Internship #1 – Storytelling and the Food System
Iowa Valley RC&D does technical work to strengthen community food systems. Often the work done is difficult to explain to the public. It is important to the success of the organization as well as the health and visibility of the food system, that the organization expand its capacity to tell stories. This project will generate creative content to connect with the public in a way that educates, inspires, and shapes behaviors.
Key Responsibilities
- Together with Iowa Valley RC&D food system staff, the intern will research, identify, and document the stories of four stakeholders in the area food system. Stakeholders will be selected from four sectors (Possible sectors include: K-12 School, small food business, food distribution, new Iowan farming, food system agency staff, food processing, food waste management)
- Travel to the four selected locations to meet with the chosen stakeholders
- Generate 4 stories. The medium for recording and sharing story will be chosen based on expertise of intern (e.g., interview, photography, videography)
Qualifications & Skills Preferred
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- A passion for storytelling
- Interest in a healthy and equitable food system
- Talent in their chosen communication skill set
- Must have a car or other way to get to Amana and other communities; mileage will be compensated.
Supervisor: Jake Kundert, Food Systems Director
Internship #2: Rural Communities Culture & Culinary Traditions
Iowa Valley RC&D guides historic preservation, interpretation, and creative placemaking. This project will work with area partners and community leaders to research and document significant food culture and traditions in the Iowa River Valley. This project will identify and share place-based stories of food, and help local organizations share these stories in a context that offers visitors a deeper understanding of the area.
Key Responsibilities
- Together with Iowa Valley RC&D staff, the intern will complete interviews and research in small towns and at museums and nonprofit libraries. The intern will work with area partners. Partners include the Clutier Betterment Association (Czech heritage), the Meskwaki Settlement (Sac & Fox Tribe), the Amana Heritage Society (Community of True Inspiration/Communal Society), the Iowa County Historical Society, the Belle Plaine Area Museum, and the community of Victor (Belgian heritage)
- Travel to project partner communities, and, as feasible experience the food culture, meet the individuals who are keeping the food traditions alive
- Identify key stories
- Create six written narratives of food culture; gather supporting documentation.
Qualifications & Skills Preferred
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Savvy with research methods
- Interest in food culture and food history and how this evolves over time.
- Must have a car or other way to get to Amana and other communities; mileage will be compensated.
Supervisor: Jessica Rilling, Executive Director
uihumanitiesforthepublicgood.com 