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Founded in 1989, the Wetlands Preserve nightclub launched an internationally recognized activism center committed to high-profile campaigns against environmental abuse and the violation of the rights of humans and other animals. Wetlands' activist events have been televised locally and internationally with newspaper stories and radio reporting worldwide. Through street theater, demonstrations, nonviolent civil disobedience, letter writing, public speaking, information booths, participation in the political and regulatory processes, and a range of other tactics, we expose and challenge corporate and government atrocities. With the closing of the Wetlands Preserve nightclub in September, the Activism Center at Wetlands Preserve has branched out, and is continuing its work as an independent activist organization. The Activism Center at Wetlands Preserve offers a range of internships and volunteer programs for people of all ages and skill and experience levels, and is always seeking committed, responsible, individuals to assist our activist with exciting projects year round. Responsibilities vary widely, depending on internsŐ experience, interests, time commitment, and the needs of the program at the time. Interested students should have a strong interest in environmental, animal rights, or social justice issues and the ability to work in an unusual and extremely stimulating atmosphere. These positions are excellent opportunities to learn about a wide range of environmental and social justice issues. The program for both high school and college interns begins with directed reading and research. Interns work with volunteers and play a role in organizing public forums, demonstrations, and special events. Common intern tasks include making protest signs, puppets, costumes, and banners, filing literature for our resource center, demonstrations, telephone outreach, and help in setting up our weekly forums. Advanced interns are encouraged to assist in and lead campaigns through project research, participation in strategy planning sessions, writing and designing publications, and assisting in running meetings, demonstrations, and nonviolent direct actions. Location: We are currently working in the New York CISPES office at 130 West 29th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues as we search for a new, permanent location. (Please make an appointment before stopping by.) Academic Credit: Can be arranged in conjunction with school internship programs at the high school, college, and post-graduate levels. We will fulfill any requirements of a formal internship (such as training in particular skills or issues and administrative details like attendance sheets evaluation forms and recommendations). Salary: None, but Wetlands long-term volunteers can work with interns to find salaried positions in the environmental movement subsequent to their internship. Wetlands activists have gone on to take salaried positions with organizations including Rainforest Action Network, Friends of Animals, Greenpeace, The Ruckus Society, The Allegheny Defense Project, The High School for Environmental Studies, The Alliance for Democracy, and In Defense of Animals. Additionally, the very flexible hours of Wetlands internships, finding an ethical part- time job is not difficult (e.g. walking dogs, waiting tables at a vegan restaurant). Paying activist positions at other organizations are often posted in our office for people looking for paying work during or subsequent to their internships Training: Wetlands interns work with the experienced staff of an organization that has been on the forefront of activism in New York City for over eleven years. As part of the program, intern will gain extensive knowledge of relevant issues and experience in implementing activist strategies.
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