Yes, unfortunately today my (Tom Hammer’s) last day as an intern at Green Map System. Since I’ve had such an amazing summer, I feel I should update you all on the projects I’ve been lucky to be a part of here at Green Map during the past few months.

Soon after arriving in New York, I was put hard to work writing Mapmaker profiles and uploading the Green Maps created by past Mapmakers. Hopefully you have noticed these projects, which are marked by the leaves on the Google World Map, posted on the homepage on this site. (Note: Tom pitched in on several tasks related to the website's relaunch, too!)

Second, I was put in charge of a new Google AdWords ad campaign, which generated new website traffic through targeted ads that appear in Google’s search engine. With the much needed help of clever and dedicated fellow-intern Kali Dedominicis, we increased website traffic dramatically, attracting new users and hopefully new Mapmakers. (Note: thank you Google for granting us free AdWords)

Then, I spent the second half of July working with Wendy and finalizing the rewriting of the Mapmaker’s Guide. This document, when used in tandem with the Style Guide, gives advice to new Mapmakers about the Mapmaking process. Though the writing and editing process was long, we are all exciting about the Guide’s release. We hope new Mapmakers find this guide both helpful and pleasant to read!

Most recently, I’ve begun working on press releases, which detail some of the innovative aspects of the Green Map movement. Press release topics include the Green Map® Icons, our global network, GreenMap.org’s multilingual resources, and of course the enthusiastic and creative Mapmakers who make Green Map work around the world. Our goal is to generate interest and inspire print and digital media outlets will pick up and publish interesting stories about Green Map System. As our press releases continue to develop, I am thrilled to hand this project on to talented fellow intern and journalism student Annie Liu, who will bring the Green Map System press releases to completion.

As the summer draws to a conclusion and I reflect over the past few months, I must say I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work in such a vibrant, welcoming, and multi-talented staff, all of whom are dedicated to sustainability. Take my word for it: there are a host of innovative and ingenious ideas bouncing around the walls of our East Village office in New York City. Many of these ideas I can’t release publicly for fear of ruining the surprise! The future of Green Map System is bright, and I am inspired. Thank you to Wendy, Carlos, Risa, Annie, Thomas, Kali, and Soon Chung for a wonderful summer.

(Thank you too, Tom and good luck with your last semester at Cornell U! Green Map System welcomes interns and volunteers all the time - please visit this page, and email us your resume! Students also might like to read about University Projects in the Participate section)