Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

CRLN seeks a summer intern to join our advocacy and education efforts in working for peace, justice and human rights in our hemisphere.  This temporary position is designed for current university students interested gaining experience in advocacy and educational work on faith-based social justice issues. 

Job Activities

The intern will work closely with the staff, doing what is necessary when it arises.  Approximately half of the internship is administrative in nature - sending out membership emails, updating the database, adding items to the webpage, collaborating with the staff to prepare membership mailings and gather materials for tabling events, etc.  The remainder of the time is spent on program work, including developing and leading an approved project of his/her choosing, assisted and supervised by CRLN staff.  The project could be any variety of things, from developing a plan of action for campus outreach, planning a workshop for a congregation or community group, putting together an event, researching and presenting an issue as a part of staff/Board education, writing a paper, etc.  The intern will work most closely with the Encuentros Coordinator in a collegial, collaborative environment.  Interns will also be asked to write a bi-weekly reflection on their experience at CRLN, the work CRLN does, and/or news, events, and activities surrounding the issues CRLN works on. 

Details

The intern is expected to work approximately 20 hours/week, but it should be noted that the office functions at a varying pace and the intern's workload may reflect this from week to week.  This internship is unpaid, but CRLN is willing to assist the intern in efforts to receive academic credit or work-study assistance.  In addition, CRLN can provide a small ($86/month) transportation stipend. 

Additional Benefits

CRLN works to provide a mentoring atmosphere for the intern so that she/he gains familiarity with CRLN's five main program areas: working for a new direction in U.S. policy towards Colombia, learning from emerging popular democracies, demilitarizing U.S. policy/closing the School of the Americas, building just U.S./Cuba relations, and promoting fair trade.  Interns will attend regular staff meetings and become an integral team player in the organization.  

CRLN has a friendly staff, a supportive network, and is a great place to learn about advocacy work, congregational education, and U.S. policy towards Latin America.  In addition, interns will gain experience in the daily operations of a small non-profit organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ideal applicants will have an interest in Latin America, human rights, public policy, and economic justice, ideally from a faith perspective; an ability to work independently and in a team; flexibility; follow-through and strong writing skills.  Computer skills and Spanish language abilities a plus.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested applicants should submit:

• Cover letter, including:
  • Why you want to be an intern at CRLN
  • Your specific interest regarding Latin America and advocacy work
  • How you heard of CRLN and this internship
• Resume
• Names, telephone numbers, and emails of at least 2 references
• A short (1-3) page writing sample

Deadline: Applications sent via postal mail need to be postmarked by May 1.  Electronic applications will be accepted through May 5.  Applicants should be available for a brief interview the week of May 4 -8. 

Applications should be sent to:

Erica Spilde: espilde@crln.org

or

Erica Spilde

Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

4750 N. Sheridan

Ste 429

Chicago, IL 60640