Community Organizing Internships: ACLU of PA Philadelphia Office

Posted by on September 1, 2006

Community Organizing Internships: ACLU of PA Philadelphia Office

The American Civil Liberties of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Office, seeks two interns to work with our Community Organizing and Education Department for the 2006-2007 academic year.

We seek two detail-oriented, organized individuals who are dedicated to social justice work and are willing to make a semester- or year-long commitment.

Our LGBT/Youth Organizing Intern acts as point person for an emerging LGBT youth education project ? the Student Constitution Rights Institute ? which will take place in May 2007. Duties include coordinating meetings, conducting outreach to school-based LGBT groups, serving as the liaison for participating organizations and providing administrative support for the program. The LGBT/Youth Organizing Intern works with the ACLU Community Organizer and other area LGBT organizations to plan and carry out this one-day event, reaching 20 schools and 140 students across the Philadelphia region.

Our Communications and Organizing Intern provides key support to our organizing department on a wide range of constitutional rights issues. Duties include promoting the ACLU?s student rights manual, coordinating trainings on issue-specific topic for our Speakers? Bureau, developing resource materials, designing and managing databases, and assisting with volunteer coordination, special events, and outreach activities. This is an opportunity to gain expertise in a variety of communications and organizing skills while building your knowledge of political organizing.

QUALIFICATIONS

For both positions:
– Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission and goals of the ACLU is required.
– Superior oral and written communication skills.
– Computer proficiency using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Access, and/or demonstrated ability to learn computer applications.
– Experience working with non-profit or advocacy group(s) beneficial.
– Event planning, community organizing, media and communications skills are valuable assets.
? Ability to be self-directed and to work as a team player is valuable.
? Knowledge of Philadelphia area and organizations beneficial.
– Students and non-students are welcome to apply.
– All majors are welcome.

For LGBT/Youth Organizing Intern: Commitment to LGBT issues and youth organizing essential. Familiarity with Philadelphia-area LGBT organizations and/or local high schools is a plus.

For Communications and Organizing Intern: Helpful to have experience with one or more of the following: event coordination, databases, volunteer coordination, public speaking. Familiarity with Philadelphia area and knowledge of school and youth-related networks a plus.

TIME COMMITMENT

We are looking for two interns who are willing to commit to between 5 and 10 hours per week, on a regular schedule.

BENEFITS

LGBT/Youth Organizing Intern: This position will be funded at $15/hour for 5 hours per week from October 2006 to early May 2007.

Communications and Organizing Intern: Funding is not currently available for this position. Intern will gain experience working in a non-profit advocacy office – one small enough to enable the intern to see his/her impact and to have regular interaction with other interns and staff. ACLU staff members are happy to write recommendations and otherwise support interns whenever appropriate. While we cannot offer a stipend, many area schools provide credit for our internships. Please speak with the internship office at your school if you are interested.

TO APPLY

Email a cover letter explaining your interest in the internship (please specify which one), along with a brief resume or written description of relevant experience to: Jessica Levy, ACLU-PA Community Organizer, at jlevy@aclupa.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until intern positions are filled. It is highly recommended that you submit an application by Sep. 25, 2006. The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbians and gay men to apply.