Community Engagement Intern

POSITION PURPOSE

This position provides a student intern with a broad range of responsibilities in organizational development, volunteer management and event planning, program development, and community engagement.

Projected outcomes include:

i. Build partnerships with local non-profit organizations, service clubs, and businesses

ii. Create education workshops for client families using community gardens and mobile pantries

iii. Increase participation in Bridge’s signature event, Sleep Out Saturday, and other hallmark events like the Glen Ellyn Backyard Barbecue and Wine Women and Shoes

iv. Increase visibility of Bridge Communities and awareness about the issue of homelessness through targeted networking with business, community service clubs, and local faith communities

DUTIES

a. Create an education program that integrates the on-site community gardens, harvested produce, and overall nutrition program goals through virtual and on-site, family-friendly, food-centered activities

b. Compile family- and budget-friendly recipes into a cookbook and distribute at a family event where recipe book is featured

c. Assist in planning the summer nutrition workshop for homeless families including volunteer coordination and communication, menu development, and logistical support

d. Organize one event that uses community or service club volunteers to serve local homeless families and forwards the mission of Bridge Communities

e. Research and compile findings of area businesses and funders with commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), social justice, and community service

f. Recruit new and existing community partners for annual Sleep Out Saturday community event using phone calls, email, social media, and promotional materials

g. Promote Glen Ellyn Backyard Barbecue through marketing, social media, and outreach, securing raffle giveaways for the event, recruiting business vendors, and assisting with logistics

h. Promote Wine Women and Shoes through marketing, social media, volunteer organizing and logistics

COMMUNITY IMPACT

a. The projects completed by the student intern will build community awareness about suburban homelessness and poverty. This increased awareness will lead to expanded volunteer and community partnerships, thus multiplying the impact of Bridge’s work with homeless families, and ultimately empowering more client families to achieve permanent housing and financial stability. The activities that the intern will complete will strengthen Bridge’s capacity and mission, and thus improve the lives of many more DuPage County families. In addition, projects will also improve nutritional health of homeless families and help to provide essential knowledge that will contribute to long-term success.

QUALIFICATIONS

a) Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

b) Experience with Adobe, cloud-based document sharing, and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Proficient with social media administration.

c) Ability to make cold calls.

d) Understanding of homelessness and poverty. Passion for helping those in need.

e) Ability to work independently, as well as a member of a team.

f) Ability to set priorities and organize work to accomplish goals.

g) Openness to learning. Flexibility.