2023–24 Advocacy and Communications Fellowship

Open to Virginia- or DC-based undergraduate and graduate students

 

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to info@virginiaclinicians.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  

 

Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action (VCCA) was founded in 2017 in order to bring the clinician voice to climate change advocacy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

 

Clinicians have the knowledge and mission to play a vital role in protecting the health and prosperity of Virginia’s families and communities from climate change. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, VCCA is building a network of clinician advocates for local and statewide climate change solutions that protect the health of our patients and communities.

 

VCCA has become a leading health voice for climate change solutions that move Virginia towards a clean energy economy. We recently completed a strategic planning process which recognizes our early accomplishments and maps out our goals and objectives for the next three years. You can read our plan here. We are seeking a fellow to join our team to support the execution of the plan. 

 

The fellow will gain knowledge and experience in advocacy, research, education, and communications around climate and health. This person will be working closely with the executive director and leadership committees. 

 

The expected time commitment is 5–10 hours/week from September 2023 through May 2024. This position offers a stipend of $3,000.

 

Projects for the fellow will include:

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1. Drafting social media content, creating online invitations/announcements, and generating new online outreach strategies.

2. Researching and writing statements on climate and health topics, drafting media materials (press-releases, op-eds, and letters to the editor).

3. Assisting Education and Advocacy Committee co-chairs to advance the work of the Virginia Climate and Health Education Collaborative and Advocacy Initiatives, including at VCCA’s annual General Assembly Advocacy Day in Richmond.

4. Preparing presentations, including using PowerPoint.

5. Supporting fundraising research and keeping funder and partner lists up to date.

6. Attending and taking notes in weekly meetings (1–2).

7. Performing other administrative tasks as needed.

 

 The fellow should have the following qualifications:

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1. Background knowledge about climate change as well as health, which could be through undergraduate or graduate background in science and/or healthcare.

2. Excellent writing and proofreading ability.

3. Proficiency in health science research and referencing.

4. Social media proficiency.

5. Basic graphic/web design ability.

6. Some experience in nonprofit or issue-based advocacy would be valuable.