Reentry Book Club Internship

Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop is a non-profit that works with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youths and adults. Our mission is to build community to foster personal development and systems change through the literary arts, workforce development, trauma healing, peace-building, and member-led advocacy. By employing a unique program model that includes a book club, creative writing workshops, job readiness training, and community outreach, we support our members as they heal from violence and pursue education and employment post-incarceration. We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to serve as the Reentry Book Club Intern. This position is a great fit for students interested in social justice, mass incarceration, workforce development, social work, education, or creative writing.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with virtual and in-person reentry programming and services for formerly incarcerated “members” (program participants), including coordinating with facilitators, creating session plans, and handling Zoom technology
• Supporting Reentry Coaches with locating members released from jail or prison
• Tracking member engagement for case management and program evaluation purposes
• Researching information on job training, digital literacy, and education programs
• Compiling resources for a weekly e-blast for program participants and developing resources and other materials to assist program participants in their reentry journey.
• Writing content for our magazine, the Free Minds Connect, distributed to 500+ members in the federal prison system
• Conducting research and/or attending events to learn more about the criminal legal system and system change efforts, with the goal of sharing knowledge with program participants and other staff, interns, and volunteers
• Assisting with other program support as needed

This position is for 10-20 hours per week, and we can be somewhat flexible on scheduling. This internship offers a unique chance to make a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of people affected by mass incarceration, using the innovative tools of books and poetry.

Internship is available starting in January. Start/end dates are flexible but we ask for at least a 12-week commitment. Please visit www.freemindsbookclub.org for more information on our program.

Qualifications:

• Interest in the nonprofit sector and social justice
• Flexible self-starter with willingness to take on a variety of assignments
• Strong work ethic and a good sense of humor
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets a plus
• Experience with Zoom a plus
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for books, creative writing, and the power of expression as a tool for change
• Available to work a minimum of 10 hours per week
• Available to work in the office (in-person) and virtual

Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop is an equal opportunity employer.

Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a hybrid position, with some days working in the Free Minds office and some days teleworking.