Free training series
Application deadline: February 16, 2018

Link: Youth ACT website

Youth ACT
Youth ACT (Activist Conservation Team) is an Audubon Society of Portland training program that fosters conservation and advocacy skills, provides community organizing and outreach tools, and deepens environmental policy education.

This new initiative is being led by experienced staff from Portland Audubon’s conservation and education teams.  Stephanie Taylor, Portland Audubon’s Conservation Field Organizer brings years of experience as an environmental activist and has worked for a variety of organizations including Oregon Wild and the Pacific Wolf Coalition. Her interests span from forest and animal defense to the mitigation of climate change and include a strong emphasis on environmental justice and equity issues. 

Stephanie will be joined by Tim Donner, Portland Audubon’s Environmental Educator. Tim has been working with youth in outdoor education settings for over a decade, and has led numerous Portland Audubon youth trips including week-long trips to Yellowstone, backpacking trips in the Wallowas, and international trips to Belize. He has a passion for connecting youth to nature and is excited to collaborate with Stephanie to provide an engaging and much-needed program for youth in our community. 

​We are seeking youth who: 

• Are between 14-18 years old
• Have an interest in environmental conservation, advocacy, wildlife care, or community science

Application deadline is February 16, 2018. 
Fill out applications online here, or email completed application to: [email protected] 
*Program orientation will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018.*
Spring 2018 Training Dates: All Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

• March 10, 11am - 3p - Welcome and Intro to the Program
• March 17, 11am - 3p - Conservation Issues 101
• April 7, 11am - 3p - Art Build to Elevate Your Message
• May 12, 11am - 3pm - Intro to Public Speaking / Testifying to Decision Makers
• May 19, 11am - 3pm - Tabling and Outreach 101 @ Leach Botanical Garden Nature Fair with TALON + education birds
• June 2, 11am - 3pm - Conservation Celebration + Presentation for Guardians

Lunch will be provided. Please fill out dietary restrictions section. 
Location: Training days will be based out of Portland Audubon’s Sanctuary in Northwest Portland, with some of travel offsite to different events and greenspaces in the greater Portland area. Portland Audubon will work with youth to provide transportation to the sanctuary, if needed. Advocacy opportunities may arise at offsite locations with transportation provided from Portland Audubon. 

Free training series leading to paid position
​Application deadline: February 12, 2018

Link: TALON website

Who is Audubon Society of Portland? 
Audubon Society of Portland is a conservation organization that has inspired people to love and protect nature in Oregon for over 100 years. Through our conservation and education programs, wildlife care center and sanctuaries, we strive to foster a region where people and wildlife can flourish together. 

What is the TALON Program? 
The TALON Program, a training and employment program for young adults aged 16-20, is designed to introduce participants to careers in conservation, wildlife care,  communications, and environmental education.  Based out of Portland Audubon's East Portland office at Leach Botanical Garden, TALON aims to reach the diversity of racial and ethnic communities living in Portland,  Gresham, and Clackamas. TALON's goal is to give young adults a real life, hands-on  experience that will better prepare them for a job in one of the many fields within  environment conservation. Participants will also operate out of Portland Audubon's headquarters in Forest Park, Northwest Portland during the training period and apprenticeship period. 

The TALON Program Consists of: 

• ​Ten Saturday training sessions
  
• Ten weeks of summer employment in environmental education, community science, communication, wildlife rehabilitation, or trail building.
  
• Ongoing mentorship and advising with Audubon staff members
  
• Education and skill-building in natural history
  
• Diversifying the environmental movement
  
• Paid employment!
  

Each training session will be scheduled on a Saturday beginning April 7th, 2018. 

Participants must attend 9 out of 10 Saturday training days to be eligible for apprenticeship assignment. 

Who Are We Seeking? 
This program is primarily for young adult's aged 16-20 who represent diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.  Candidates should have a continued or emerging interest in learning about the various fields in the environmental field. 

​For questions or an application please contact Youn Han, Community Programs Manager: 
[email protected] or call 971-222-6138.