Gulf Restoration Network

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, those in Louisiana now recognize the importance of the state’s wetlands as natural hurricane barriers, and statewide support has been galvanized around the need to restore our vanishing coast. Unfortunately, the nation is still woefully unaware of the threats to these critical ecosystems and the need for national leadership to protect them.

Meanwhile, Louisiana continues to lose the equivalent of a football field worth of wetlands every 45 minutes to oil & gas development impacts and the channelization of the Mississippi River, among many other factors.  Thousands of acres of wetlands must be restored if urban centers are to be protected from future Katrina’s. Interns for the "Defend Our Wetlands, Defend Ourselves" campaign will:

Build a National Constituency

• Follow up with Katrina Anniversary House Party hosts to keep them involved in nationwide efforts to save Louisiana’s wetlands
• Advocate for coastal restoration to members of Congress by relaying information from the house parties

Outreach for the Coastal Lines of Defense Strategy

• Conduct outreach to educate the public, politicians, and other decision-makers about the coastal lines of defense strategy
• Organize and implement tabling days at local festivals, events, and forums
• Meet with local, state, and national legislators to advocate for our wetlands

Develop and Produce Campaign Media

• Track, document, and respond to media around the issue
• Draft and submit letters-to-the-editor and op-eds
• Assist with media events like MRGOMustGO
• Create web-based outreach tools (video, blogs, web content)

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Ayn Pivonka at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Internships require a 10-hour per week commitment.  Positions are unpaid.  Academic credit is available.