This year we held the first Summer Internship Program at OneCalifornia Foundation, of which I was lucky enough to be a part. I came to the Foundation last March as an intern to assist with the marketing of our Oakland Unwrapped! Online Marketplace. I graduated from UC Berkeley in May and decided to stick around for the summer to assist with the internship program, and participate as an intern as well.

I haven’t got enough space here to go address everything that I’ve taken away from the program. The most unique part of this internship was the focus on the enrichment of the interns, specifically the inclusion of a curriculum on banking and socially responsible business. Over the course of six weeks we heard lectures on everything from retail banking to investing to B corporations. We pulled presenters from OneCalifornia Bank and other socially responsible organizations like RSF Social Finance, Give Something Back, Renewable Funding, Green Retirement Plans, and more. With each of the interns in the program working on separate projects, the courses on banking were a great way to acquaint everyone with how a bank is run and the different jobs that need to be done. The socially responsible business component was what really struck me, as there was no class I took as an undergrad to show me that I could, and more importantly, that I should look for a career where I can do good just by showing up to work every day. The bottom line—the business world is changing; there will be more and more companies with socially responsible missions that give more back to the environment and the community. You don’t need to volunteer or work at a non-profit to make a difference, and you can still make a living doing it.

We were lucky enough to have six awesome interns, all Economics majors, from UC Berkeley, Stanford, and Northwestern, and while I could wax on about what made this internship so great, I think I will leave some room for you to hear from everyone else… (more…)

The East Bay Express holds an annual reader poll to find out who is the Best of the East Bay.  Readers vote for the best in various categories, ranging from the Best Band to the Best Brunch Place for Vegans and Carnivores to Coexist, and everything in between.  To celebrate the winners, the East Bay Express holds the Best of the East Bay Party at the end of the summer!  Featured at this party are all types of East Bay food, drink, and retail vendors displaying their wares; East Bay non-profits educating the public about the amazing work that they do; a multitude of East Bay bands jamming on eight different stages as well as dancers, comedians, and other artists showing off their talents; sports demonstrations and car shows; and a kids’ zone with magic shows, art projects, and other hands-on activities; and more!

This year’s Best of the East Bay Party takes place on Friday, August 7^th from 5 PM to midnight at the Oakland Museum of California.  The Oakland Museum of California is located just one block away from Lake Merritt BART Station, so you can take BART to the event.  There will also be Bike Valet parking available onsite.

Each year the East Bay Express chooses an East Bay non-profit to highlight and support through the event; for the Best of 2009 Party, OneCalifornia Foundation is honored to be that chosen non-profit!  This means that, while the event is free, all bar proceeds will go to the Foundation.  See the article on the event’s blog about the party supporting local non-profits.  For more information about the event, check out the East Bay Express event blog.