The Direct Action and Research Training Center, Inc. (DART) is a national network of 20 justice ministry organizations that unite congregations across racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines to pursue justice. DART-related organizations seek long-term, sustainable improvements at a systemic level. DART organizations engage in direct action assemblies in which thousands of people from a cross-section of faith traditions publicly hold decision-makers accountable on solutions to serious local community problems. DART organizations’ recent victories include: multi-million dollar investments in affordable housing, increased access to primary health and dental care, statewide legislation to rein in the payday loan industry, implementation of restorative justice practices in public schools, decreasing the high number of juvenile arrests for non-serious offenses, and expanding opportunities for people released from jail/prison.
Responsibilities:
DART is accepting applications for part-time internships with organizations in Charleston, SC, Columbus, OH, Lawrence, KS, and Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, FL. Beginning in January 2016, the interns will:
*Assist in a grassroots fundraising campaign
*Assist in conducting research into viable solutions to the identified community problems
*Assist local community organizers at events including research committee trainings, listening process house meetings, and other major events
*Receive individualized coaching in one-to-one relationship building
*Develop an understanding, through readings and discussions with experienced organizers, of the fundamental concepts of community organizing, including power, self-interest, identifying leaders, and the importance of public narrative
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have a sincere passion for social and economic justice. Applicants should also be hard-working and self-motivated, capable of working well with others, skilled in oral communication and active listening, respectful of diversity, and comfortable working with people of different faith, racial, and economic backgrounds.
This position is unpaid. However, for anyone considering community organizing as a possible future career, this internship will provide invaluable experience, insight into the field, and networking connections. DART staff will also work with interns interested in receiving academic credit for the experience.
To Apply:
On or before January 31, 2016, send an email to Sarah Storar at [email protected] with the words "Internship Application" in the subject line. Please include a resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this internship and what you hope to learn from the experience. Please also specify the city to which you are applying:
Charleston, SC - The Charleston Area Justice Ministry
Columbus, OH - Building Responsibility, Equality and Dignity (BREAD)
Lawrence, KS - Justice Matters
Jacksonville, FL - Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment (ICARE)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Broward Organized Leaders Doing Justice (BOLD Justice)
Miami, FL - People Acting for Community Together (PACT)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The DART Center and The DART Organizers Institute are fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.