As a civil rights advocacy non-profit, Council of American Relations - Los Angeles (CAIR-LA) is tasked with striving to protect and uphold our Constitutional rights. Though the size of our task is large, our resources are not. Because of this, we train numerous volunteers and interns to help make our goals a reality. If you are interested in helping out with CAIR-LA, we would more than welcome your participation and support.

INTERNSHIPS

The internship program's objective is to further CAIR-LA's mission to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, promote and protect civil liberties, and empower American Muslims to build coalitions that ensure justice.

The internship program provides a means to complement academic work with practical vocational experience through professional development and department support that identifies skills, develops leadership, and addresses critical community needs. The goal of the program is to empower the interns in hopes of furthering their career goals.

​​​Qualifications

• Candidates must be third-year or higher university students pursuing a bachelor's degree or advanced degree. Exceptions may be made for highly qualified applicants.
• Enthusiasm, interest, and familiarity with CAIR-LA's work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and internet research.
• Ability to convey information in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial.

Interns will receive basic training in all aspects of CAIR's work but will be assigned a focus project in one of the following areas:

Youth Empowerment: Interns assist with implementing CAIR's youth programming with a focus on the issues of identity, civil rights, civic engagement, and social justice.

Special Projects/Grants: The Special Projects/Grants internship delivers our objective-based programming
and services by leading the building of infrastructure, data collection and storage, research, and creating
sustainable systems and processes for the various grants CAIR-LA leverages to support and provide
services to the community.

Immigrants Rights Center (IRC): Interns assist attorneys and staff in providing legal assistance to our clients to help
them obtain immigration status or benefits, become a US citizen, or petition for relatives.

Operations/Nonprofit Administration: Interns assist with daily operations such as coordination of staff
meetings, trainings, and activities; greeting guests and interacting with patrons; and assisting with office
organization projects.

Community Organizing: Interns will focus on coalition building and community organizing aimed at challenging Islamophobia and violence in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Civil Rights: Interns will spend time working with community members, documenting, and conducting research to assist with the resolution of cases.

Development: Interns will assist in researching methods for donor growth and stewardship.

Policy & Advocacy: The Policy & Advocacy internship provides students with an opportunity to learn about the legislative process as well as the intersection of public policy and grassroots advocacy.

Outreach: Responsibilities include organizing events sponsored by CAIR and assisting with inquiries by
members and guests.

Media Relations: Intern will assist with media requests, keep track of positive and negative coverage of Islam and Muslims in local media, and publish op-eds and press releases.

Graphic and Web Design: Responsibilities include the development and maintenance of the CAIR-CA website. Intern will create designs, concepts, and layouts for the publication of advertisements and other printed and graphic materials.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, sample essay, work/class schedule and references

SESSIONS DEADLINES

Winter: Jan 08, 2024 - Mar 15, 2024 due Dec 15, 2023

Spring: Apr 08, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024 due Mar 15, 2024

Summer: Jul 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024 due Jun 14, 2024

Fall: Oct 07, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024 due Sep 13, 2024

If you have any questions regarding the Internship Program or our volunteering opportunities, you can contact the CAIR-LA Associate Youth Programs Manager, Qoodseya Afredi, at QAfredi@cair.com.

NOTE: Due to the number of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.