FALL Environmental Justice Intern - Unpaid

About the Role

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) seeks an Environmental Justice Intern to support the implementation of MDAR's Environmental Justice Strategy. This internship focuses on farmer support, engagement, language access, and communication to ensure meaningful access to MDAR programs and services for all Massachusetts residents.

Responsibilities

• Develop program and outreach materials, educational resources, presentations, and other public-facing content with guidance from MDAR's EJ Team.
• Support community and farmer engagement efforts by assisting with outreach activities, workshops, public meetings, agricultural and cultural events, and other community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with MDAR's Language Access Coordinator to develop resources that improve public understanding of MDAR's Language Access Services, including preparing multilingual materials for workshops, events, grant programs, and funding opportunities.
• Assist in the development of "MDAR 101" educational materials that help farmers and community members navigate MDAR programs and services, including support for multilingual captioning, translation, and video accessibility.
• Collaborate with MDAR's EJ Outreach Coordinator to create outreach materials that highlight the diversity of Massachusetts farmers, food systems, agricultural practices, and Environmental Justice initiatives.
• Support the development of Public Involvement Plans (PIPs) by conducting research, drafting materials, and assisting with strategies that promote meaningful public participation in agency programs and initiatives.
• Organize, maintain, and improve stakeholder databases, community partner information, grant inventories, and other program resources to strengthen outreach and engagement.
• Conduct research and support outreach efforts related to culturally relevant local food systems, community partnerships, and equitable access to MDAR programs, services, and resources.
• Assist with special projects, meeting coordination, note-taking, event logistics, and other EJ initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to research, analyze, organize, and present information in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner for agency staff, farmers, and community stakeholders.
• Experience creating outreach materials, educational resources, presentations, or other public-facing communications.
• Interest in Environmental Justice, agriculture, food systems, public policy, sustainability, community engagement, language access, or related fields.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Microsoft Lists, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design and collaboration tools is a plus.
• Experience with graphic design, photography, video production, social media, or other digital communications is preferred but not required.
• Multilingual skills are welcome but not required.