The Columbia University Global Mental Health Programs represent a network of faculty and programs focused on research and capacity building around the world, especially in low[1]and middle-income countries where the number of mental health professionals falls far from meeting the needs of communities. In partnership with global colleagues, we are developing, supervising, disseminating, supporting and implementing evidence-based programs that have real impact. Jointly housed in the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, and the Mailman School of Public Health, we approach our work through multiple scholarly and practitioner lenses: psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, social work, and medical anthropology. Partnerships built on an exchange of perspectives are key to advancing mental health advocacy, research, and training in order to achieve impactful and sustainable psychosocial services on a global scale.

A wonderful opportunity to join the Commonwealth Seminar, with whom the Office of Community Partnerships has partnered with since 2019 to provide our UMass Boston community with access to their professional development program in public service. We have had twelve UMB cohorts participate to date, and everyone has been positive and moved by the experience. We are recruiting for our thirteenth cohort of UMass Boston students and recent alumni for the Spring 2023 session and looking for 7 committed, motivated and exceptional individuals to participate in their 6-week seminar program for FREE. 
 
1,600 people have participated in this program, some have run for office since then or pursued careers in the public sector, and others have found ways to empower their work in other sectors with the powerful inside knowledge that they obtained regarding systems work.  
 
Below you will find more information about the program, and next steps should you be interested in pursuing this opportunity. 

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH SEMINAR: 
*    Created to open the doors to government for people of color by providing training, networking and access to top policy makers;  
*    Opportunity to access the State House, local and state public officials in ways that build social capital, empowerment and opportunity; 
*    Professional development opportunity for professionals and local residents and runs three times a year for six weeks in the evenings; 
*    Application process normally has a cost associated, UMB Cohort students will be waived of the cost;
*    Sessions normally run with a cohort of about 20 adult practitioners, and are offered in fall, winter, and spring. 
 
WHEN IS THE NEXT SESSION?: 
*    The session begins Wednesday, May 10th. The session schedule is (all sessions begin at 5:45pm): Wednesday (5/10), Wed (5/17), Wed (5/24), Wed (5/31), Wed (6/7), and Wed (6/14 – Graduation). All sessions will be virtual.
 
NEXT STEPS: 
If interested and can fully commit to completing the program, please: 1) email ocp@umb.edu; cc: Cynthia.orellana@umb.eduYOUR INTENT TO APPLY AND REQUEST TO RESERVE YOUR SLOT BY MIDNIGHT ON APRIL 23^RD.  OCP will then share the electronic application being managed by our partners at the Seminar and you will have until April 30^th to submit the application online to be counted as part of our sponsored UMB cohort. 2) Include in the email yourheadshot, major, and expected year of graduation, as well as UMB faculty/staff whom you’d like us to let know once we share the announcement of the new cohort, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns in this regard. 

We will take intents to apply and request to reserve your slot on a first-come, first-served basis until all slots are filled. Once we have filled the slots, we will pass on candidates to the Commonwealth Seminar staff, at which point they will communicate directly about the program logistics.  
 
Thank you for considering this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Office of Community Partnerships

Office of the Provost

UMass Boston

Mayor’s Office Paid Summer Internship Program

Dates of Internship: June 5 – August 31, 2023

Apply at: Boston.gov/internships | Applications due by 11:59 PM EST, Friday March 31, 2023

Calling all who want to make Boston a better place to live, work, and thrive! Mayor Wu is looking for interns who want to support her in getting the big things done by doing the small things right. Interns will be able to help shape a stronger, innovative, more equitable Boston. Interns will have the opportunity to:

●        Gain valuable professional experience in local government departments

●        Help the City to deliver exceptional service to neighborhoods and residents

●        Hone and/or find their passion for public service

●        Participate in fun social events with other interns

●        Interact with city officials and civic leaders in Boston

Intern Responsibilities often include but are not limited to:

●        Conducting research; performing public outreach and actively participating in community meetings

●        Drafting press releases, media advisories, and talking points

●        Facilitating written correspondence including proclamations, certificates, and other letters

●        Data entry; planning, attending, and executing events; attending board, council, or commission meetings

●        Working with various internal and external offices and stakeholders at special events

●        Scheduling, attending, scribing meetings across different projects, then reporting back to leadership concisely and comprehensively

●        Demonstrated commitment to developing your professional and interpersonal skills

Preferred Skills

To effectively perform the duties of this role, we seek a candidate with:

●        A high standard of ethics, integrity, and courage

●        Demonstrated communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

●        Strong writing skills and attention to detail

●        Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suites

●        A strong organizer who knows how to prioritize time-sensitive work

●        Critical thinking and problem solving

●        Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

●        Senses of humor and urgency

●        Openness to mentorship and a mindset for equity

Minimum Qualifications

●    Aptitude and ability to learn

●    Excitement and curiosity for public service

●    Positive attitude

●    Age 18 or older

Applications:

Students can submit a cover letter and resume to this website: Boston.gov/internship.

Contacts

Rebecca Arellano

City of Boston

Public service is a noble calling: to help others, to make our communities stronger, and to uphold the public trust. As city employees, we see the results of our hard work in our own community—in street and infrastructure improvements, new buildings rising from the ground, safer and more prosperous neighborhoods, and happier, healthier children, families, and senior citizens. We may all come from different backgrounds, but we are connected through our passion for service. What we do at work today, and every day, shapes the Boston of tomorrow.

Do you like the environment of a Zoo? Do you want to learn more about how a Zoo operates and everything that goes on there?

Please check out these open job postings at Zoo New England, and apply if you find something of interest to you: https://zoonewengland.bamboohr.com/careers.

Please share these open job postings with your friends, classmates, peers, and networks– and encourage them to apply as well!

Zoo New England is a wonderful organization and UMass Boston students have enjoyed their time working and learning there!