Human Rights Watch Student Task Force - Santa Clarita Valley

Human Rights Watch Student Task Force Internship – Santa Clarita Valley

Development and Outreach Department

Los Angeles Office and Santa Clarita Valley

Fall 2013/Spring 2014
Apply Immediately

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, incisive and timely reporting, innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and success in changing the human rights-related policies of influential governments and international institutions.

Based in Los Angeles, the Student Task Force (STF) is a Human Rights Watch-sponsored youth leadership-training program that brings together high school students from all over Los Angeles County and empowers them to advocate for the rights of children. HRW-STF interns and STF teacher advisors work in partnership to mentor students in leadership skills and activism, fostering confidence and maturity among students and enabling them to become effective voices for change and social justice within their communities. Each STF intern has many opportunities for substantive responsibility and self-education, which makes the STF internship a rewarding and uplifting learning experience.

Currently, the Los Angele office has openings for a Student Task Force (STF) intern who will work in schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. Ideally, the selected candidate would begin in early-August and continue through the academic school year with the possibility of continuing the internship into the summer semester.

Responsibilities of the STF intern include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in action plans associated with STF's efforts to support the local and national development of Human Rights Education as a part of every child's education;
• Creating and organizing advocacy opportunities for the STF campaigns that focus on children rights issues and human rights education;
• Maintaining ongoing relationships with local student leaders and faculty advisors and attending their STF meetings;
• Coordinating outreach events with participating STF high schools, student leaders, faculty advisors and like-minded organizations;
• Researching and implementing strategies and tools to equip students to be knowledgeable and effective human rights activists; and
• Assisting with other office-related tasks, as assigned.

Internships are unpaid. Interns commit to 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Availability on Wednesdays is preferred. Academic credit can often be arranged as HRW internships offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, interaction with community activists, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Qualifications: 
The ideal STF intern should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in children's human rights and/or human rights education. Experience with advocacy and working with volunteers is highly desired. Academic background in political science, international studies, or global studies is a plus. Availability for 15 hours per week, and occasional night events is a must. Computer skills (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, and Internet applications) are required. Experience with graphic design, web design, and online communication tools are a plus. Applicants must be able to provide their own transportation to high schools located in the Santa Clarita area and occasional trips to the LA Human Rights Watch office in West Los Angeles.

For more information on the Student Task Force, please visit http:www.hrwstf.org.

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Details:

Location: 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90064, United States

Start date: August 12, 2013

End date: October 31, 2013

Application deadline: September 21, 2013

Hours per week: 15

Compensation: Unpaid

Stipend/Wage: Parking and travel reimbursement

Owner's areas of focus: Human rights and civil liberties

How to apply:

Please apply immediately by emailing the following four items to LAjobs@hrw.org.
1) Cover letter, indicating availability in the first paragraph, as well as applicant's specific human rights interests (length – 1 pg.)
2) Resume (length – 1 pg.)
3) Professional/administrative writing sample (unedited by others) (length – 1-3 pgs.)

4) Three academic or professional references

Please use "STF INTERNSHIP APPLICATION – SANTA CLARITA VALLEY" as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications received for the position, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.