Written by : Brianna Montoya
This fall semester I have been interning with a national non-profit organization called Fund for the Public Interest. Close to the UT campus, the white office building, which resembles much like a regular home, can be seen if one were to drive right off 30th street and Speedway. This non-profit is dedicated to working on top environmental and social change issues that affect our everyday lives. Fund for the Public Interest has many smaller grassroots action groups that intertwine with it as well. And currently the organization that I have had the opportunity to work with is called Environment Texas. This sub organization is in the works of protecting Austin’s waterways from pollution, by calling on city council to require developers to use nature-based infrastructure.
Therefore, a lot of my work has consisted of campaigning, getting petitions, and raising awareness of our rising pollution issue. Not only that but since covid has caused a lot of current members to either go back to their home states or work remotely— it almost feels as if this organization is slowly starting back up again. And because of this one of the main goals I have been working on is recruiting new, potential members for the organization to grow in numbers. Every week the other interns and I go out once or twice to go “clip boarding” which is basically getting people who are interested in working with Environment Texas and signing them up for information sessions.
Our office area where everyone gets together to discuss goals and go over daily announcements
Another thing that I do quite often is job calls, and interviews for people who are interested in the paid positions. I also call current members and supporters to let them know of upcoming events that the organization hosts. What I found surprising from doing these types of tasks is that I really enjoy them. The amount of new people I have met from this and learning why they joined and continue to support the organization has been a pleasant experience. This has definitely allowed me to crawl out of my shell more and more. I have also noticed how passionate my coworkers are with this campaign, which has created such a positive work morale in the office.
Something that I also found surprising, is the attention that the organization has gained since interning with Environment Texas. My director had the opportunity to get interviewed by KXAN News last month, which is an amazing platform to spread more awareness! Also this coming week we are going to speak with Austin City Council member for District 4, Greg Casar, in hopes of gaining his support for “green” infrastructure on commercial development. It is an indescribable feeling to know how much effort goes into these campaigning jobs, and have your voice heard. It is something I have very much enjoyed.
This sounds like such an amazing experience to gain more exposure towards campaigning and helping a good cause! Have you ever had experience with this organization before? What did your day to day tasks include?
This sounds like such a great position! It seems like you’re getting a lot of good experience with community outreach and will leave the position will good communication skills
Hey! I’ve actually done some work with Environment Texas too! I’m glad you are enjoying your internship.
Hello, your internship sounds super interesting and seems like it is a valuable position. It is super cool that you are interacting with different grass roots groups and your organization is receiving media attention. The grass roots efforts you are participating in will definitely provide you with good opportunities to practice professional communication.
Hi! Your internship sounds really interesting! I’m glad that you feel you’ve grown in your position and have gained experience in a lot of different skills that you might not have expected to use.
This is awesome! Aligns well with the ENSP major which is also my major. Seems like a good fit for you. I hope you can work out a job with them if you are interested!