Agents of Change Internship

Wanna be an agent for change?

Are you ready to change the world? Crazy creative? Love helping people? Juiced by turning wild ideas into action? And have a little extra time to invest in your future? 

The Centre for Social Innovation is offering a world-changing opportunity to trade your time and energy for our expertise, networks and free office space! Warning: We have no money! This isn’t a paying gig. 

The deal:  your time & positive energy = free office space, ideas and networks

The Centre for Social Innovation is looking for up to fifteen incredible people to participate in our 6 month agents of change intern program. 

You get trained up in a community animation intensive.  Then you give your time as a community animator for free office space -- 1 day per week of your time = 60 hours/month of hot desking. The program runs from February 1, 2011 to July 30, 2011.

“I have improved my skills, connected with like-minded thinkers, and learned ways in which to make a meaningful difference in my world. I am better, and better off, thanks to this opportunity.” -Gil Martinez

What we have to offer...

• 5 days of cutting-edge skills-development and knowledge building in the areas of:
  • community animation and culture-building 
  • communication and conflict transformation 
  • facilitation, collaboration and group process
  • basic operations and day-to-day tasks of running shared spaces
  • social innovation trends and models
• Weekly e-mail practies to help digest and deepen the learning
• 60 hour/month hot-desk package that can be used in either building
• Access to social networks, and lots of cool people and ideas
• A chance to work on special projects that catalyze the extraordinary potential of our dynamic community
• Community animation leadership certificate upon completion

"The AOC internship has been a wonderful exercise in learning about and practicing the building blocks of social innovation, group facilitation, personal mastery, conflict resolution and the very important basics of how to be the change you wish to see in the world." - Vassag Baghboudarian

What we need from you…

You will be part host and facilitator, part event-planner, part administrative assistant, part social networker and full time agent for change!

We are looking for extraordinary individuals who like to think and act out of the box… and who bring solid communication skills, superior organizational skills, strong customer service orientation, and a positive attitude to a demanding and dynamic work environment (which includes emptying the dishwasher and cleaning out the garbage. Social change happens in the most banal ways!) Interns will report to the Lead Community Animators in each building.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has:

• Strong communication skills 
• Superior attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• People skills, enthusiasm and sensitivity to people’s needs
• Sound judgment and comfort working autonomously 
• A low-stress attitude in a complex environment
• Familiarity with – and keen interest in – Toronto’s social mission sector 
• Willingness to do whatever it takes…zero attitude!!

“It inspires me to no end what I am a part of -- a tribe of friendly change-makers that experiments, takes care of each other and makes things happen.”- Harlene Weijs

About the Centre for Social Innovation

The Centre for Social Innovation is a social enterprise with a mission to catalyze, connect and support new initiatives that are making positive change in the world. We do this by providing shared space and services to over 200 social mission groups, acting as a community centre for social innovators, and helping to launch new entrepreneurial and collaborative social ventures. 

Submit your application form (available on our website) and resume by email by Monday, January 3rd, 2011 by 12:00pm to: Yumi Hotta, Events Organizer, yumi@socialinnovation.ca

Download application attached below.

*Please note, we are looking for individuals who can make the full 6 month commitment, one day/ week.

**Please ensure you can can attend an interview either January 18th afternoon or Jan. 20th morning, 2011.  The initial community animation training is scheduled for all day Jan. 27th to Jan. 28th, 2011.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly support applications from diverse backgrounds and communities. Only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

From the mouths of interns:

 “The CSI Internship has reminded me of what's possible in a space where passionate, creative and inspired people come together to change the world.”
– Hilary Best
 
"Being a CSI Agent of Change Intern is an incredible experience and entirely what you make of it. Connect with your community, build upon your skills, learn from & share with Toronto's leading innovators & best of all, get ready to be inspired!" - Genna Bauder
 
“The CSI internship is a baptism by marsh mellows …we created a family amongst the interns and staff, and that good feeling has translated into being open and generous with the tenants.”- Liz Philips

“The best part of being an Agent of Change intern is the amazing people you meet …. It has really allowed me to develop as a person and to build an incredible network in a field that I’m passionate about.“ -Tierney Smith

“Being a part of this group of people has expanded my knowledge not only of this city, but also of the unique talents that it holds. I am humbled and challenged in all the best ways by this special group. In addition, the facilitation and guidance from the staff has been top shelf! I feel lucky to have been a part of this.” -Arianne Shaffer