opportunity

Local Currency Internship

About the Schumacher Center for a New Economics

The Schumacher Center is a leader in the movement to create a just, regenerative economy that supports both people and the planet, heir to the programs begun under the E. F. Schumacher Society in 1980. The Schumacher Center houses a research library and archive that steward a rich tradition of community economic thought and practice. Through its renowned lecture series and other speaker programing as well as its publications, the Schumacher Center is working at the forefront of shaping this movement and advancing it to a broader public. The Center’s on-the-ground projects test and develop models and tools to empower citizens in local economics.

The Schumacher Center’s Local Currencies Program is focused on the research and development of place-based, non-profit, democratically controlled currencies that can serve as resources for the support of thriving and sustainable regional economies. Additionally, it provides administrative and outreach support to BerkShares, an on-the-ground application of the concept launched in 2006, which serves as a model for other regions. Over 300 area businesses participate in the program, which has an estimated B$140,000 in local circulation.

About the Internship:

To assist staff with the ongoing work of its Local Currencies program, the Schumacher Center is seeking a paid on-site intern for Summer 2024. The Local Currency Intern will focus on updating the program’s educational resources relating to the dynamic complementary currencies movement globally, and will support in promoting BerkShares within Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

  • Research and update information on local currency programs around the world via our web directory, and share highlights through social media.
  • Help promote the use and understanding of BerkShares in the community through activities such as: supporting  outreach events, tabling at local farmers markets  or other community gatherings,  writing and/or designing local advertising or other promotional content.
  • Assist in managing the BerkShares social media handles.
  • Support the team in overseeing the development of a digital currency component to the BerkShares program.
  • Administer and expand the Mailchimp CRM database for BerkShares, Inc.

    Note that the list above is not comprehensive. In joining a small and dedicated team, interns will be expected to assist in a variety of ways with program, communications, administrative and other routine tasks, as necessary.

Candidates Profile (we seek some mix of the following):

  • A current U.S. Driver’s License and the use of a car.
  • Excellent writing and presentation skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • A passion for local economies, local currencies, blockchain, and climate action.
  • Ability to self-motivate and work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Familiarity with community organizing or public relations, and a comfort with public speaking are a plus, but not required.
  • Prior experience with web-editing, graphic design, and/or social media a plus, but not required.

Commitment & Compensation:

Internships involve working 32 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, alongside full-time staff. Internships typically run for at least ten weeks, with some flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. Interns will be paid  $500 / week + a $100 weekly healthcare stipend.

A Note on Housing:
Note that our our office and library sit in a rural location. For 2024, the Schumacher Center is not in a position to offer staff housing.  Intern candidates who do not already live within commuting distance of Egremont should consider their ability to  find and secure short-term housing in the constrained area housing market before applying.

For the right candidates, this role represents an opportunity to gain experience in non-profit public programming, as well as local economies and local currency initiatives, while helping to further a transition to a more just and regenerative economy.

If interested, please send a resume, a cover letter, a 1-2 page writing sample, two references, and an unofficial academic transcript to schumacher@centerforneweconomics.org.