My internship with ITF
I joined International Tree Foundation (ITF) as a recent graduate through Catch22 who are part of the UK Year of Service programme run by National Citizen Service (NCS). The UK Year of Service aims to engage young people in community work and to make a positive impact on society all while building skills.
Catch22 supported me in finding a role that was suitable for me. I was passionate about the environment and conservation so I found ITF, interviewed and got the position!
I was lucky enough to join a small team of tree lovers. As someone who is passionate about the environment, working with likeminded individuals toward a common goal was my driving force.
What amazed me most about ITF was their holistic approach. They’re setting up future pioneers to battle the climate war and improve livelihoods – and best of all, the communities are in charge of it all.
My time at ITF
Engagement is crucial in the work that ITF does because without our supporters our work would not be possible. During my time as Communications and Engagement Assistant I picked up many new skills and honed my existing ones.
My main responsibility was to manage our social media channels and create new and exciting content to engage our supporters. Our social media following grew across all of our platforms and so did engagement on our posts. I spoke to supporters from all over the world through our social media channels and the passion they had for protecting our planet was admirable.
Just some of the content I created during my time at ITF.
The ITF team, although small, have really big hearts. Working with these individuals was the highlight of my time as an intern and there was support from all avenues. The team was brilliant at listening and taking on board new suggestions which meant I felt like a valued team member.
I was fortunate enough to have joined ITF in their 100th year and got to be a part of their centenary celebrations to commemorate the great work done for both people and planet over the years. I can proudly say, I was a part of the oldest and most amazing tree planting organisation in the world.
Elif Okutan, Communications and Engagement Assistant.