Applications due February 11, 2024 by 5pm EST
Apply: Click here to apply
Organization(s):
Macon Mental Health Matters
Project Webpage(s):
https://maconmentalhealthmatters.com/
Project Lead(s):
Andrea Cooke
Project Work Location(s)*:
Booker T. Washington Community Center 401 Monroe St, Macon, GA 31201
*Interns are required to live in or within commuting distance from this location, unless otherwise noted.
Project Workdays and Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9-5, with occasional opportunities for flex/work form home scheduling
Keywords:
Mental Health, Community Engagement, Public Awareness
Project Description:
The ACEs Community Resilience Initiative, powered by Macon Mental Health Matters and the Macon Bibb County Consolidated Governments, stands as a pioneering project that is redefining community trauma and the approach to addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in our community. This innovative endeavor prioritizes intentional collaborations and leverages resources across the state of Georgia and the Southeast region to best understand its community while creating an interconnected network for mental health specialists, leaders, and community members who are determined to close the gap on complex community challenges through public innovation, Choice Theory, and civic technologies. The ACEs Community Resilience Initiative is a groundbreaking project launched by Macon Mental Health Matters aimed at assessing and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) within our community. ACEs can have a profound impact on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being, and this project seeks to raise awareness, build resilience, and improve the overall mental health of our community.
Intern Contributions:
Two interns could contribute significantly to the success of the ACEs Community Resilience Initiative by taking on distinct roles and tasks within the project. Here are specific ways in which these interns could make valuable contributions:
1) Community Engagement and Data Analysis Intern:
Role: This intern could focus on community engagement, data collection, and analysis. Their primary responsibility would be to connect with community members, gather information, and assist in understanding the prevalence and impact of ACEs in the community.
Specific Tasks:
– Conduct surveys and interviews with community members to assess their experiences and needs related to ACEs.
– Collaborate with local organizations and schools to distribute surveys and collect data.
– Analyze collected data to identify common themes, trends, and challenges related to ACEs.
– Assist in preparing reports and presentations summarizing the data findings for the project team and community stakeholders.
– Use data to inform the development of targeted interventions and programs to address community needs.
2) Public Awareness and Advocacy Intern:
Role: This intern would play a crucial role in raising public awareness about ACEs and advocating for supportive policies and practices within the community. They would help create a broader impact through public education and advocacy efforts.
Specific Tasks:
– Develop and execute public awareness campaigns on social media, local newspapers, and community events to inform the public about ACEs, their effects, and the importance of mental health.
– Engage with local leaders, policymakers, and organizations to advocate for trauma-informed practices, mental health support, and community resources.
– Organize community events, workshops, and webinars to educate the community about ACEs, resilience, and available resources.
– Mobilize community members to support advocacy efforts, such as petition drives or meetings with local officials.
– Maintain a social media presence to share stories, resources, and updates related to the project and the importance of addressing ACEs.
These two interns, working in their respective roles, would contribute to the project’s success by actively engaging with the community, collecting and analyzing data, and advocating for improved mental health and resilience. Their efforts would help drive the project’s mission to raise awareness, build resilience, and address ACEs within the community.
Project Learning Goals:
1) Understanding ACEs and Trauma-Informed Care:
– Learn to recognize and understand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the potential long-term impacts on individuals’ mental health.
– Gain knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and how to apply them in practice when working with individuals affected by ACEs.
2) Community Engagement and Needs Assessment:
– Develop skills in community engagement and needs assessment, including conducting surveys and interviews with community members to identify ACEs-related challenges and needs.
– Learn to analyze and interpret community data to inform project strategies and interventions.
3) Innovative Problem-Solving and Public Innovation:
– Explore innovative approaches to addressing ACEs, including the use of civic technologies and creative problem-solving techniques.
– Develop the ability to propose and test innovative solutions to complex community challenges, with a focus on improving mental health and resilience.
4) Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
– Build the capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams by collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as mental health, social work, public health, and community development.
– Develop communication and teamwork skills necessary for successful cross-sector collaboration.
Top Required or Desired Intern Skills, Knowledge, and/or Majors:
To be successful in this internship role within the ACEs Community Resilience Initiative, interns should possess a combination of skills such as:
– Relevant Major/Field of Study: Ideally, a major or coursework in a field related to mental health, social work, psychology, public health, or a related discipline. However, interns from other fields who are passionate about the project’s mission may also be considered.
– Research and Data Analysis: Strong research skills, including the ability to design surveys and conduct interviews. Proficiency in data collection and analysis, including experience with data analysis software (e.g., Qualtrics,Typeform, Excel).
– Community Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with community members, organizations, and stakeholders. Empathy and a genuine interest in understanding and addressing the needs of the community.
– Communication and Public Awareness: Strong written and verbal communication skills for developing communication materials, such as press releases and social media content.
– Innovation and Technology: Familiarity with innovative problem-solving, and creative thinking. Proficiency with relevant software or tools for innovation and technology development.
– Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with professionals from various backgrounds. Strong teamwork and communication skills.
– Project Management: Organizational skills to manage tasks, meet deadlines, and coordinate activities. Project management software proficiency (e.g., Clickup, Notion).
– Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Ability to communicate effectively through public speaking and presentations, both in-person and virtually.
– Digital Literacy: Proficiency in common office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace). Familiarity with social media platforms and tools for community engagement and awareness campaigns.
– Passion and Empathy: An unwavering commitment to the project’s mission and a deep sense of empathy for individuals affected by ACEs.
Intern Deliverables**:
At the end of this 12-week internship with the ACEs Community Resilience Initiative, interns are expected to produce the following deliverables:
– Data Analysis Report: Summarizing the findings from surveys, interviews, or data collection efforts. This report should include key insights, trends, and recommendations for the project based on the data.
Community Engagement Report: a report outlining their engagement activities, including details of community events any community feedback received. The report should include an evaluation of the impact of these activities on community awareness and participation. This portfolio may include social media content, event flyers, press releases, and evidence of community engagement.
Participation in Project Evaluation: Interns are expected to participate in the evaluation of the project itself. This could involve providing feedback on what worked well, what could be improved, and recommendations for future iterations of the initiative.
Final Presentation: Interns should prepare and deliver a presentation summarizing their contributions, key findings, and recommendations.
**All interns are required to attend two in-person events, the PIN Summer Internship Opening and Closing Ceremonies:
– Opening Ceremony in Macon, GA on Friday, May 10th.
– Closing Ceremony at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA on Friday, August 2nd.
Applications due February 11, 2024 by 5pm EST
Apply: Click here to apply