Community Outreach with SF YouthWorks

For the past few years, SF Environment has partnered with SF YouthWorks, an internship program which gives youth the opportunity to hold a paid position working alongside a city staff employee. This past summer, Alika and Lily joined the grassroots outreach team, working in the community to promote zero waste, toxics reduction, and energy efficiency.

Visit SF Environment for general volunteer opportunities and internships or check out our volunteer group on Facebook for upcoming events.
Visit SF YouthWorks for mentorship and youth internship opportunities.

Lily and Alika on Interning at SF Environment

Lily:

My summer internship was a great experience. I got to work with a lot of people in the Department of the Environment that were very passionate about the Environment. I learned many new skills and gained a lot of information I did not know before.

I enjoyed working with the whole outreach team and program managers on various projects like the Ocean Beach Cleanup, Farmers Markets Outreach, Healthy Nail Salon Project and the Richmond Zero Waste initiative. I was always good at sorting, but now I know so much more about the reasons behind it because of the zero waste programs.

I know about the materials and toxins around me because of my stint with the Toxics Reduction team. I have been exposed to so many programs that I did not know existed. I have learned how to present, talk to strangers, work in an office, communicate and work in a team with my co-intern Alika. The internship was challenging, adventurous and exciting for me.

Alika:

My internship at the San Francisco Department of the Environment was exciting, fun, and informative! My mentor was Sunshine Swinford, and I got to work with the Outreach group, and fellow intern, Lily!

As being apart of the Outreach group, I informed the public at various events at a table presentation around San Francisco; such as the Sunday Streets, Farmer's Markets, and festivals. We talked to the public about: zero waste, how to dispose of hazardous waste, how to use cell phones safely, stopping their junk mail, bringing a personal mug to a coffee shop, and much more!

I've learned to make changes in my lifestyle in order to help save the environment and keep it healthy. Moreover, now that I have some knowledge about how to be "green," I can pass on the information to friends and family. Volunteering with SF Environment this past summer was enjoyable and I plan to help out the future!