Intern Guide Day 1: Find your best internship now

Maybe you can't graduate without an internship. Maybe you want to pad your resume. Maybe you want to dive into the stage of the national LGBT rights movement. In any case, the first step is applying for an internship... if you don't know where to apply, take a look at our list of probably the gayest internships around. And if you can't make it to any of these cities, take a look at your local scene: city- and state-LGBT rights groups tend to offer internships as well as local gay newspapers and magazines. Most states have some sort of internship program (check the bottom of this list for a few suggestions). Hopefully we'll inspire you to leave your mall job behind this summer for a higher calling.

American Civil Liberties Union 2008 Summer Internship (New York City):
What: The ACLU internship is great for students interested in civil liberties (obviously), legal expression, and dealing with cases and legal procedures that have to do with these topics. The group also lobbies  legislative bodies (Congress, School boards, etc.) so you can have your Legally Blonde 2 experience... and get school credit.
Who: Candidates should be able to research and write well, perform basic office duties, and have a familiarity with LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS and other civil liberties issues.
How: Applications for summer 2008 ware due by March 14, 2008. Send a cover letter, resume and brief writing sample preferably by email to nwunder {at} alclu.org.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (Mainly in Washington, D.C., limited number of positions in Cambridge, Mass., New York City, &LA):
What: As a Task Force Intern, you'll participate in staff meetings where strategy is determined and plans are made. Interns are given a high amount of responsibility and work side by side with staff member working on important issues and projects.
Who: Candidates should have strong communication skills, a good knowledge of LGBT issues, and not be judgmental -- tolerance is key, people.
How: You'll need a cover letter, resume, 3 references, a writing sample, Contact info for each office is on the website, linked above. and college transcripts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Bonus: Stipend available, if you don't receive academic credit.

National Center for Transgender Equality (Washington D.C.)
What: There's the standard internship which is offered each semester where students are responsible for creating public educational material, organizing training sessions, lobby visits and town hall meetings, while being the eyes and ears on legislation and news stories pertaining to trans issues across the country. The NCTE also offers a specialized legal internship which is a support position for lobbyists and educators in the capitol. These are usually law students or have strong policy experience.
Who: Candidates should be able to write & research well, have a familiarity with transgender issues/ efforts, and have the ability to work independently.
How: Contact NCTE by email or at 202.903.0112 with additional questions. You'll need a resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample (no more than 3 pages please).
Bonus: Small stipend for summer interns only

Lambda Legal Summer Internship (NYC, Chicago, LA, Atlanta, Dallas):
What: Primarily, summer interns assist attorneys with investigation, research and drafting in ongoing cases, prospective cases, and amicus curiae briefs, in all areas of sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV discrimination. Interns may also research, draft, and/or edit publications on these issues for public education, and will help in maintain their national legal Help Desk.
Who: This internship is geared toward LGBT-aware law school students (sorry art history majors!). commitment to public interest law also greatly strengthens an application. Considering the amount of independent work required, second- and third-year students are preferred.
How: LL suggests summer interns start applying in the fall (which is when most Law School students look for their summer gigs, anyway). You must have a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample. Contact info for each office is on the website, linked above.

Human Rights Campaign (Washington D.C.)
What: HRC puts you in different departments all over the organization to give the intern different aspects of how it all works. The intern position is really like a "junior staffer" so be prepared to be stellar. Interns receive special projects that will allow them to grow and explore their interests. Also, be aware you'll have to do the intern thing (like making copies). The program also includes a series of educational brownbag lunches.
How: There's a gigantic list of different types of internships to check out, as well as a legal fellowship for law students. The application deadline for Summer is April 7, so get cracking.

Service Members Legal Defense Network (Washington, D.C.)
What: SLDN is the watchdog group for LGBT military personnel. Right now, they are seeking legal interns for the summer. Interns will produce 2-3 written work products and will have to master a great deal of information about military laws for LGBT service members.
Who: Ideal candidates will have strong written and oral communications skills, strong research abilities, and demonstrated academic performance. Ideal candidates will also have military experience and experience in crisis management and client contact.
How: Send a cover letter and resume to HR {at} sldn.org

Log Cabin Republicans (Washington, D.C.)
What: For all you young gay neo-cons, this internship is definitely for you! The Log Cabin internship gives students the opportunity to get into activism, and network with local and national leaders.   
Who: You must be at least a sophomore and have good oral/written communication skills.
How: Send or fax your resume & cover letter. There will probably be an interview, too.
Bonus: There's a stipend

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (Washington, D.C.)
What: GLSEN is basically the national version of your school's GSA. In fact, their founder, Kevin Jennings, founded the very first GSA.
Who: You guessed it -- strong verbal & writing skills, basic computer knowledge, background or interest in LGBT civil rights and/or education issues; both undergrad and grad students are welcome to apply.
How: email or fax a resume and cover letter
Bonus: There's a stipend

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (NYC, LA)
What: This 12-week internship is definitely for the media hounds (hence the locations in New York & LA). You should have good communication skills, and be willing to point the finger at the broadcast networks to say, "hey, that ain't right!" There are opportunities including sports, news, Spanish-language media, and programming.
Who: You have to be at least a half time college student or recent grad
How: Applications are due by May 16. E-mail resume and cover letter to volunteers {at} glaad.org or fax to 323.933.2241
Bonus: Stipend available

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund (Washington, D.C.)
What:  Interns gain experience in LGBT political activism, strengthen job-related skills, and network with leaders in local, state and national politics.
Who: You should definitely know how the electoral process works. I know it's confusing, but you should learn about it eventually. Students should be at least a sophomore and have good communication skills.
How: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but they get filled fast, so get on it. For more info, contact communications {at} victoryfund.org
Bonus: Small stipend available

White House Internship Program (Washington, D.C... obviously).
What: OK, I promise, no cigar jokes. Basically, if you want to look important on a resume, this is it -- White House internship. While you would be under President Bush, you'll gain an insider's experience on the daily White House operations. You can intern with the cabinet liaison office, White House Counsel (legal stuff), communications, and more. There really are a slew of different positions, so check out their list. There's something for everyone.
Who: 100 interns are chosen each semester, but the application pool is huge, so there's more competition than you think. You must be enrolled at a college or university, a U.S. citizen, and at least 18 years old.
How: Applications (PDF) for the summer are due February 26, so get your act together NOW... or you can get an early start on summer 2009 when someone else is in the White House.

*The Advocate Magazine (NY, LA)*
What: Oh yeah, you too could work for the most awesome magazine in the entire, whole wide world. Our interns come here and basically hit the ground running: you'll be involved in staff meetings, write for the print edition and online edition, as well as this very blog, and you will generally have a rockin' time. The main operations are in the LA office, but we also have a New York bureau -- I'm sure it's nice there too.
Who: Journalism, English and communication majors or students knowledgeable of LGBT issues who can prove that they can write well.
How: Send a resume, cover letter and writing sample (preferably published) to lpijobs {at} planetoutinc.com
Bonus: We're part of an even bigger company that owns Out, Out Traveler, HIV Plus, and Alyson Books. Check out the intern page (linked above) to see what we have to offer.

Here  are a few state-wide organizations that you could get involved with. If you're not sure whether your state org. has internships, it's won't hurt to ask. Usually, offices are glad to receive free help!

• Equality California
• Basic Rights Oregon
• Equal Rights Washington
• Triangle Foundation (Michigan)
• Oklahomans for Equality (PDF)
• Equality Florida

(photos.com)

Comments

[Neal]

Intern it!