Defending Dissent Foundation Intern

Overview

DDF offers several internship opportunities for students passionate about protecting civil liberties, especially the right to dissent. Interns will generally work out of our national office, which is located in Takoma Park, Maryland just outside Washington, DC or remotely from anywhere in the U.S. Interns at the national office will have the opportunity to attend educational forums, symposia and meetings hosted by our allies, think tanks and local universities. National office interns will also participate in meetings with coalition partners, Congressional staff and staff from different federal agencies and the White House.

All DDF interns will engage in substantive work including research, writing, lobbying and coalition-building. Specific projects interns will work on include the Campaign to Protect Animnal Rights Activism; Rapid Response Solidarity Network; Civil Liberties Wikipedia; Dissent & Repression Comic Series; Defending Dissent Radio; Direct and Grassroots Lobbying.

Summer Internship Program: This is an 8-week internship in our national office. Students are expected to work 30 hours per week and are paid a modest stipend.

Remote Summer Internship: This flexible internship offers students the opportunity to work on DDF projects from anywhere in the U.S.

Fall or Spring Semester Internship Program: Full or part-time interns are accepted.

Qualifications

DDF is looking for intelligent and energetic undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in DDF's mission and work. Ideal candidates are responsible, focused, and organized, and have an interest in protecting and expanding the right to dissent. All interns are expected to demonstrate excellent research, writing, and communication skills. The ability to work under pressure and a sense of humor are also important.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will be determined based on the skills and interests of the candidate and may include the following:

Research and Writing:

- Research, write and post content for DDF action alerts, press releases, newsletters and webpages

- Research and write articles on progressive and radical activists and movements in U.S. history, and on the history of government repression for the Civil Liberties Wikipedia

Graphic Art and Multi-media

- Produce artwork for Dissent & Repression Comic series

- Write, produce and edit multi-media content including videos and podcasts

- Create artwork for use on website and print publications

Advocacy and Organizing

- Attend coalition meetings

- Work with partners to strengthen and expand Rapid Response Solidarity Network

- Help with all aspects of the Campaign to Protect Animal Rights Activism including recruiting groups, developing education and outreach material, public speaking, helping to organize meetings and develop the campaign

Lobbying

- Research legislation and positions of members of Congress

- Provide information to Congressional offices on DDF issues

- Organize and participate in lobby visits

Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to a free and open society
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Background or interest in government, political advocacy, history or communications
• Previous research experience is a plus, but not required
• Ability to work without direct supervision

Compensation

A modest stipend is available for the Summer Internship Program in the national office. Other internships are unpaid.

Academic Credit

Interns are encouraged to make arrangements to receive academic credit for their internships. DDF will accommodate the requirements of credit-earning internships.

The Defending Dissent Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an equal opportunity employer: women, people of color, people with disabilities, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply.