WRIT 495 Writing Internship: No Data Center DeForest
Overview
During my WRIT 495 internship, I worked with No Data Center DeForest to preserve the history of the QTS data-center proposal and the community response that helped stop it. My work combined archival research, public-records analysis, oral-history interviewing, narrative nonfiction writing, event documentation, and public communication.
The internship allowed me to apply writing and public-policy coursework in a real community setting. I did not only write about a completed event. I documented a living story while its records, witnesses, conflicts, and lessons were still available.
What I didHistorical Archive Development
I organized and expanded a working archive of public records, meeting notes, oral histories, campaign materials, news coverage, research, and narrative drafts related to the QTS proposal and No Data Center DeForest.
Oral History
I designed interview guides, conducted recorded interviews, transcribed conversations, and indexed material by event, person, quote, and narrative relevance.
Narrative Nonfiction
I drafted scene-based profiles of campaign participants, local officials, farmers, business owners, and residents. These stories combine oral histories with public records to preserve both the factual timeline and the human experience of the fight.
Public-Records and Policy Research
I reviewed zoning, annexation, Planning and Zoning, Village Board, cooperation-agreement, and developer materials to understand how the project moved through local government.
Public Engagement
I helped plan, host, and document community meetings, volunteer efforts, town halls, media activity, and public-education work.
Internship Outcomes
Built and updated a factual timeline of the QTS proposal
Conducted and transcribed oral-history interviews
Drafted participant profiles and historical scenes
Analyzed QTS responses to community questions
Organized materials for future archive and manuscript use
Created a narrative structure for Ripe for the Taking
Developed public-facing writing for community education and engagement
