SPC Internships

Internships

Now accepting applications for Winter/Spring 2012 Internships!

We greatly enjoy working with interns at the Peace Council. Below are a number of specific internships which are available, though we welcome other proposals from prospective candidates. Full-time interns are also warmly welcome. At the current time we have no funds to support interns, so all internships will be unpaid.

To be successful, interns at the Peace Council need to be self-starters who are comfortable operating in a grassroots environment where resources are limited. They must be interested in learning more about how to create a more peaceful and just world.

To apply for an internship, please complete our intern application and return it to with a current resume and contact information for 2-3 references to our office, 2013 East Genesee St.., Syracuse, NY 13210 or email to spc@peacecouncil.net

Possible Internships
Anti-Wars Organizing

Bring the War $$ Home
Ground the Drones
Youth & Militarism/Military Alternatives Education Project (MAEP)

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON)

Two Row Wampum Campaign
Environmental Internship

Palestine-Israel Peace
Public Relations/Media
Grassroots Campus Organizing
Fundraising
Event Organizing
Public Outreach
E-Communications
Publications/Peace Newsletter
Videography/Photography

Anti-Wars Organizing/Bring the War $$ Home
Assist with ongoing organizing work of the Peace Council to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have recently begun a campaign to highlight the connections between our economic crisis and our bloated military budget and multiple overseas wars. There is the opportunity for a motivated and creative intern to coordinate activities in this area. Tasks could include: developing project ideas, soliciting volunteers and building connections with other individuals or organizations, planning and facilitating meetings, organizing events, developing fact sheets, and research..

Qualifications: Experience with some type of social change organizing would be helpful but not absolutely necessary. A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of five-ten hours per week.. Much of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staffperson who is coordinating the project. That person would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Anti-Wars Organizing/Ground the Drones
Assist with ongoing organizing work of the Peace Council to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have an ongoing effort to challenge the Reaper Drones piloted from Hancock Air Field just north of Syracuse. There is the opportunity for a motivated and responsible intern to create and coordinate a project in this area. Tasks could include: developing project ideas, soliciting volunteers and building connections with other individuals or organizations, planning and facilitating meetings, organizing demonstrations, developing campaign materials and soliciting funding.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of five-ten hours per week. Much of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Youth & Militarism / Military Alternatives Education Project (MAEP)
Assist with coordinating youth and militarism programs focussed on counter-recruitment and youth organizing/empowerment. The primary focus is working with high school/college communities (i.e. students, parents, faculty) to provide students with alternatives to the military. The intern would work with the project organizing committee. Tasks could include: staffing outreach tables at local high schools, developing materials for tables, researching best practices from other communities, educating school administrators, parents, and students about opt-out forms, working with student organizations, participating in/coordinating street theater, speaking in classes, coordinating speakers, flyering for MAEP events, or entering MAEP contacts into the database.

Qualifications: Interest in communicating with the general public on issues of youth and militarism. A willingness to develop contacts and work with youth. Ability to take on responsibility and execute tasks in a timely manner.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Most of the time will be during business hours with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staff person who is coordinating the project. That person would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

Two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON)
Assist with the work of this Peace Council project to promote understanding of and respect for the Onondaga people and culture within the broader Central New York community. Current primary projects include: Two Row Wampum Commemoration campaign, stopping hydrofracking, general education projects, working to advance the process of Onondaga County turning land over to the Onondaga Nation on the shore of Onondaga Lake, our Historical Marker Project and general education. The intern would participate in one or more of these projects, working with the NOON steering committee and project committees.

Qualifications: Interest in learning more about the Onondaga Nation and Haudenosaunee people. Good communications skills are important. Computer skills are very helpful. Flexibility and a desire to work cross-culturally are critical.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of about ten hours per week. Most of the time will be during business hours with occasional evening and weekend events.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) - Two Row Wampum Commemoration
Assist with the work of this new project to develop a statewide educational campaign to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Two Row Wampum Treaty and advocate for Onondaga Land Rights. This first treaty between the Haudenosaunee and European settlers, known as the Two Row Wampum, outlines a mutual, three-part commitment to friendship, peace between peoples, and living in parallel in perpetuity. Throughout the years, the Haudenosaunee have sought to honor this mutual vision and have increasingly emphasized that ecological stewardship is a fundamental prerequisite for this continuing friendship.

The intern will work closely with the NOON committee developing the campaign. Specific tasks could focus on research, website design, making contacts, raising funds and more.

Qualifications: Interest in learning more about the Onondaga Nation and Haudenosaunee people. Good communications skills and attention to detail are important. Attention to detail, flexibility and a desire to work cross-culturally are critical. Ability to work independently is important.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of about ten hours per week, primarily during business hours but also some evening and weekend work, for the course of the semester.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staffperson who coordinates NOON's work. The intern needs to be self-motivated and able to work independently. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) - Environmental Internship
Assist with the work of this Peace Council project to promote understanding of and respect for the Onondaga people and culture within the broader Central New York community.

The Onondaga Nation is deeply concerned with the destructive practice of hydrofracking, a gas drilling method that has polluted drinking water throughout Pennsylvania and is poised to do the same throughout New York State, including within the Onondaga Nation’s aboriginal territory. NOON and the Onondaga Nation’s environmental team are working to raise awareness about hydrofracking. The intern will work closely with the Onondaga Nation’s environmental team on a project to educate and organize in the community to prevent this dangerous practice in our state.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week during business hours, for the course of the semester.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by a member of the staff from the Onondaga Nation's General Counsel's office, and meet with her regularly. The intern needs to be self-motivated and able to work independently. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

Palestine-Israel Peace Project
The intern would work with the Peace Council's CNY Working for a Just Peace in Palestine & Israel project. This coalition involving Christians, Jews and Muslims and others organizes educational and advocacy efforts for a just resolution of this conflict. Tasks could include: developing project ideas, staffing outreach tables, developing educational materials, assisting with study groups or book discussions, organizing events for outside speakers, organizing demonstrations and public pressure campaigns.

Qualifications: Knowledge of the conflict. Experience with some type of social change organizing is helpful but not necessary. Interest in working cross-culturally. A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten hours per week. Much of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Public Relations/Media Work
Assist with the public relations work of the Peace Council on issues of peace and social justice. The precise focus would depend on the current projects of the organization and the interests of the intern. There is the opportunity for a motivated and responsible intern to develop and carry out a small project in this area. Tasks could include: developing project ideas, developing an action plan for a specific project, developing campaign materials, writing press releases, web page design, working with the media or other institutions to carry out the project.

Qualifications: Experience in working with the media or in public relations would be helpful but not absolutely necessary. A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills. Social science or social work students would be well suited for this work.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Most of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staffperson who is coordinating the project. That person would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Grassroots Campus Organizing Intern
Intern will assist with the movement building work of the Peace Council by helping to raise the profile of the Syracuse Peace Council’s work on campus (ESF, SU, OCC LeMoyne). Intern will work to 1) to raise student awareness about peace and social justice issues 2) to increase the visibility of Peace Council campaigns on campus and 3) network with student organizations to organize Peace Council tabling on campus

Qualifications Interest in communicating with peers and the general public on issues of peace and social justice; A willingness to be a public representative of the Peace Council; A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills.

Time: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of five-ten hours per week. Time will be spent between business hours and evening and weekend meetings. It is very helpful if the intern has weekend or evening availability.

Fundraising/Development
Assist with the Peace Council's fundraising/development efforts. This could include work on mail and web-based fundraising as well as specific events: Bowlathon (March), Summer Crafts (June) and/or other events which you develop.

Qualifications: Desire to help with the infrastructure work required for a community organization to succeed. Ability to follow up on contacts, build connections and carry out tasks effectively. A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills. Social science or social work students would be well suited for this work.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Time will be split between business hours and evening and weekend events.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staffperson whocoordinates fundraising. That person would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Event Organizing
Assist with organizing Peace Council events. These could be large fundraising events (Strike for Peace Bowlathon, PeaceSongs CD launch), events associated with a project (speakers, demonstrations, teach-ins, etc.), general educational events (Peace Council's monthly educational program, skill shares, etc.) and social activities (Leftist Lounge, etc.). The specific events change from semester to semester. Tasks could include: publicity (media work, creating posters, social media), outreach, organizing aspects of the event itself.

Qualifications: Good written and oral communications skills, personal organizational skills, interest in Peace Council events, ability and interest in working collectively. A high-level of responsibility is required.

Time: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of five-ten hours per week. Much of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings. For larger events, it is very helpful if the intern is able to attend committee meetings (most often in the evening).

Public Outreach
Assist with the outreach work of the Peace Council on issues of peace and social justice. The intern would work with staff to identify outreach venues (educational events, community fairs and festivals, etc.), make arrangements for Peace Council participation and assist with the preparation of materials and staffing of a table or booth.

Qualifications: Interest in communicating with the general public on issues of peace and social justice. A willingness to develop contacts and be a public representative of the Peace Council. A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills. Social science or social work students would be well suited for this work.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Time will be split between business hours and evening and weekend events.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Council staffperson who is coordinating the project. That person would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

E-Communications
The Peace Council is in the early stages of a complete website redesign using Drupal. Depending on timing, interns could assist with the organizational process of redesign as well as technical aspects. We are also looking to increase our use of other E-Communications, including Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. Tasks could include: Design work, evaluation and revision of the new site, adding additional components such as a blog, community forum, tools for committes and more.

Qualifications: Experience with website design and other E-communications.Good communications skills. A high level of responsibility.

Hours: Requires an average of ten or more hours per week, primarily during business hours with occasional evening and weekend meetings.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by SPC's website coordinator who would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on the quality of the work (writing, editing, graphics) they produced.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Publications/Peace Newsletter
Assisting with the publication of the monthly Peace Newsletter. This could have a focus on either the editorial component, the layout and graphic arts component, or involve both areas equally. The intern would work closely with the Peace Newsletter coordinator and a committee of volunteers. Tasks include: developing content ideas, finding and working with authors, writing articles, finding or creating graphics or photos, laying out the publication and distribution.

Qualifications: Depending on the specific focus of the intern, they would include: writing and editing skills, experience working with publications, graphic arts and/or layout experience (InDesign preferably), as well as good communications skills. Journalism or graphic arts majors would fit particularly well.

Hours: The newsletter operates on a monthly and bi-monthly cycle so the time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Most of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by the Peace Newsletter coordinator who would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on the quality of the work (writing, editing, graphics) they produced.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.

Photography/Videography
The Peace Council documents many of our own activities, including speakers and demonstrations. Interns might film events, shoot photos, etc. and then prepare materials for posting on You Tube and CNY Video Showcase, Flickr, etc. . Tasks could include: developing program ideas, shooting and editing footage, conducting interviews, finding relevant footage or videos from other sources and interfacing with Time-Warner Cable.

Qualifications: Experience with videotaping and editing and/or with still photography.A high-level of responsibility is required, as well as good communications skills. A film and or broadcast journalism major would work well for this project.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Most of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

Supervision & evaluation: The intern would be supervised by an SPC staffperson who would meet with her/him regularly. The intern would be evaluated on their level of responsibility in following through effectively on tasks, on their ability to work cooperatively with others and on their role in the success of the project.

One internship would be available each semester in this program.

Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration & Anti-nuclear organizing
Assist with planning for annual dramatic procession to commemorate the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6-9) and the interfaith gathering. Help organize workshops for children about these issues and teaching how to fold paper cranes. The intern would work with the larger planning committee for the events.

Hours: The time commitment varies from week to week, but generally requires an average of ten or more hours per week. Much of the time will be during business hours with some evening and weekend meetings.

One to two internships would be available each semester in this program.