Spring 2021 Internships Available

Know any students who want to make a difference? Here’s an exciting opportunity with the Coalition for Social Justice this Spring 2021.

Community Outreach Internship

Coalition for Social Justice Education Fund 

For more information about the Coalition for Social Justice visit https://coalitionforsocialjustice.org/ 

The Coalition for Social Justice provides internships for students interested in participating in and learning about grassroots community organizing. The internships provide an opportunity for students to learn a variety of skills while at the same time contributing to the ongoing work of one of Massachusetts’ leading grassroots community organizations.

Due to Covid-19, this internship will primarily be remote and require good self-management and time management skills.

The internships will run from 7-15 weeks and can require from 5 – 10 hours per week. Interns will be trained and supervised by CSJ organizers. Supervisor will be assigned by primary campaign interest. Additional staff may oversee particular duties.

Students will be involved in grassroots campaigns to advocate for progressive public policy changes that address issues faced by struggling families, disadvantaged youth, as well as others affected by social inequalities. Issues include immigrant justice, economic justice, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, access to childcare, criminal justice reform, and preserving the welfare safety net.

Potential Activities

Attending lobby-days, rallies, phone banks, calling and emailing legislators, meeting with legislators and staff, attending state-wide coalition meetings, and attending CSJ meetings like committees, organizer meetings, or subcommittees.

Primary Tasks

• Engage with local residents and small businesses, as well as community leaders through door-to-door canvassing (as safe under MA COVID guidelines) in public housing and other impacted neighborhoods. Unlikely due to COVID
• Engage with community residents and neighbors through outreach by phone and text message around civic engagement activities such as holding elected officials accountable, supporting specific pieces of legislation, and attending events on issues.
• Organize community residents in campaigns that will call on elected officials to support public policies that are tackling issues affecting struggling families
• Interns will also be responsible for understanding pressing social problems and the policies that correspond to them, in order to be prepared to meet with elected officials on these issues. Training on these policies will be provided.

Skills and Experiences Acquired

Interns will have the opportunity to gain an array of skills and experience for a variety of career fields through our program.

1. Learning and practicing the elements of community organizing
2. Learning the elements of public policy advocacy and developing practical advocacy skills
3. Interpersonal communications skills
4. Interacting with diverse populations
5. Developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills
6. Understanding the process of public policy making

Compensation

Interns will be reimbursed for travel or expenses. There is an opportunity for a stipend award for exceptional performance. CSJ gives out 1-2 competitive scholarships of $500 to students (either volunteers or interns) who are an active part of campaigns based on shown commitments and recommendations from their supervisors. Priority goes to students studying at Bristol Community College.

Evaluations

Evaluations are based on students meeting their scheduled commitments, completing work, showing intellectual understanding of activities, attending trainings (as their school scheduled allows), and success at roles. Bonuses may be included for students who take on additional responsibilities.

To Apply

Email Diana Painter at diana@coalitionforsociajustice.org with why you are interested in the internship and what topic is of primary interest. Include phone number and the campaign lead will follow-up to set up a phone interview.