The CCOF Internship/ Volunteer/ Mentor Program
CCOF is offering a comprehensive internship program that provides an integral experience in the organic field including hands-on learning and a chance to create a portfolio to present to future employers. CCOF is creating a network of interns and volunteers to enhance operations within the organization and to continue to promote the mission, goals, and long-held values of CCOF.
Levels of Participation
What to Expect
Benefits
How to Apply
Calendar
Our Current Intern Staff
Download the intern training manual
Levels of Participation
Project Intern
Work with Supporting Mentors implementing CCOF projects. A six month commitment is required. Project Interns will receive training in organic farming practices and certification, as well as internal CCOF operations. Project Interns should anticipate a high level of commitment to CCOF.
CCOF is willing to invest a wealth of time and resources to Project Interns. For this reason, Project Interns must be willing to commit six months to working with the organization. Given this time frame, CCOF can ensure that its interns receive proper training and have exposure to many facets of the organic community.
Visit here to learn more about suggested projects
Volunteers
Volunteers will work closely with staff and interns to advance the mission, goals, and values of CCOF. Volunteers will also participate in organic farming practices and organic certification training.
Supporting Mentors
Supporting Mentors are professional sponsors to interns. Supporting Mentors will work alongside Project Interns to promote CCOF’s mission within each intern’s individualized project. Project Interns and Supporting Mentors will be matched based on personal interests and organizational goals; such that the mentor’s professional skill set will benefit the intern’s project and learning. Click here to learn about the Supporting Mentors in the program now.
Program Benefactor
Designed to give generous souls the opportunity to participate by making in-kind or financial donations. To learn more about becoming a Program Benefactor please visit this page.
What to Expect
For Project Interns: This program is designed to teach interns about CCOF’s operations and allow this knowledge to further the goals of the organization. Furthermore, this program aims to help interns gain skills and experience for future career opportunities.
In order for the goals of this program to be met, interns and mentors are expected to commit at least six months with CCOF, working at least fifteen hours per week. During this six month period, growth will occur as interns are trained in organic certification, tested on this knowledge, introduced to mentors, and placed with a project.
The internship is unpaid, but the experience and benefits to be gained are invaluable. Interns will build their portfolios and gain experience in their areas of interest through their projects.
Interns should also expect to be involved with office functioning at CCOF headquarters. In addition to specialized projects that focus on a particular facet of CCOF, interns will be exposed to the organization as a whole entity through their office duties. These jobs will be varied, and will help staff members work more efficiently.
Upon completion of 240 hours, graduates will be awarded the Organic Intern Training Program Certificate.
Click here to learn more about suggested projects
For Volunteers: Volunteers will be asked for their areas of interest and skills that they can share with interns, other volunteers, staff, and CCOF members. For example, a volunteer may list her skills in writing publications.
Based on area of interest and availability, volunteers will work with CCOF to advance in the organic movement. If volunteers are willing, they may go through the Certification 101 training. With this training, volunteers will have greater opportunities to represent CCOF in the local community.
For Supporting Mentors: Supporting mentors are essential to the intern projects. Intern projects will be based on CCOF staff needs and visions, and put into action with the help of mentors. Mentors will work closely with interns to ensure progress and to give professional insight to the work.
The opportunity to work with experienced professionals will be a key benefit to interns. Time spent with an intern can advance them in their educational and career goals. Since intern projects are designed to span a six month period, a similar commitment from mentors would be necessary. Hours and meeting times would be determined with the interns.
Benefits
With the help and dedication of a few trained interns, CCOF staff will have more time to devote to advocacy and lobbying issues. Adding interns to the organization will provide smoother functioning overall and will lead to expansion of the organization in new ways, such as graphic design, international certification, and organic education for youth through individual intern projects.
The benefits of this program span many levels. At the individual level, interns will gain valuable experience working in the organic industry and developing job skills. At the organizational level, CCOF will benefit from projects relevant to its goals of advancing in the organic movement. At the community level, local communities will benefit from outreach programs and new availability of organic information and resources. On the whole, this program is a necessary step in transitioning to a healthier way of life with organics.
How to Apply
Apply ASAP! Interested persons can download a copy of the CCOF Intern Application. Questions should be directed to the program coordinator: Libby O'Sullivan (organic@ccof.org). The Intern Hotline number is (831) 423-2263 ext. #25.
Calendar of Important Dates
Important Fall 2008 Program Dates
- Sept. 1, 2008 Deadline for Fall Application
- Sept. 26 Internship Start
- Sept. 26 - 28, 2008 Training Session 1 & 2
- Sept. 29 - 30, 2008 Training Session 3 & 4
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