[HYBRID] Volunteer Journalist - Inland Empire Legal Literacy Project

About IELLP: We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the residents of San Bernardino and Riverside County by writing articles that analyze policy, criminal justice issues, and immigration rights, while equipping our people with the tools necessary to assert their rights, influence change, and protect themselves & their families.

As a Journalist with the IELLP, you will be joining a nonprofit organization full of like-minded individuals who want to help the community while fueling their passion for justice and gaining practical skills in the process. You will help research and write articles that help people understand how policies and justice issues are affecting them. You will be an important part of our vast research and writing team, filling the gap and providing digestible knowledge to the community.

Responsibilities:

• Write 1st, 2nd, and final drafts of legal literacy articles based on research outlines and guidance
• Appear in person to document, photograph, and interview witnesses or experts.
• Collaborate with researchers and the editor-in-chief to ensure clarity, tone, and accuracy
• Translate complex policy and justice issues into digestible articles.
• Incorporate feedback and revisions from the Editor-in-Cheif to ensure alignment with our vision.
• Meet all deadlines and communicate consistently with IELLP leadership.
• Summarize findings using a Cornell Notes-style format while citing sources and emphasizing relevance to articles.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure the information is interpreted correctly.
• Attend bi-weekly team meetings and meet all deadlines
• Communicate any issues that may arise.
• Suggest sources and participate in brainstorming for new articles.

Ideal Candidate:

• Passion for advocating for people who can't advocate for themselves.
• Interest in pursuing nonprofit, legal, or advocacy work as a future career.
• Strong reading, writing, and analytical skills.
• Undergraduate or graduate student.
• Background in Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Law, Sociology, English, Journalism, or related field.

What you’ll gain:

• Published articles and bylines for your resume or portfolio
• Mentorship in research, writing, editing, and narrative journalism
• A network of students currently in or pursuing law school and other graduate degrees who care about your long-term growth.
• Experience working in a nonprofit media and advocacy environment.
• Fuel your passion to see if a future career in law or policy advocacy is something you'll enjoy.
• Opportunities for leadership growth within IELLP.
• Opportunities for compensation once available
• School credit or letter of recommendation (if applicable).