WESPAC “Agent of Change” Internship
Internships are available during the fall, spring, and summer.
About WESPAC
For more than 50 years, WESPAC Foundation has worked to advance peace, justice, and progressive social change in Westchester County and beyond. WESPAC serves as a hub for grassroots organizing by connecting people and organizations, supporting community-led campaigns, providing educational programs, and offering space for meetings and movement-building.
Our work addresses interconnected issues such as racial and economic justice, environmental and climate justice, food sovereignty, affordable housing, immigrant rights, peace and demilitarization, and human rights.
Internship Description
WESPAC’s “Agent of Change” Internship offers students and emerging community leaders hands-on experience in grassroots organizing and nonprofit operations. Interns work closely with WESPAC’s Executive Director, volunteers, and community partners on current campaigns, programs, and events.
Intern responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with campaign and coalition meetings
- Supporting event planning, promotion, and logistics
- Creating content and conducting outreach through social media
- Communicating with community members by email and telephone
- Conducting research on public policy and social justice issues
- Maintaining databases and assisting with mailings
- Representing WESPAC at community and coalition meetings
- Building relationships with students and organizations at local colleges, high schools, and community institutions
- Providing general administrative and organizational support
Whenever possible, internship assignments will reflect each intern’s interests, experience, and educational goals. Interns are encouraged to bring their own ideas, perspectives, and areas of interest to WESPAC’s work.
Past interns have contributed to initiatives involving food justice, environmental sustainability, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, peace and anti-war organizing, foreign-policy advocacy, and campaigns opposing hydraulic fracturing. They have also assisted with the annual social forum and awards celebration, participated in coalition meetings, and spoken on WESPAC panels about issues important to them.
Internship Benefits
Through this internship, participants will:
- Gain practical experience in grassroots organizing and nonprofit management
- Develop skills in community outreach, research, communications, fundraising, and event planning
- Learn how local campaigns and coalitions are developed and sustained
- Build relationships with activists, nonprofit leaders, and community organizations
- Deepen their understanding of local, national, and global social justice issues
- Strengthen their ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Receive regular guidance, supervision, and mentorship from WESPAC leadership
The internship may be especially relevant to students studying political science, international relations, sociology, community development, public relations, nonprofit management, environmental studies, social justice, or peace and conflict studies. Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Qualifications
We seek applicants who demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in social justice, progressive activism, and community organizing
- Enthusiasm for working collaboratively as part of a team
- Reliability, initiative, and attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A willingness to learn and take on varied responsibilities
- Comfort working independently with appropriate guidance
- Openness to engaging thoughtfully with questions of race, class, privilege, identity, and oppression
Social media experience, familiarity with Westchester County, and proficiency in a language other than English are helpful but not required.
Training and Supervision
Interns receive an orientation to WESPAC’s history, mission, current campaigns, and organizational practices. Each intern works closely with the Executive Director and other members of the WESPAC community and receives regular supervision, feedback, and support.
Interns are also given meaningful opportunities to take initiative, work independently, and develop projects aligned with their interests and abilities.
How to Apply
Before applying, please learn more about WESPAC by visiting:
- Website: www.wespac.org
- Facebook: WESPAC Foundation
Please submit the following:
- A brief cover letter addressing:
- Why are you interested in interning with WESPAC?
- What experiences, skills, interests, or perspectives would you bring to the organization?
- A current résumé
- Contact information for two references
Please email your application materials to [email protected] with the subject line “Agent of Change Internship Application.”
Applicants whose interests and availability appear to be a good match for WESPAC will be contacted to schedule an interview
