Teach for America Applications Online Now

For more information or to apply, please visit: https://www.teachforamerica.org.

Opportunity to Attend Human Trafficking Panel

Opportunity to Attend the Sadat Forum

Internship Opportunity with the Maryland General Assembly

Apply for the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) Internship Program, a two-semester course open only to students who have earned superior academic records and who have demonstrated effective writing skills. 

Many program alums have claimed that the MGA program offers the best internship opportunity at UMCP. Interns serve at the MGA for twenty hours a week during the spring legislative session. Their assignments develop invaluable professional skills. In previous sessions, interns researched proposed legislation, responded to constituent mail, organized news conferences, and wrote and delivered testimony. The internship (ENGL388M/HONR379W) conveys six credits.

The preceding fall semester course (ENGL381/HONR368A) conveys three credits, and teaches students the skills that the internship will require. In addition, students learn about the MGA and Maryland state politics.

 

For students under university CORE, the combination of ENGL 381 and ENGL 388M will fulfill your Professional Writing Requirement.  For students under the university General Education program, ENGL 381 satisfies the Professional Writing Requirement, and ENGL 388M satisfies one Scholarship in Practice requirement.

Benefits of participating in the program:

• Earn a total of nine credits
• Complete the university’s professional writing graduation requirement
• Receive a minimum of $850 as a stipend to help defray expenses
• Receive a pass for free parking in the Naval Academy stadium parking lot
• Serve as an undergraduate ambassador to the state government

Many program alums consider two other benefits even more valuable. First, the program helps develop skills that will help graduates secure real-world jobs. Second, it enables them to network with legislators and legislative staff. (Four program alums currently work for the MGA!)

Here’s what recent interns had to say about their experience in Annapolis:

• “My Delegate asked me to prepare testimony for his bill hearing.  He read my speech verbatim during the hearing and was quoted in the local paper the next day!”
• “My Senator, my office, and other connections I made in Annapolis recommended me for jobs after graduation and wrote great law school recommendations.”
• "I learned more in this internship than I ever could from sitting in a classroom. The firsthand experience of being in Annapolis and experiencing the day-to-day actions helped me to gain a much better understanding of how Maryland politics works."

 

You can find full information about the program on http://www.english.umd.edu/academics/undergraduate/internships/current/mga-0.

 

To apply, just download an application form from the website. You will need to submit the completed application (including an unofficial copy of your transcript) along with two recommendations ASAP to receive full consideration. The application deadline for your portion of the application is Friday, April 8, 2016. (Recommendations may come later if necessary.) After that, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have additional questions about the program, please feel free to contact me at lewiske@umd.edu.

Deadline Extended to Apply to MIDCM Program

ATTENTION: Application Deadline Now Extended

Applications Due by: February 29, 2016

UMD Summer Internship: Disabilities in a Global Context

The Analyst Institute is Hiring Interns for Summer and Fall!

LOGISTICS

DC, Denver, Boston, or Los Angeles.

10-40 hours a week, $12/hour, 10-week minimum commitment.

To learn more and apply, click here: goo.gl/gldMFn

 

ABOUT US: Analyst Institute runs randomized controlled experiments to find out what really works in political and social justice campaigns. We keep a low profile, but we work with all the big name groups in the progressive  ecosystem -- labor unions, environmental groups, racial justice organizers, LGBT rights advocates, you name it, from local and state-based groups all the way up to the Presidential campaigns.

 

ABOUT THE JOB: We view interns as future partners in the progressive movement, so it’s important to us to invest in our interns’ skills and professional development. Analyst Institute is a small organization, so interns will work closely with key staff on meaningful and necessary projects like summarizing research, building training materials, and outreach to partners. Plus you'll make good connections to last you a lifetime.

There are internships available with our Analytics, Political, Research & Development and Civic Engagement teams, so students with diverse skill sets and capabilities are welcome to apply. Learn more and apply here: goo.gl/gldMFn

START Internships Available

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is looking for interns with a wide array of skills and majors  (including but not limited to: Criminology, Communications, Government, International Relations, Public Policy, History, GIS, Geography, Economics, English, Mathematics, Psychology, Languages and Statistics). Students from any institution may apply and we will consider current and recently graduated undergraduates, graduate students, and PhD candidates. In addition to the experience gained during their internship, interns will also receive mentoring, training and the opportunity to participate in many professional development activities. START is very willing to work with academic institutions to enable students to undertake our internships for credit. Our internships are unpaid and students must be able to undertake their work hours on location at START Headquarters at the University of Maryland College Park.

 

The deadline to apply is April 3, 2016. Please visit our website for more information and to access the application form: http://www.start.umd.edu/careers/internships

 

 

Below is a sampling of available opportunities.

 

Global Terrorism Database (GTD)

The GTD is an open source, unclassified database including information on terrorist attacks around the world since 1970. The database is maintained by START researchers. The GTD includes systematic data on domestic as well as international terrorist incidents and now includes over 125,000 cases. The GTD intern team is organized into the following themes:

• GTD: Incident Location and Geographic Identification (GEOINT)
• GTD: Perpetrator Identification
• GTD: Target Classification
• GTD: Understanding the Patterns and Use of Weapons and Tactics
• GTD: The Consequences of Terrorism – Casualties and Outcome
• GTD: Coding Intern At Large (Generalist)

Unconventional Weapons and Technology

The Unconventional Weapons and Technology Division consists of a number of intensive, shorter-term research projects concentrated on research topics within the larger study of terrorism and politically violent non-state actors. Intern positions are available in the following focus areas:

• Advanced Research Internship (ARI)
• Aviation Insider Threat Research
• Behavioral Indicators of Insider Threats
• Project Leviathan
• Project Prometheus
• Terrorist Ideology Project

Risk Communications and Community Resilience

Government, non-profits, and other organizations rely on public communication to deliver important messages to various audiences. Professional communicators today use social scientific research to improve this process, and START’s research teams have several current and upcoming communication projects that address current research questions. Risk communication is important for delivering messages about impending storms, terrorist attacks, public health crises, and more. Interns working on this team will support several ongoing research projects as well as new projects.

 

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Interns will contribute to the construction of a global, multimodal transportation network.  Tasks will include analysis and aggregation of large-scale datasets, database triangulation, manual vector editing, extensive open-source research into traditional and illicit transportation methods, digital cartography/mapmaking, and translation of START’s qualitative research into geospatial format.  Interest/experience in global security and/or terrorism is beneficial.

 

Communications

START’s Communications team is seeking interns to assist with START’s communication activities and products. Intern responsibilities vary but may include: Writing and editing press releases and featured stories, planning and attending events, creating media kits, developing and tracking media lists and monitoring social media.

 

Understanding Domestic Radicalization

This internship is part of the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) project, a three-year project which seeks to establish an empirical basis to investigate the underlying mechanisms and processes for individual radicalization in the United States. Previous intern teams researched information on radicalized individuals and entered it into a dataset; wrote case studies on radicalized individuals; performed quality-control checks on the dataset; performed structured qualitative analysis; and assisted project staff in conducting analysis on the quantitative data.

 

Developing Technology in Explosive Detection Dogs

Interns for this project will assist in developing deployment strategies with explosive detection dogs while utilizing new technology in the field.  Interns will be working closely with four K9 dogs and their handlers while training and being deployed for Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device Detection.  Interns must have a flexible schedule and ability to be around dogs.  Interns will be required to pass a brief background check.

 

START/State Department Terrorist Organizations Project

Students will gather and analyze statistics on terrorist organizations over time. Projects will include collecting the number and type of attacks over time, looking at trends, and possibly even modeling group capacity out into the future. Interns will also provide assistance in researching open source information on the leadership of some groups for possible future designations. Interns will be co-supervised by researchers at the University of Maryland and by project leads at the State Department. The State Department leads will set and give feedback on tasks. Interns will be based at START’s offices on the University of Maryland campus.

 

Government Actions in Terror Environments (GATE)

Recent research suggests that governments have a vast set of policy tools at their disposal vis-à-vis terrorist groups, and that pure reliance on repressive policies can be counterproductive. While policymakers increasingly recognize the importance of non-military counterterrorism tools in addition to military ones, it is not yet known which type of government actions are effective; and when carrots might be more effective than sticks in defeating terrorist groups. This is a unique opportunity to better understand the terrorist conflict in the US and across specific regions of the world and to get a unique view of how governments deal with those conflicts.

 

Why choose an internship at START?

• Experience working with a large team of dynamic and experienced researchers.
• Exposure to cutting edge theories and methods.
• Deepen your understanding of current issues in terrorism and homeland security.
• Work on projects of immediate interest to the practitioner and policy community.
• Hone and develop a range of transferable skills attractive to future employers.
• Opportunity to work with and meet other students and researchers with similar interests.
• Enrichment activities offering wide opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Mentorship from START staff and researchers in a successful workplace environment.
• Internships can be undertaken for academic credit (depending on approval from your institution and department).

 

General requirements

• Applicants for all internships must:
• Have a good academic record.
• Demonstrate an interest in the subject matter.
• Be able to complete their internship work hours on site at START.
• Agree to attend orientation and training.
• Submit an application by the deadline, all application packets must include:

o   A complete application form

o   One page resume

o   Cover letter

o   Writing sample

o   Unofficial transcripts from most recent institution

Each project may have additional requirements, including minimum credit hours, citizenship, preferred majors, and compulsory meeting times. 

Career Events: Government & Politics Students, Spring 2016

UMD Career Events: Federal Government, Public Policy, Non-Profits

Careers in: Public Policy Panel 
Tuesday, March 01, 2016 • 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Peace Corps Week Service Panel: Employer Networking Sessions 
Tuesday, March 01, 2016 • 4:30 p.m.-5:30

Landing Opportunities on the Hill: Google Hangouts Chat 
Wednesday, March 02, 2016 • 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Federal Resume Writing Workshop led by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 
Wednesday, March 02, 2016 • 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.

Career Shuttle: World Bank, DC (currently full- RSVP for the waitlist)
Thursday, March 03, 2016 • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

To view the entire schedule for the Career Events for Government & Politics Students, click the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_iI2K5MgqCULTRJb2lyamdDdUE/view?usp=sharing

Federal/Global Semesters Fellows Program

Federal/Global Semester Fellows Program- Great for BSOS Students!

Want an internship in Washington, D.C.? Interested in global or domestic issues? Interested in global or domestic issues? Apply now to the Global Semester Fellows in Washington D.C. or Federal Semester Fellows Program! Earn Scholarship in Practice credit and a Fellows Program notation on your transcript!

 

Both programs combine a fall seminar course in an issue area with a spring internship in Washington D.C. Some of our concentrations include: Responses to Global Challenges, Energy and Environment, and Science Diplomacy. Past internship locations include: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and Genetic Alliance. Year-round activities include trips to Capitol Hill and federal agencies, professional development workshops, and conversations with policymakers.

 

For details and an application form, go to http://federalsemester.umd.edu and/orhttp://globalsemesterdc.umd.edu or contact our office: 2407 Marie Mount Hall, 301-314-0261. First wave of applications will be reviewed on March 7. Rolling admissions thereafter.

 

 

www.globalsemesterdc.umd.edu

www.federalsemester.umd.edu

Paid Internship with Change Corps

Career Fair Prep

Want to have an edge over other candidates at the Spring Career & Internship Fair?  Need help with your resume or want it critiqued?  Not sure how to present your qualifications to employers?  Have questions about what to wear?  If you answer "yes" to any of these questions or have other ones, then plan on taking advantage of these special walk-in hours to prepare for the Spring Career & Internship Fair.

 

BSOS Career Fair Prep Walk-in Hours (2148 Tydings Hall, University Career Center @ BSOS); Printed resume required for critique

• Thursday, February 18, 10 am-12 pm
• Monday, February 22, 10 am-12 pm

 

Career Fair Prep Walk-In Hours for All Majors (3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing–University Career Center & The President’s Promise); Printed resume required for critique

• Thursday, February 18            10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 19                 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Monday, February 22              10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Apply now for the minor in International Development and Conflict Management

Summer 2016 Jobs with Fund for the Public Interest

Make a difference on issues that matter this summer with the Fund for the Public Interest!

What are you planning to do with your summer? Do you want to make a real difference, working to protect the environment or public health? Do you want to gain real-world experience and pick up valuable skills? Do you want to make good money?

Apply for a job with the Fund this summer, and you could get all of that and more. We’re a national, non-profit organization that builds the people power for America’s leading environmental and social change organizations.

We’re hiring in over 30 cities across the country this summer to raise money and get thousands of people to take action. You’ll make a real difference on important issues. You may be working to help stop global warming, fight fracking, get factory farms to stop overusing antibiotics or standing up for clean water, just to name a few.

You’ll gain real-world experience and learn valuable skills. Making change happen isn’t easy, but history has shown time and again that when we build enough people power we can win. But to do that we need people who have the skills and leadership ability to get things done. And that’s what you’ll learn with the Fund.

We have a great training program. Training starts the first day, and it continues throughout your time on staff.

You will have the opportunity to learn how to lead a team, run news conferences, all while developing your public speaking skills, raising money and motivating people to get involved and take action. Skills that will be valuable, no matter what kind of job you want in the future.

And, you’ll make good money.

Many people are faced with a tough choice for how to spend their summer. Do I earn money by waiting tables, painting houses or making lattes, or do I take that unpaid internship so I can get real-world experience, or work on something I care about. You don’t have to make that choice.

You can make $4,500-$6,500 this summer while doing something you actually believe in. All while gaining the skills and experience you need to help you succeed in the future.

This is not your typical summer job, but if you’re looking for a great experience where you can make a real difference, and work with some great people along the way, then apply for a summer job with The Fund.

We will be holding information sessions and interviews on campus on Monday 2/22, Tuesday 2/23, and Wednesday 2/24. To apply, please visit www.SummerJobsThatMatter.org or call 1-800-75-EARTH (753-2784).

Department of State Workshop Marie Mount Hall 2407 –Featuring Dept. of State Diplomat Elise Kleinwaks

Feb. 16 Department of State Workshop Marie Mount Hall 2407 –Featuring Dept. of State Diplomat Elise Kleinwaks

State Department Workshop Feb. 16, featuring the inspiring Diplomat in Residence Elise Kleinwaks.  

Ms. Kleinwaks is a senior Department of State official, and has given multiple talks to our students over the summer – helping result in an unprecedented number of acceptances of our students into State Department internships.

If you are interested in interning at State, this is a great event for you!  Tips, strategies and information to hone your Fall or future internship applications (Fall due March 1, 2016)

Opportunity also to speak with a State Department Official on career opportunities and how to find a job post-graduation!

Event hosted by Federal and Global Semester and Individual Studies; GVPT students are very welcome!!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 16  

Formal Presentation 12:30-1:30 (Please RSVP).  If you are also interested in a scheduled one-on-one session (between 9:00am and noon), sign up on RSVP form

WHERE: FGS/IVSP Office 2407 Marie Mount Hall

RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/V9mE6ehHkB

P.S. Lunch will be provided so RSVP!

DESCRIPTION: A day of tips, strategies, and personal questions with Dept. of State Diplomat Elise Kleinwaks. 
Details: Date: Tuesday, February 16 (9:00am-2:00pm)
Location: Federal and Global Semester/IVSP Office, 2407 Marie Mount Hall
1 – Scheduled One-on-One session opportunities (9:00am-12:00pm)
2 – Gather Lunch (12:00-12:30pm)
3 - DoS Presentation (12:30pm-1:30pm)

Career and Internship Fair Spring 2016

Career & Internship Fair Spring 2016

February 24, 25, 26- 12:00 - 5:00pm

1st Floor – Stamp Student Union, College Park

 

The annual three-day Spring Career and Internship Fair, hosted by the University Career Center & The President’s Promise, provides UMD students and alumni with an opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers to discuss internship, full-time and part-time employment opportunities. Each day of the fair has different employers in attendance.

·         Start preparing today! Visit this link for preparation tips.

·         Review the list of registered employers.

·         Need some one-on-one help preparing? The University Career Center is offering walk-in hours to review resumes and discuss career fair preparation.

 

WHO CAN ATTEND SCIF?

University of Maryland, College Park:

  *   Current students and spouses

  *   Faculty and staff

  *   Alumni and spouses

  *   Shady Grove campus students (from UMCP)

No other individuals (including other UM system schools) will be admitted to this event.

 

WHICH DAYS TO ATTEND?

Employers will be looking to fill internship and full-time positions all three days! Preview the list of attending employers: https://umd-csm.symplicity.com/events/students.php?mode=list&cf=SCIF2016

 

For additional information about this event: Contact Alicia Montague at amontagu@umd.edu

View all Spring 2016 Fairs.  

Beyond the Classroom Living-Learning Program Applications Available

Are you dedicated to making an impact in the world? Looking for opportunities that align with your passion?


Join Beyond the Classroom!

• Explore civic issues that matter to YOU!
• Gain real world experience through internships
• Develop leadership skills
• Engage in community service
• Optional housing in South Campus Commons

Beyond the Classroom, in the words of a former student, “exposes you to the world’s leading problems in new and engaging ways: through community service, activism, research, and meeting with those directly affected by challenges and working to seek resolution.” This three semester program guides you to use your unique talents to create change locally, nationally, and globally.

Information and On-Line Application: btc.umd.edu

Fall 2016 Application Deadlines:

Wednesday, February 10 – Priority housing for South Campus Commons
Friday, February 26 – Contingent housing for South Campus Commons
May 6 – Final application deadline (housing unavailable)

Department of State Workshop Marie Mount Hall 2407 –Featuring Dept. of State Diplomat Elise Kleinwaks

State Department Workshop Feb. 16, featuring the inspiring Diplomat in Residence Elise Kleinwaks.  

Ms. Kleinwaks is a senior Department of State official, and has given multiple talks to our students over the summer – helping result in an unprecedented number of acceptances of our students into State Department internships. If you are interested in interning at State, this is a great event for you!  Tips, strategies and information to hone your Fall or future internship applications (Fall due March 1, 2016) Opportunity also to speak with a State Department Official on career opportunities and how to find a job post-graduation! Event hosted by Federal and Global Semester and Individual Studies; GVPT students are very welcome!!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 16  

Formal Presentation 12:30-1:30 (Please RSVP).  If you are also interested in a scheduled one-on-one session (between 9:00am and noon), sign up on RSVP form

WHERE: FGS/IVSP Office 2407 Marie Mount Hall

RSVP: http://goo.gl/forms/V9mE6ehHkB

P.S. Lunch will be provided so RSVP!

 

DESCRIPTION: A day of tips, strategies, and personal questions with Dept. of State Diplomat Elise Kleinwaks. 
Details: Date: Tuesday, February 16 (9:00am-2:00pm)
Location: Federal and Global Semester/IVSP Office, 2407 Marie Mount Hall
1 – Scheduled One-on-One session opportunities (9:00am-12:00pm)
2 – Gather Lunch (12:00-12:30pm)
3 - DoS Presentation (12:30pm-1:30pm)

 

 

Consulting Internship with the Winvale Group

The Winvale Group is a leading professional services firm specializing in government contracts and the GSA Schedule program. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Washington, DC, we have over 500 successful client engagements and are recognized as one of the fastest growing companies by SmartCEO and Inc. magazines. As a continuation of this growth, we’re excited to announce an internship opening for an entry level Consultant.

As a consultant intern, you will be managing and advising multiple clients in a variety of industries. This position will focus their time providing daily support to senior consultants by preparing government and GSA (General Services Administration) Schedule proposals, participating in client meetings and government negotiations, analyzing business processes and metrics, managing client files, and creating winning offers in accordance with company policies and contract requirements. Candidates should enjoy strategic thinking and consulting, while making a dramatic impact in our client’s business and being instrumental in our future growth!

In order to be successful, internship candidates should posses:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• A focus on customer satisfaction with the ability to build relationships;
• An organized and detail-oriented individual who is able to multi-task;
• Enjoy working in a team environment and capable of supporting project deliverables;
• Enrolled in a college or university and working toward a Bachelors degree
• Prior internship or business experience preferred;
• An in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel;

For consideration, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to: meghangallagher15@gmail.com. The Winvale Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Receive GVPT Credit this Summer in Europe

Receive GVPT Credit This Summer in Europe!

Summer Study Abroad Fair - Thurs, Feb. 11, 3 - 6 pm 

Stamp Student Union - Grand Ball room

Are you looking for 6 summer credits & a way to make a difference in the world? 

Apply to UMD's

Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change

Summer Session, July 17 – August 6

JOIN THE 10th ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF THE SALZBURG ACADEMY PROGRAM!

ALL UNDERGRADS, MASTERS & PhD STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE

For three weeks every summer, undergraduate, masters and doctoral students from five continents and leading universities around the world come together in Austria, to work on real projects that address global problems, such as poverty, sustainability and human rights.  

Students work in teams with faculty mentors, visiting journalists and officers from partnering international organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross/Red Crescent. 

Students receive credit for two 400 / 700-level courses (6 credits total) —  cross-listed with Journalism, American Studies, Government & Politics and the Honors College.  The courses also meet Understanding Plural Societies/Cultural Competence & Scholarship in Practice Gen Ed requirements.

Students live and work at Schloss Leopoldskron, an 18th century Baroque palace in the Austria Alps — most famously used as the movie location for the “Sound of Music” film.  The palace was also the site for last year’s Chanel fashion show — and Salzburg is also home to the world-famous Salzburg Music Festival and the Red Bull Salzburg football (soccer) team.

For more information please contact Prof. Susan Moeller:  sdmoeller@umd.edu 

OR take a look at the following websites:  

• To Apply:  http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/program/10292
• Check out the program from the perspective of our host partner in Austria:  http://media-academy.salzburgglobal.org/
• Check out the palace and four-star hotel where you would be working and living:  http://www.schloss-leopoldskron.com/en/
• Check out the Academy's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/SalzburgMediaAcademy

Legal Aid Internship Opportunity

Internship Opportunities Available with the Chris Van Hollen for Senate Campaign

The Chris Van Hollen for Senate campaign is currently looking for interns and fellows from University of Maryland to join our team. This will be a great opportunity for students to become civically engaged, learn how a campaign works and master cutting-edge targeting and political data techniques as part of the most exciting campaign of the cycle.

The campaign is looking for bright, energetic individuals who want to learn the nuts and bolts of how a campaign works and help elect the next U.S. Senator from Maryland!  Hours are flexible with a small requirement, and the campaign team is a lot of fun. No previous campaign experience necessary. When you walk out the door at the end of your internship you will know how to run a local field program, and have met a lot of new friends.

To apply for an internship or fellowship with the Van Hollen for Senate campaign, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please fill out this form https://goo.gl/zB0XtB or email any questions to cvh.internship.info@gmail.com . 

The Van Hollen for Senate Campaign is an equal, opportunity employer.

Internship opportunities available with the Chris Van Hollen for Senate Campaign

The Chris Van Hollen for Senate campaign is currently looking for interns and fellows from University of Maryland to join our team. This will be a great opportunity for students to become civically engaged, learn how a campaign works and master cutting-edge targeting and political data techniques as part of the most exciting campaign of the cycle.

The campaign is looking for bright, energetic individuals who want to learn the nuts and bolts of how a campaign works and help elect the next U.S. Senator from Maryland!  Hours are flexible with a small requirement, and the campaign team is a lot of fun. No previous campaign experience necessary. When you walk out the door at the end of your internship you will know how to run a local field program, and have met a lot of new friends.

To apply for an internship or fellowship with the Van Hollen for Senate campaign, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please fill out this form http://tinyurl.com/q6h24wq or email any questions to cvh.internship.info@gmail.com.

The Van Hollen for Senate Campaign is an equal, opportunity employer.

National Youth Rights Association (NYRA) Summer & Fall 2016 Fellowship Program – 3 openings

Application deadline: February 29^th, 2016

Founded in 1998, NYRA is a national non-profit dedicated to fighting for the civil rights and liberties of young people. Based in the Washington, DC area, the organization challenges age discrimination against young people, and seeks to change attitudes and policies toward youth. NYRA aims to achieve its goals through educating people about youth rights, empowering young people to work on their own behalf in defense of their rights, and taking positive steps to lessen the burden of ageism.  NYRA’s website is www.youthrights.org.

The Fellowship program is designed to provide a structured opportunity for young people interested in advancing youth rights to gain experience in advocacy, to work together, and to learn from each other and the NYRA mentors.  NYRA will tailor which responsibilities are part of each Fellow’s portfolio based on the Fellow’s interest, experience and preferences. Each Fellows’ portfolio of responsibilities will include a mutually agreed upon sub-set of the following:  

Research and Writing 

• Update statistics and arguments within NYRA’s policy advocacy resources such as our Drinking Age FAQ, Voting Age Talking Points and Curfew FAQ. 
• Research and summarize laws related to the rights of youth (for example see here). 
• Expand and update NYRA’s library of pro-youth-rights studies, research papers, and information.  
• Write blog posts for NYRA’s blog and Facebook page.  
• Expand and update NYRA’s repository of news articles regarding youth rights.  
• Write op-eds, letters to the editor, and press releases for developing issues. 

Outreach 

• Develop and execute a strategy to further expand NYRA’s local chapter network, and to provide ongoing help for local chapters to support their campaigns and growth. 
• Conduct outreach and recruit new members both online and offline. 
• Liaise with the media: including building and maintaining media lists of reporters; getting NYRA’s op-eds, letters to the editor, and press releases into the media;  contacting reporters who cover youth rights stories and encouraging them to interview NYRA; and helping to develop and/or serving as a media spokesperson for NYRA.  
• Build and maintain NYRA’s online community of youth rights advocates by stimulating conversations, doing online outreach to build awareness and ensure a friendly, welcoming environment. 
• Start a local NYRA chapter.  
• Increase the reach of NYRA’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, as well as expand NYRA’s reach into other social media platforms.  

Qualifications: In keeping with NYRA’s philosophy, the Fellowship is open to all, irrespective of age. The Fellowship could be appropriate for current students and graduates of Middle School, High School, College, and/or Graduate Degree Programs. The following qualifications are required: Fellows must

1. be able to produce and write a well-crafted argument
2. be able to do internet-based research to assemble, summarize, and synthesize arguments, statistics, and policies related to youth rights
3. understand and support NYRA’s philosophy and mission, and
4. be authorized to work in the U.S..

In addition, candidates should possess some of the following preferred qualifications:

• public speaking skills
• ability to professionally and effectively communicate by email and phone
• skill at internet-based promotion of ideas and issues
• experience with multimedia content creation
• some experience as a youth leader or organizer
• previous experience advocating on behalf of youth rights in some way.     

Duration and Hours: This Fellowship is designed as a six-month Fellowship, starting around June 2016, and ending in December 2016. During the summer months, Fellows are expected to work 20-40 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. During the fall, Fellows are expected to work 8-16 hours per week.  

Location and supplies: The majority of Fellows’ work will be performed remotely, from a location of their choosing, as NYRA does not maintain a permanent office space. Supervision and collaboration will primarily be done over phone/skype/email. There are two exceptions to this.  A 3-day long team retreat / Fellow orientation will take place at the beginning of the summer, in the Washington, DC area.  And during the summer, workshops will take place every other Saturday at an office near Union Station metro station.   In-person attendance is required for the team retreat, and for the workshops, in-person attendance is preferred, but attendance by skype-video is also possible.  Fellows’ work will require use of a computer, a phone, and the internet, and Fellows must secure these on their own. 

Supervision: Fellows will be mentored by and work under the supervision of NYRA’s President, Alex Koroknay-Palicz. Fellows are also expected to learn from each other. Supervision will occur via weekly one-on-one check-ins, as-needed, and through workshops that focus on building a particular skill and/or provide the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and feedback. 

Remuneration: NYRA is an all-volunteer organization, and the Fellowship is unpaid. However, Fellows will be provided with a $750 stipend intended to defray any expenses the Fellow incurs as a part of participation in this Fellowship.

For additional information, or to apply, please visit http://youthrights.org/action/summer-fall-2016-fellowship-program/.