Church World Service is a not-for-profit, international humanitarian assistance organization comprised of 37 protestant denominations. The CWS Immigration and Refugee Program provides assistance to displaced persons abroad and works with the State Department and our 36 local offices and affiliates across the United States to resettle refugees fleeing persecution. The Washington, DC office of CWS advocates for improvements in humanitarian assistance funding, protection mechanisms, and the U.S. refugee resettlement program. CWS also advocates for humane, equitable immigration reform that prioritizes family unity and provides a pathway to citizenship for our undocumented community members.
Immigration & Refugee Policy Internship
The Immigration & Refugee Policy Intern will assist the Associate for Immigration and Refugee Policy by conducting research, attending meetings, and drafting documents. S/he will analyze legislation and policy proposals related to immigration reform and immigrants’ and refugees’ rights to prepare policy briefs for legislative staff, affiliates, denominations, and coalition partners. The intern will plan events, attend strategy sessions, congressional hearings, academic briefings and grassroots actions, help craft advocacy messages, participate in Congressional meetings, and draft minutes, fact sheets, letters, action alerts, research briefs, and media advisories. S/he will also develop creative education and advocacy tools relating to immigrants and refugees in the United States. The intern will maintain a portfolio and design a final project that will be helpful to them as they pursue future opportunities. Applicants should be familiar with the political process, current political dynamics, citation standards, and policy issues that impact immigrants and refugees. They must be able to use online resources to analyze legislation and write clear, concise, publishable summaries, action alerts and letters.
The Intern will also assist the Grassroots Coordinator for Immigrants’ Rights in developing and facilitating field campaigns to enhance the capacity of people of faith and CWS resettlement offices and affiliates to advocate for immigration reform. S/he will research congressional districts, draft toolkits, collect event data, attend strategy sessions with coalition partners, engage in social media, and help plan direct action events. The intern will maintain a portfolio and design a final project that will be helpful to them as they pursue future opportunities. Seminary students and those with experience in grassroots organizing, especially within the faith community, are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Interns must be enrolled in school. All interns must also be willing to quickly and accurately obtain information and be professional in coordinating meetings with high level congressional staff. They must possess high quality writing and editing skills, proficiency with online communications tools, and possess creativity, initiative, and the ability to multi-task. Passion and commitment to the work of CWS is essential.
Application Process
Qualified applicants who can commit to intern for more than one semester will be given preference. Interns must work a minimum of 28 hours per week (35 in the summer). The internship dates are flexible according to academic calendars, and preference is given to graduate students and those who can work more than the required hours (never more than 40). Expenses related to the daily commute to and from the office will be reimbursed up to $300 per month.
Fall: Sept. 2-Dec. 14 — apply by August 19
Spring: Jan. 12-Apr. 17 — apply by December 1
Summer: May 18-Aug. 17 — apply by April 5
Interns are subject to the same standards as employees of CWS. The application and interview process is conducted by the Associate for Immigration and Refugee Policy. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to mowen@cwsglobal.org by the appropriate date.
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