From Posts to Purpose: What I Learned About Environmental Communication Interning at RRI

Dec 5

By Caspar von Alvensleben, RRI Intern

Over the past semester, I have interned with RRI, working on projects across social media management and expanding into website development and broader digital strategy.

I spent time researching and creating content around substantive issues such as King Tides, government shutdown impacts on Point Reyes, biodiversity week, and species migration. What I learned fast is that environmental communication isn’t “just posting”—it’s strategy, timing, and understanding what actually resonates. I went from simply tracking metrics to understanding why certain posts performed well and how to adjust based on Key Performance Indicators. I moved from tracking metrics to interpreting them by understanding why certain content resonates with specific audiences and connecting performance data to actual decision-making.

Website management added a different dimension. Unlike social media, website content is permanent and foundational. I learned to think about user experience and to keep navigation, layout, and image optimization in mind.

Working with my supervisor, Grace Milstein, and the team showed me what effective collaboration looks like. Weekly check-ins with clear updates and targeted questions made the work smoother. I also developed technical proficiency: learning content management systems, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing for different devices.

The most important takeaway is that environmental communication and environmental ethics aren’t separate. The way we talk about these issues directly shapes how people understand and respond to them. Digital media really can spark change, and the work RRI is doing proves that.

“Working with RRI showed me what a small, driven team can get done when everyone believes in the mission.

Along the way, I sharpened my skills in social media strategy, website design, KPIs, and environmental storytelling, but the biggest takeaway was a much clearer sense of the kind of work I want to keep doing.

I’m genuinely grateful for my time at RRI and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a lot, pull their weight, and be part of something that actually matters.”

- CASPAR VON ALVENSLEBEN

Learn more about our interns

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Grace Milstein

From Posts to Purpose: What I Learned About Environmental Communication Interning at RRI

“Working with RRI showed me what a small, driven team can get done when everyone believes in the mission.

Along the way, I sharpened my skills in social media strategy, website design, KPIs, and environmental storytelling, but the biggest takeaway was a much clearer sense of the kind of work I want to keep doing.

I’m genuinely grateful for my time at RRI and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a lot, pull their weight, and be part of something that actually matters.​”

California Takes the Lead: AB 1319 Protects Threatened and Endangered Species

I’m genuinely grateful for my time at RRI and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a lot, pull their weight, and be part of something that actually matters.”