In 2009 the Pluralism Project at Harvard University will offer:
Summer projects will focus on our World Religions in Boston resource and our Case Study Initiative. We will also be providing exciting opportunities to engage with other young leaders through Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries' Interfaith Youth Initiative.
A complete application consists of a cover letter, resume, and two email references, and should be emailed to Kathryn Lohre, assistant director, at klohre@fas.harvard.edu. In your cover letter, please explain why you are committed to religious pluralism, and what uniquely qualifies you for an internship or independent research position. Please ask your references to write "reference: your name" in the subject line. Only complete applications will be reviewed and decisions will be made on a rolling basis.
Application deadline: February 28, 2009
“The Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) and Harvard Divinity School (HDS) are pleased to announce the availability of the Dana McLean Greeley International Internship for an HDS student interested in furthering interreligious understanding. The Greeley International Internship honors the Rev. Dana McLean Greeley, SB 1931, STB '33, who believed that people of all backgrounds and faiths are deeply connected to one another and should work together for positive social change. Applications for one summer internship will be accepted from HDS students who wish to intern with an organization outside of the United States that is dedicated to the promotion of interreligious understanding, peace, and social justice.” The Pluralism Project is a partner in this internship program.
For more information about possible international host organizations, please email smcgarry@hds.harvard.edu
Application deadline: January 30, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.hds.harvard.edu/cswr/grants/students.html
“The mission of the American Humanist Association is to be a clear, democratic voice for Humanism in the United States, to increase public awareness and acceptance of Humanism, to establish, protect and promote the position of Humanists in our society, and to develop and advance Humanist thought and action.”
“The American Humanist Association has two summer internships available, starting in mid-May to mid-June and continuing until mid-August to early September, for students, recent grads, and volunteers in Washington, D.C. Interns will develop a more comprehensive understanding of how a progressive, national nonprofit organization works, while gaining valuable skills for the future. An internship at the AHA will provide an opportunity to support the organization's current work: advancing secular Humanist values and progressive issue advocacy, focusing on church-state separation, civil liberties, reproductive freedom, human rights, and equality. Interns will work in two overlapping areas, depending on skills and interests: PR and Communications, and Legal and Advocacy.”
Application Deadline: May 19, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.americanhumanist.org/about/internship.php
“The American Jewish Committee Goldman Fellowship Program is designed to develop future leaders in the areas of international and domestic politics, diplomacy, public relations, and management. This competitive Fellowship gives students the unique opportunity to work in offices throughout the world - from San Francisco to Geneva, Switzerland, and from New York to Melbourne, Australia.”
“Fellows work closely with supervisors in a mentor relationship to learn about strategy, advocacy, and the development and implementation of programming. Fellows may also spend part of their time developing an independent project with the AJC office to which they are assigned. Research and policy work span the range of AJC's interests - from international affairs and diplomacy to interethnic relations and non-profit management. Applicants are asked to select their preferred field(s) of interest from the following fields: Domestic and Legal Policy, International Policy and Diplomacy, Media Relations, Human Rights Advocacy, Global Jewish Affairs, Interreligious/Interethnic Relations, as well as any location preferences and AJC will seek to match requests with our needs. AJC Goldman Fellows receive $3,000 for the 9-week program plus major travel expenses.”
Application deadline: January 30, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.ajc.org/site/lookup.asp?c=ijITI2PHKoG&b=1144809
"The Ethics Group recruits undergraduate and graduate student interns to work at the AMA Headquarters in Chicago on an ongoing basis for summer, fall, and winter/spring semesters. Internships are unpaid but participants will receive course credit for their work in accordance with the requirements of their academic program. Past interns have typically been law students, medical students, and undergraduates with an interest in bioethics, philosophy, religion, biology, or other life sciences."
"Interns provide support for ongoing projects and initiatives in the Ethics Group. Interns are asked to conduct research on a wide variety of medical ethics issues which contribute to the formation of AMA ethics policy and other research projects related to the Code of Medical Ethics. Work may include researching legal, medical, or ethics literature and other resources; organizing and summarizing research material; and handling telephone inquiries or written correspondence. Interns also have the opportunity to attend faculty seminars and interact with a diverse range of professionals working in bioethics at a professional medical association."
Application deadlines: summer internship: February; fall internship: mid July
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2618.html
“The mission of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF), founded in 1978, is to serve as a catalyst for socially engaged Buddhism. Our purpose is to help beings liberate themselves from the suffering that manifests in individuals, relationships, institutions, and social systems. BPF's programs, publications, and practice groups link Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion with progressive social change.”
BPF is currently seeking an Editorial Intern for Turning Wheel and an intern to work with the BPF Prison Project.
No application deadline listed on the website. For more information, email volunteers@bpf.org
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.bpf.org/html/get_involved/internship/internship.html
Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries' mission is "to mobilize congregations and communities across economic, religious, racial, and ethnic boundaries so that, in partnership, we can work more effectively for a just society."
"IFYI is seeking young leaders ages 15-18, college students and seminarians to serve as staff. Call or email Alexander Levering Kern at 617-455-5323 or akern@coopmet.org for more info."
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.coopmet.org/Employment.htm
“The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a human rights group whose purpose is to provide a voice for the 2 million strong Hindu American community. HAF interacts with and educates government, media, think tanks, academia and public fora about Hinduism and issues of concern to Hindus locally and globally. Promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism, HAF stands strong against hate, discrimination, defamation and terror.”
A variety of internships and volunteer positions, including political, marketing, and report writer positions, are available.
No application deadline listed on website. For more information, email volunteer@hafsite.org
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_news_volunteers.htm
“As the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender political organization, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is dedicated to ending discrimination, securing equal rights and protecting the health and safety of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. With a 100-person national staff and over 600,000 members throughout the country, HRC lobbies the federal government on LGBT legislative and regulatory matters, advocates before the courts as an amicus curiae, participates in the judicial nominations process, leads and/or actively works on national civil rights coalitions, educates the public, participates in elections, engages communities of faith in a meaningful dialogue on LGBT issues, and works at the grassroots level on civil rights and political matters of national importance.”
“The Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program’s mission is to change the conversation in this country about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and faith. HRC is standing alongside religious people who have been speaking out for GLBT equality. Our approach is twofold: (1) to amplify the voices of faith leaders who are willing to speak out for GLBT equality (2) to equip GLBT people of faith and our allies to use faith language in advocacy.”
“While HRC is a political organization, we offer internships in nearly all of our departments and programs,” from Communities and Volunteer Relations, Diversity, Political, Youth & Campus Outreach, Consumer Marketing, among others.
Application deadline: May 11, 2009. Rolling admission.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.hrc.org/about_us/5600.htm
“The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is a non-profit, scientific research organization that works primarily on issues related to equal opportunity and economic and social justice for women. IWPR works with policymakers, scholars, and advocacy groups around the country to conduct research, disseminate its findings, and build a network of individuals and organizations concerned with policy issues for women.”
“The Institute will offer internships in these areas for summer 2009: Research, Communications and Outreach, and Development. Summer internships run for a period of 10 weeks, beginning in May or June and ending in July or August. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Interns receive a stipend of $100 per week.”
For more information email IWPR Internship Coordinator at crum@iwpr.org.
Application deadline: March 2, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.iwpr.org/About/employment.htm#internships
"The Interfaith Alliance is equally committed to protecting the integrity of both religion and democracy in America. We champion religious freedom by respecting individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism and build common ground."
"The Interfaith Alliance gives [interns] the unique opportunity to explore the various faith traditions represented in our diverse nation and to see first-hand the religious liberty at work. In addition, interns also work in a specific department, including development, program, or policy to learn about the specific rewards and challenges inherent in non-profit work. As full members of The Interfaith Alliance staff, interns are expected to contribute to the daily tasks and ongoing projects." The Interfaith Alliance offers internships focused in the following areas: Communication, Development, and Field/Grassroots Organizing.
Application deadline: April 18, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://interfaithalliance.org/about/jobs-and-internships/intern-opportunities
“Founded in 1978, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC) was the first staffed organization in the world to bring together the Islamic, Jewish, Protestant and Roman Catholic faith communities for the purposes of dialogue and social action. The Baha’i, Hindu, Jain, Latter-day Saints, Sikh and Zoroastrian traditions have since joined. The IFC brings together people from different religions, economic levels and races to deepen understanding and respect for our diverse traditions and to collaborate on key issues of the day.”
“If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please contact Mike Goggin at mikeg@ifcmw.org"
No application deadline listed on website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.ifcmw.org/Default.asp?page=get_involved
“Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.”
“The undergraduate CST / IWJS internships are a collaborative project of Interfaith Worker Justice, colleges and universities, and local interfaith worker justice committees. The internship program begins June 8, 2009 with training in New Orleans in conjunction with the National IWJ Conference. Interns will then travel to local interfaith committees around the country for eight weeks of hands-on service. Participants will reconvene August 11-14 in Chicago for reflection and exploring next steps.”
Application deadline: March 15, 2009. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis. For more information contact Meg Koach at mkoach@iwj.org.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.iwj.org/doc/CST-IWJSum2009App.pdf
“Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.”
“The Seminary Summer/Islamic Internship for Worker Justice is a joint project of Interfaith Worker Justice, the AFL-CIO, and Change to Win unions…A partnership between labor unions and Interfaith Worker Justice, Seminary Summer involves 35 to 50 Muslim and rabbinical students, seminarians, and novices in a ten-week internship of faith and action. Seminary Summer began as a way to engage future religious leaders in worker justice issues and campaigns. Since 2000 more than 200 seminary, rabbinical, and Muslim students have spent their summers educating and organizing the religious community around involvement with worker issues through campaigns that enhance the wages, benefits, and dignity of workers.”
For more information email April McGlothin-Eller at april@iwj.org.
Application deadline: March 15, 2009. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.iwj.org/doc/Graduate%202009.pdf
"We seek interns committed to the vision of the Interfaith Youth Core who will promote religious pluralism around the country and the world. Interns must have a strong interest in interfaith relationship-building, community service, civic engagement and youth empowerment. We also seek individuals with excellent interpersonal skills excited to work in a culturally diverse environment." Internships include: data systems, development, Faith Acts Fellows Program, and graphic design.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.ifyc.org/programs/leadership/internships
"ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations."
"Thanks to a generous grant from the Samina and Maqbool Ahmad Family, ISNA continues to offer internship opportunities to Muslims studying diverse subjects from colleges and universities across the United States…Available positions include Leadership Training and Conflict Resolution, Youth Program Development, Interfaith Relations and Community Outreach, Convention and Conference Planning, Membership and Affiliation Promotion, Fundraising and Endowment Building, and Management Information Systems."
Application deadline: February 15, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.isna.net/events/Special-Announcement/ISNAS-SAMINA--MAQBOOL-AHMAD-INTERNSHIP-PROGRAM.aspx
“MAS Boston is a grassroots, community organization that works to educate, organize, and empower the Muslim community to be active, contributing citizens who play a significant role towards positive social and spiritual change.”
“The MAS Boston Public Sphere Internship Program seeks to provide opportunities for college and university students to gain skills and interest in careers in the public sphere which includes: public policy, law, media, social work, community development and public affairs.” Internship duties are tailored to take into account both the needs of the participating institution and the desires of the individual. Students typically work for an academic term (semester). MAS is willing to work with faculty and/or administrators on campus to assist interns to secure academic credit for their time.
The internships being offered for the spring 2009 semester are for positions working for city and state legislators located at Boston City Hall and at the Massachusetts State House.
No application deadline listed on the website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.masboston.org/index.php? action=view&id=123&module=newsmodule&src=%40random41940a897e943
"MPAC interns are considered an integral component in fulfilling the goals of the organization. As a public policy institution, MPAC focuses on promoting positive and accurate public discourse and Islam and Muslims…Over the years, MPAC has built a reputation as a consistent and reliable resource for government and media, and is trusted by American Muslims as an authentic, experienced voice."
"Over the course of eight weeks, MPAC interns will be given the opportunity to contribute research, develop leadership skills, and conduct outreach to government, media and community… [Interns] work for the American Muslim community, understand how policy gets shaped, and gain experience in the non-profit sector."
Application deadline: April 14, 2009.
Retrieved February 2009 from http://www.mpac.org/internships/internship-details.php
“The National Council of Churches is the leading ecumenical organization among Christians in the United States. It encompasses 35 member communions including the major Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox communions, African-American denominations and historic peace churches. The Council serves as both a convener and voice for a faith constituency of almost 50 million people and 100,000 congregations in all 50 states. It is organized around five program commissions and does extensive work in research, Bible translation, Christian education, theological and interfaith dialogue, witness through the media, and advocacy around issues of social justice and public policy.”
The National Council of the Churches is offering multiple internships in both their New York and Washington DC offices. These positions include: Communications Justice and Advocacy Intern, Communication and Website Intern, Communications Intern for Women’s Ministries, Poverty Outreach and Advocacy Intern, Health Network Intern for Network and Web Development, Health Intern for Policy Reform Research, and Eco-Justice Advocacy and Outreach Intern.
No application deadline listed on the website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.ncccusa.org/jobs/
“People For the American Way/People For the American Way Foundation are 900,000-member non-partisan constitutional liberties organizations dedicated to defending civil rights and liberties, freedom of expression and religion, and to promoting respect for diversity, equal justice, and a sense of community.”
“Several regional offices and departments have internships available throughout the year. Most of these internships are unpaid, although funding is available for a few paid internships. We are happy to work with students to arrange academic credit. Part-time internships and flexible scheduling may be possible. Interns work with staff to track legislation, monitor congressional hearings, assist with grassroots organizing, and help with current research and writing projects, as well as some support duties.”
Deadlines vary by internship.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_internships
“Religions for Peace - USA gathers representatives of religious communities in the U.S.; promotes multi-religious cooperation for peace and justice; builds on the spiritual, human, and institutional resources of its communities; enhances mutual understanding; and acts for the common good.”
“Internship opportunities are available at Religions for Peace - USA for New York City area students interested in international affairs, human rights, sustainable development, pluralism and diversity, non-profit management, communications, and/or religious studies. You can gain work experience and discover educational growth as an intern. While the majority of internships are unpaid, flexible work plans, school-mandated mentoring administration, and job readiness reference requests are all honored.” Different types of internships are available, including: PR and Communications; IT and Web Development; Fundraising and Development; and Research and Writing.
No application deadline listed on website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.rfpusa.org/join/internships.html
“Founded as the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) in 1996, SALDEF is the oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization in the country. We empower Sikh Americans through four program areas: legal assistance, educational outreach, legislative advocacy and media relations.”
“The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach.”
Application deadline is rolling.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.saldef.org/content.aspx?a=1626
“The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that defends civil rights and civil liberties in the United States, educates the broader community about Sikhs and diversity, promotes local community empowerment, and fosters civic engagement amongst Sikh Americans. The Coalition serves as a resource for all organizations and individuals as well as a point of contact for Sikh people.”
“The Sikh Coalition Internship Program allows students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies to gain hands-on experience in promoting the civil and human rights of all individuals. Our Internship Program focuses on giving all interns the opportunity to be involved in projects that they can learn from and enjoy. With New York City's dynamic neighborhood Soho as a backdrop, interns will work to further the mission and vision of the Sikh Coalition by helping to achieve legal victories, as well as educating and empowering the community and contributing to the growth of the organization.” Internships are available in the following concentration areas: legal; community organizing; and marketing and operations.
Application deadline: December 24, 2008 for law students; for all other interns: April 1, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.sikhcoalition.org/InternshipProgram.asp
“The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding is the leading organization providing practical programs so urgently needed to prevent the growing problem of verbal and physical conflict perpetrated in the name of religion. Our programs address unresolved and often unrecognized tensions in religiously-diverse workplaces, schools and in areas of armed conflict. We are a secular, non-sectarian, not-for-profit group working both nationally and internationally.”
The Tanenbaum Center is offering internships in five key areas: religion and conflict resolution, workplace and healthcare, religion and diversity education, development, and administration. These internships are unpaid positions “for the spring academic semester, with possibility of continuation in the summer. Tanenbaum will work with you and your school so that you receive academic credit for the internship.”
No application deadline listed on website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.tanenbaum.org/careers.html
“The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to monitor the status of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief abroad, as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments, and to give independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.”
The following internships are available: Communications Department Intern, Government Affairs Department Intern, Legal Research Intern, Regional Policy Analysis Intern.
Application deadline: April 1, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=326&Itemid=43
“The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER) began in 1983 in response to the need for theological, ethical, and liturgical development for and by women. We are a feminist educational center, doing work locally, nationally and internationally organizing programs and projects, publications and workshops, counseling, spiritual direction and liturgical planning which help people actualize feminist religious values in the service of social change. WATER helps develop inclusive religious and social communities, and focuses feminist faith on bringing about social justice.”
“Interns engage in the full range of activities at WATER, from office work to program planning. They learn how a small non-profit is run and what it takes to nurture such an Alliance. Interns wishing to do their own research will have a chance to utilize WATER's constantly growing Resource Center as well as consult with our experienced staff through periodic in-house seminars. Interns must commit to a minimum of six weeks and can stay for as many as six months. Internships are unpaid. All participants are encouraged to apply for academic credit from their home institutions for their work at WATER.”
No application deadline listed on website.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.his.com/~mhunt/internsh.htm
“Religions for Peace is the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions dedicated to promoting peace. Respecting religious differences while celebrating our common humanity, Religions for Peace is active on every continent and in some of the most troubled areas of the world, creating multi-religious partnerships to confront our most dire issues: stopping war, ending poverty, and protecting the earth.”
“Religions for Peace is always looking for a number of motivated and dedicated interns to join our international headquarters in New York. Since Religions for Peace encompasses a range of initiatives in international relations and interfaith cooperation, the opportunities for our interns are diverse: Conflict Transformation, Inter-religious Councils, Women’s Program, Advocacy and Action for Children Program, Communications, Fundraising, and general office assistance.”
Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.wcrp.org/opportunities/employment
"The World Council of Churches (WCC) is the broadest and most inclusive among the many organized expressions of the modern ecumenical movement, a movement whose goal is Christian unity."
A) Stewards program and ecumenical leadership training seminar
"The WCC brings together a regionally and confessionally diverse group of young people to participate in leadership training seminars, and to serve at WCC governing body meetings. Such meetings provide many opportunities for "on the job" ecumenical formation."
The 2009 program: "The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches meets every 18 months to monitor and set directions to the Council's work. About 150 church representatives, advisors and observers will gather at the next meeting of the Central Committee which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. There will be a group of young people from all over the world participating in the meeting as stewards from 19 August to 4 September 2009."
Application deadline: March 31, 2009
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/the-wcc-and-the-ecumenical-movement-in-the-21st-century/youth-in-the-ecumenical-movement/stewards-leadership-training.html
B) Interns
"Interns work in a WCC programme for a one-year period. During this time, they gain work experience in an ecumenical field and are given the tools to take this back to the local level. The second emphasis of the internship programme is on ecumenical formation and community-building: as a group, the interns learn how to work in a multicultural and multiconfessional environment. Each intern also develops an ecumenical project to be implemented back in their home contexts. By providing young people with a rich international experience of community-building, team work and ecumenical learning, this activity strengthens both local churches and the ecumenical movement as a whole."
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/the-wcc-and-the-ecumenical-movement-in-the-21st-century/youth-in-the-ecumenical-movement/interns.html
C) Building an Interfaith Community, Bossey Ecumenical Institute
"Multi-faith and multicultural contexts have become the evident marks of our time all over the world. People of different faiths, cultures and races live side by side and struggle together with the many challenges. Faced with these new realities, churches and many other faith communities have started to reflect afresh on Christian identity as an identity in relation to others and to the whole of creation. To respond to such challenges, Bossey is offering annually a one-month-long programme entitled Building an Interfaith Community."
Application Deadline: Applicants are advised to have applications in two months before the start of the program.
Retrieved January 2009 from http://www.oikoumene.org/en/activities/bossey/study-at-bossey/seminars-courses/building-an-interfaith-community.html