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Volunteer Communications and Activism Placement

Hours: 3-4 days per week (to be agreed with volunteer)
Duration: 3 months minimum preferred
Location: Edinburgh, Head Office

Information for applicants

Friends of the Earth Scotland is an independent registered charity, working for environmental justice in Scotland. For 30 years we have campaigned for a decent environment for all, supporting disadvantaged communities suffering from environmental injustices such as pollution, or the adverse effects of poor developments such as road expansions or open cast mining.

Currently, FoE Scotland has approximately 5,000 members who support our campaigning activities as well as providing over 40% of our annual income.

The Job

We are looking for someone with a passion for tackling climate change and environmental issues to assist in our busy Communications and Supporter Development Department.

With guidance and support from our Communications Officer and Activism Development Officer you will assist in critical campaign and membership activities. These will include working with our activists, monitoring our media presence and assisting with our online presence including our website and other sites such as Facebook.

Person Specification

Essential Skills:

• Excellent written communication skills
• Flexible and enthusiastic approach
• Good IT skills and knowledge of using web including Facebook and MySpace
• Methodical and well organised, with good attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable Skills:

• Reasonable knowledge of and interest in the issue of climate change
• Web development skills
• Campaigning experience
• Experience of recruiting, training or coordinating activists
• Experience using Apple Macs would be beneficial
• Database experience would be useful but we can give you database training

Duties:

• Collecting and monitoring our media mentions
• Assist with development and management of new media communications including Facebook and MySpace presence
• Assist with updating website and creating content
• Help develop communications resources and materials
• Assist with organisation of activist events around Scotland
• Help respond to information enquiries from our supporters
• Support the department with database entry and maintenance
• Any other tasks which affect the smooth running of the department, with the agreement of the volunteer

Reporting to: the Media & Communications Officer who is based in the Edinburgh office

Additional Information

This post is also an excellent introduction to an effective and dynamic environmental organisation. It allows the post holder to gain a full overview of all areas that are worked on not only in communications, but campaigns and fundraising.

It gives first hand experience of how the organisation uses activism to inspire positive change, and what is involved in successfully getting messages across to a wide spectrum of different people, what works with whom and why.

Benefits

• Local travel and lunch expenses,
• Involvement with a campaigning organisation
• Hands on experience of how an environmental pressure group deals with the media
• Training
• A reference.

If you are interested in this position, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form and return to Friends of the Earth Scotland, 5 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR or contact the office, telephone: 0131 243 2700.

Selection will be by application form and informal interview.

Friends of the Earth Scotland is an environmental charity based in Scotland
5 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PR. Tel: 0131 243 2700. Registered charity number SC003442