Tradeworks Training Society, with the support of the Canadian CED Network, will be hosting an upcoming Regional Community Economic Development Gathering. Tradeworks and the Canadian CED Network are looking for an Intern to help us organize this exciting event through the CreateAction Work Experience Program, funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada!

Term: Immediately to March 18, 2011

As a CreateAction Intern you will be part of a network of interns in CED-related roles across the country. Part of your internship will involve participation in peer learning activities, including national conference calls, and an expense paid trip to Winnipeg MB to attend a National CED Gathering (October 21-23, 2010).

What is CED?
Community Economic Development (CED) is action by people locally to create economic opportunities and better social conditions, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged.
CED is an approach that recognizes that economic, environmental and social challenges are interdependent, complex and ever-changing.

To be effective, solutions must be rooted in local knowledge and led by community members. CED promotes holistic approaches, addressing individual, community and regional levels, recognizing that these levels are interconnected.

Responsibilities and Duties:
The BC CED Regional Event Organizer will:

• Plan a regional CED event in collaboration with our local partners
• Develop and submit funding proposals to potential funders and sponsors
• Create and manage an event budget (with help from your supervisors)
• Support the regional event planning team including urban, rural, francophone, Aboriginal and Community Future Development Corporations
• Manage pre-conference communications with local presenters and participants including programs, registration materials and participants packages
• Market the conference through social media and other creative outlets
• Oversee the development and promotion of the online registration system as well as onsite registration
• Plan a site visit/community tour component of the conference to highlight local CED initiatives
• Recruit volunteers and create volunteer task lists for the event
• Plan on-site logistics for the event itself including the arrangements of all food, breaks and refreshments as well as agreements with the selected venue
• Develop and promote electronic evaluations, including prize package draw
• Identify required reports and deadlines for local conference funders
• Actively participate in regular teleconference with the national team of CED Regional Event Coordination

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent verbal and written English language skills
• Has the confidence to make decisions and complete tasks on their own, while working as part of our team
• Has excellent organizational abilities, time management skills and the ability to multitask
• Is able to put a plan into action with a blend of creativity and practicality
• Is able to talk with anyone in a friendly and effective way
• Has a natural energetic, enthusiastic, ‘roll up your sleeves’ style
• Is proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel
• Has some knowledge of BC’s CED and Social Economy sector
• Has a passion for social justice work

Is mature and professional, but has a sense of humour!

Criteria:
Applicants must be:

• Between the ages of 15 and 30 inclusively at the time of selection
• A Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• Out of school
• A post-secondary college or university graduate
• Not receiving Employment Insurance benefits
• Can demonstrate a lack of labour market attachment to field of study (under or unemployed)
• Can demonstrate that working in the field of Community Economic Development is a career goal
• Has not previously participated in a Career Focus work experience placement

Please submit a Cover Letter, References and a Resume to Chessa Osburn at the coordinates below.  Please include in subject line: “CreateAction Intern – your name”