Student volunteers

Press Officers

Can you write a snappy release? Would you feel confident giving an interview live on radio or television? Are you looking for a career in media or PR? Then come along and help us raise our profile. We need someone who can develop an effective media campaign, highlighting the Branch's work and achievements. We already have many contacts in the media, locally and nationally, but we need someone dedicated to cultivating our relationship with the press.

Campaign co-ordinators

The Branch campaigns on many issues which affect the countryside, from hedgerow protection to conserving rural lanes, from preventing the encroachment of development into the Green Belt to promoting sustainable waste policies. Additionally, we are increasingly concerned with issues of urban regeneration. Could you help co-ordinate our current campaigns? Do you have your own ideas for campaigns? Could you write a letter to MP's and follow up the response? Could you organise a piece of research and make a campaign of it? Then, we need you.

Researchers

The Branch carries out many pieces of research, often using students, individually or in groups. Recent topics include woodland planting, conversion of rural buildings and restoration of mineral workings. We have a long list of further issues for research, but are also open to your ideas. Ideally, the topic will be relevant to your course of study and will be fully credited. However, you are welcome to carry out a course of research independent of your studies. A list of current issues we should like researched is usually available. Most research projects last from a couple of weeks to three months.

Conference Organisers

As part of our campaigning work we aim to hold two or three conferences a year on issues concerning the countryside. For anyone who wants a challenge, this is the job. You will be expected to book speakers, fix the programme, publicise the event and arrange the day. We do have a checklist for organisers and the staff, who are experienced in such events, are always around to help. We already have a list of topics we should like to see developed, but you may have your own ideas. Working just one day a week for three or four months you should have a successful conference and many new skills that a future employer will be looking for.

Seminar Leaders

Do you have a good general knowledge of the planning system or countryside issues? Could you impart that knowledge to a group of volunteers or to members of the public? We often run training seminars to help our volunteers be more effective campaigners. We have a list of topics we should like to see developed as seminars. Is there one you could lead on? Help in preparation and presentation will be given by the staff.

Newsletter Editor

Are you planning a career in journalism? Then perhaps you would be interested in editing our quarterly Branch newsletter, Countrywise. This will give you all-round experience of the editing process. You will be expected to write copy, manage the layout and deal with our printer. All that we ask is that you produce a lively, informative read. Full DTP training given if necessary.

 

Photographers

Can you take a good photograph? If we gave you an assignment would you be able to work to a clear brief and produce original, striking images? We often need photos for exhibitions, posters, leaflets and our newsletter, Countrywise. Sometimes, you will be asked to do a project at short notice. If you can meet the challenge, we pay for the cost of films and developing.

 

Education Officers

Are you looking to develop a career in teaching or as an education officer? We already have a nearly-completed education package for schoolchildren aged between 7-11. Now we need someone to complete this work and/or to develop a course for secondary schools. In addition, we are seeking someone to market the pack to schools and to lead school parties.

Fundraisers

As a charity, we are always looking at ways to raise money to carry out our campaigning work. Could you organise an event, such as a charity concert or a sporting tournament? Could you target trust funds for money to finance a major project? Have you the confidence to contact large companies for financial support for our charity? If you fancy a career in fundraising or marketing, then we can give you valuable real experience.

Information Officers

One of the aims of the Branch is to inform the public about countryside issues, planning law and how to become involved in the planning system. We have recently completed the production of ten information leaflets on a variety of topics, including Green Belts, nature conservation and permitted development rights. We are looking to extend this list. You would be expected to research a topic and produce the finished leaflet. Full DTP training will be given if necessary.

Archivists

The Branch runs an environmental resource unit for use by students, researchers and campaigners, at its offices. The unit has recently been appraised by an archivist who has recommended that the Branch's information systems be radically reorganised. Are you looking for a career in library or information work? We need someone to implement the report's recommendations. Are you up to the challenge?

 

 

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