University Project Collaboration and Intern Opportunities

Interns and Collaborative Projects

Organization Name: RideBuzz

Contact: Jeff Brown

Tel. 978-394-3740 (cell)

Concept Article: http://www.ridebuzz.org/articles/whats-all-buzz-about-508.html

Organizational Description

RideBuzz.org is a non-profit community-driven ridesharing program in the Pioneer Valley that is directly benefiting the local community and environment. RideBuzz is working to help people share rides; build a stronger community; and drastically reduce fuel consumption while stimulating local economies. This community-enriching organization is increasing access to low-cost and efficient transportation options for those in need (i.e. low-income, elderly, disabled, immigrant and non-licensure populations: students too!). This is a unique and innovative program that is endorsed by Co-op Power, CET, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Highland Valley Elder Services, Riverside Industries, Mayor Higgins (Northampton), ServiceNet, PV Local First, Mass Bike PV, Deans Beans, River Valley Market, Author Richard Heinberg (Peak Oil expert and RideBuzz Board of Advisor), and many more.

Intern Positions and Collaborative Project General Information All positions and projects will help positively impact the Pioneer Valley to advance social equity, increase access to transportation for the underserved, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of responsibility that you have will be directly proportional to your ambition. Self motivated individuals are a plus! And if you feel strongly about making meaningful changes to our world that is a double plus!! Strong communication skills will be helpful for all positions. Ideally we are looking to work with students that want to integrate their academic process with unique and meaningful projects that relate to RideBuzz and benefit the community – learning productively! Engage your professors and classrooms with creative ideas!

1) Community Development

Responsibilities: Communicating with under-served populations and related human service organizations/agencies (may also include municipalities and socially responsible businesses) to help co-develop tailored rideshare programs and educate related communities about the RideBuzz program; PowerPoint presentation and strong communication skills will be helpful. We welcome individuals with a command of the Spanish language, but not necessary. If you attain financial sponsors you will be rewarded monetarily.

2) Economic Development: Leverage your business skills for social change

Responsibilities: Communicating the economic value proposition of the RideBuzz program to businesses, helping implement rideshare programs (being involved and leading sales and potential financial partnering sponsors. If you attain financial sponsors you will be rewarded monetarily.

3) Social Change Activists (grassroots volunteer organizers/canvassers): “Moving towards sustainability.”

Responsibilities: Locate and mobilize a force of canvassers to raise awareness and funding for the program. If you attain financial sponsors you will be rewarded monetarily.

4) Computer Science and Web Development

Responsibilities: Using your skill set to augment the development process

Looking for Computer programmers, web developers that have interest in playing a role in the development of an innovative ridesharing system that is developing GPS enabled approaches to increase last-minute options for users. A background in Drupal (open source CMS – based in PHP) and/or a strong willingness to learn is crucial. RideBuzz uses Drupal.

5) Marketing Savvy Outreach Folks/Events Planners/Creative solutions for raising awareness

Responsibilities: Planning and arranging events. Contacting potential event co-sponsors, running events, tabling booths, creating flyers and marketing and promotional material, creative solutions also welcome “GETTING THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE RIDEBUZZ PROGRAM!!” Planning Community events (that may include music events and other activities that draw the general community in and create awareness)”

6) Planners: Transportation, Sustainability

Responsibilities: Looking at geographic strategies and physical location based strategies to increase the use of ridesharing inclusive of GIS mapping; Demographic analysis and identification of communities that can be served by the program

7) Grant writers

Responsibilities: Locating and applying for grants that will strengthen the RideBuzz program

Focus area: Congestion and traffic Mitigation, Environment, social welfare, transportation, economic stimulation foundations, government grants, etc. If your efforts return funding, you will be rewarded monetarily.

8) Graphic Designers/Artist Activists:

Responsibilities: Flyer Design, web design, bumper stickers shirts and finding creative ways to raise consciousness using art as a medium.

9) Film and Media Students:

Responsibilities: Produce media that increases awareness of social change movements. Collaborate and utilize professional resources at ACTV Amherst - Opportunity to create a documentary on ridesharing, and short commercials for webcast and to be aired on public television.

10) English, Writing, Publishing:

Learn how to create web content that is pervasive in gaining attention in social Networks. Help thread RideBuzz into social Networking Mediums. Create meaningful web content

11) Graduate, Doctoral, and Undergraduate Project Opportunities

RideBuzz is seeking high-level involvement to help design and implement various aspects of our program - working with interns, faculty and community to increase our program capacity and efficacy.

One project that needs involvement:

Summary of Elder Rideshare Proposed Pilot Project

http://www.ridebuzz.org/articles/elder-transportation-elder-ridesharing-western-mass-420.html

12) Political Science

Help design and implement a project to help increase voter turnout for this coming election cycle.

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