interested in air pollution, alternative energy, diesel mechanics, chemical or environmental engineering and/or energy policy, have good communication and computer skills, and a desire to make a difference. Stipends may be available for qualified individuals.
Faculty may also be interested in using the facility as a learning lab and TFF would greatly enjoy the opportunity to participate in academic research and teaching. This project may work well as a basis for Honor’s, Master’s or Dissertation research.
Other available internships include:
Artisan Assistance and Liaison
As a part of its Green Business Development Services, The Foundation is starting a project in the Tibetan Plateau of SE China, helping a craft development project of Aid to Artisans in Madagascar, and developing product design and market access programs for various artisan groups who have asked for our assistance. In addition, TFF is planning to solicit sustainable livelihood service contracts from the United Nations Development Program’s Global Environmental Facility. These projects may be ideal for development of a Master’s Project or Dissertation.
Craft Development, Tsunami Affected Regions
TFF has been working to assist several artisan groups in Tsunami affected regions in acquiring equipment and improving long-term sustainable livelihoods through craft development and market access. TFF plans to develop a tool collection and fundraiser program, working with local home improvement centers. Volunteers will help coordinate all aspects of this project from liaison with donors, to managing collection and shipment of donations.
Community Outreach/Educator: Fundraiser with One World Market and Duke University Primate Center
TFF plans to jointly conduct a fair trade fundraiser with these two local organizations this Fall to help raise awareness and generate support for conservation and sustainable development. Additional, community education programs are planned, including tabling at Coldplay concert, NC State Fair and other events. Volunteers can assist in planning fundraising activities, marketing, fair trade craft sales and conducting these events.
Web Development for Sustainable Livelihoods Project
As a part of its Sustainable Livelihood initiate, TFF plans to develop an interactive website on case studies, curriculum and resources for integrated conservation and development projects. The goal is to create the “architecture” of a distance-learning program that can support service centers and consultancy for field projects. Liaison with other service providers and web skills will be required.
Internships will require a ten-hour per week minimum commitment, lasting over the course of one semester. A paper, project, or other documentation of work done for TFF to be used for credit will be determined on a case-by-case basis according to the needs of the intern. TFF will work with individual professors to assess student progress.
Please send letters of interest or resumes to info@theforestfoundation.org or call (919) 957-1505.
Mary Katherine Williams
Executive Director,
The Forest Foundation, Inc.– a 501(c)(3) promoting Sustainable Livelihoods
607 Ellis Road, Bldg. 53-A1, Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-1500,1505
Fax: (919) 957-1502
www.theforestfoundation.org
www.forestsoftheworld.com
www.carolinabiodiesel.org