Internship available with the Rural Media Center

Location: The RMC is in Scappoose, OR (30 minutes outside of downtown Portland); however, tele-commuting is possible for the right person.

The Rural Media Center is a project of the Rural Organizing Project, Scappoose, Oregon and is developed by volunteers across the state who are committed to advancing the issues of democracy and justice in rural Oregon & actively building an independent progressive presence in the media.

Mission: Our mission is to provide a progressive voice to the rural media and maintain regular positive communication about issues that advance democracy in small town Oregon.

In 2010 the Rural Media Center will focus on nurturing ‘Welcoming Communities’ and consciousness-raising around justice for our immigrant community members. Ultimately, this infiltration of the media with positive message will slowly build a more inclusive community and, in turn, affect the discourse on Immigration Reform.

Please see our website and RMC page for more information on the project.

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Assisting in developing the monthly e-newsletter that is the main source of communication between the RMC and member activists.
  • Tracking small town newspapers for information about anti-immigrant or pro-immigrant articles and letters.
  • Drafting talking points, sample letters to the editors and opinion editorials.
  • Work with activists in local communities to get original pieces printed in local media.
  • Website development and maintenance.
  • Exploring and networking with alternative media sources in rural Oregon.
  • Organizing others to participate in the RMC.

Skills required:

  • Excitement to work on a groundbreaking project to advance immigration justice in traditionally conservative communities.
  • High computer literacy – ability to navigate the web and search functions to find what you need even when it’s not immediately obvious.
  • Willingness to experiment, try new things, talk to people you don’t know and interact with our membership.
  • Good communication skills – writing, editing, and phone conversations.

Commitment:

  • Length of internship is flexible; however, a minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required.
  • The internship will be most fruitful and rewarding for someone that can commit a minimum of 10 hours a week. An ideal situation would have you spend one day in the office in Scappoose (a 30 minute drive from Portland) with 2 hours to spread out over the rest of the week. This is negotiable.
  • Weekly check-ins with RMC staff.

To apply:

  • Submit a resume with relevant experience.
  • Include a cover letter about your interest in interning with the Rural Media Center and answer the following question: In your opinion, what is the most compelling message for the general public about why immigrants should be welcomed into our communities?
  • Send all resumes in an email to by June 1, 2010. Subject line: RMC Internship
  • This is an unpaid internship.