Hey everyone! My name is Sarah Plaut, and I am thrilled to be with VNRC this spring as the new Communications Intern. This past December, I graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) with a degree in Geography and a minor in Political Science. Through my undergraduate experience, I learned how humans and the environment have interacted throughout time, as well as how historic and present trends and actions affect the natural world. Outside of the classroom, I served as a Teaching Assistant for several upper-level undergraduate courses, held leadership positions in student government, and served as a peer tutor in our writing center. I also completed a comprehensive, independent research project for my Honors College thesis which explored rural teenage social spaces in Northern Vermont. Further, I worked as the Communications and Development Intern for another local nonprofit, Vermont Adult Learning (VAL), where I learned the ins and outs of the nonprofit structure, how to perform grant research, and the basics of communications, marketing, and fundraising. 

My experiences in the classroom and at VAL led me to VNRC — a perfect combination of my passions for the environment, Vermont, and communications. As the climate crisis accelerates, I believe that working in environmental advocacy communications is key, as we help everyone understand the importance of taking action on quite complex issues. Currently, in addition to my role here at VNRC, I am a candidate for UVM’s accelerated Masters in Public Administration program. In working towards my MPA, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of policy advocacy, citizen engagement, and smart growth — all topics that VNRC works on! Though I have just started at VNRC, I am already impressed by the cohesive nature of the staff, obvious passion for their work, and immense pool of knowledge. I am confident I will learn so much through my time here, and I’m looking forward to helping advocate for a more resilient Vermont.