Bay Localize depends on volunteers and interns to forward the important work of localizing our regional economy. There are many volunteer and intern opportunities, ranging from working on our various projects, conducting community outreach, fundraising, to research and development. Our projects and activities can be readily tailored to meet your available time and interest.

We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers and interns for the following projects:

1. Oakland Solar Roof Assessment. Bay Localize is collaborating with staff in the City of Oakland to assess the potential solar photovoltaic output of roofs throughout Oakland using a specialized, easy-to-use online mapping tool. We need volunteers who can attend a two-hour training in downtown Oakland, download the program on their home PCs, and coordinate with Bay Localize to volunteer from home at least three hours a week for at least one month to map individual roofs. Volunteers need to have basic computer skills and access to a PC computer with a DSL/broadband internet connection. A large team of volunteers is needed for this project, so recruit your friends! We will establish training dates when we have a critical mass of volunteers signed up. Contact Kirsten Schwind at kirsten [at] baylocalize [dot] org with "assessment volunteer/intern" in the subject line, or call 510-834-0420 with questions.

2. Local Clean Energy Alliance of the East Bay. Get involved in the movement to bring local clean energy to the East Bay! A vibrant alliance of environmental advocates, community groups, businesses, and individuals in the East Bay -- spearheaded by Bay Localize, Pacific Environment, and the Sierra Club -- is developing a broad campaign to promote the cleanest, most efficient energy system possible in our region. We are recruiting committed volunteers and interns to assist with research, organizing, outreach, and communications. Minimum commitment of attending evening meetings the second Tuesday of every month and five hours/month volunteer work between meetings. Experience in energy policy, energy efficiency, business, communications, or community outreach is a plus, although not necessary. Contact Kirsten Schwind at kirsten [at] baylocalize [dot] org with "alliance volunteer/intern" in the subject line, or call 510-834-0420 with questions.

3. Rooftop Resources Project. Every roof is a resource. Whether in a dense, urban area, or a suburban zone, rooftops are valuable real estate that can serve vital purposes, such as catching water, supporting edible gardens and vegetated surfaces and generating solar power. Bay Localize initiated the Rooftop Resources Project to promote living roofs, rainwater catchment and solar power because of their instrumental contribution to a balanced urban ecology and resource security. Through raising public awareness, advancing education, and garnering support from local government and financial incentives, a greater development of these rooftop systems can be achieved. Bay Localize actively supports these measures through research, advocacy, education and hands-on projects. Volunteer support is needed for activities including outreach, organizing pilot projects, research and campaigning. Contact Ingrid Severson at ingrid [at] baylocalize [dot] org with "Rooftop Resources Project Volunteer/Intern" in the subject line, or call 510-834-0420 with questions.