Internships at the Institute for Policy Studies

Projects

Bring Pinochet to Justice

Break the Chain Campaign

Drug Policy

Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development

Foreign Policy In Focus

Global Economy

Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Awards

New Internationalism -- U.N. and the Middle East

Nuclear Policy

Paths to the 21st Century

Peace and Security

Progressive Challenge / Cities for Progress

Social Action and Leadership School

Sustainable Energy and Economy Network

IPS
1112 16th Street NW Suite 600 Washington DC 20036

(202) 234-9382
(202) 387-7915 fax

webmaster: scott@ips-dc.org

Graphics adapted from work by Naul Ojeda. Click here to see more of his work.

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Graphics adapted from work by Naul Ojeda

Thank you for your interest in the Institute for Policy Studies fellowship and internship program. IPS is the nation's oldest and largest multi-issue think tank promoting progressive thought. As such, we have a number of "Public Scholars" with whom you can work to undertake challenging research, writing, and advocacy in a wide range of foreign and domestic policy issues.

Below you will find a descriptive list of IPS projects. Please take a few minutes to look this over so that you have an understanding of what IPS is about and can determine which projects best suit your interests. All internships are unpaid. If you have questions about the project, feel free to contact the project director. The project director may desire a follow-up interview in which to meet and discuss the project.

To complete the application process, please submit the following to the intern coordinator:

A completed IPS Application form
Your resume
A cover letter
Two letters of recommendation
A brief writing sample (no more than three pages, please!)
Academic transcript (unofficial transcripts are permissible)

Submit your completed application attention to our intern coordinator via mail or fax; electronically submitted applications will not be considered, nor will incomplete applications. You can follow up with project directors two weeks after submitting your application.

1112 16th St. NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036

Phone: (202) 234-9382
Fax: (202) 387-7915

Summer applicants: the last day to apply for a summer internship is May 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, since projects may select interns throughout the application period.
Other applicants: there are no deadlines for the rest of the year - applications are accepted year-round.

IPS Everett Program

IPS participates in the Everett Public Service Internship Program during each summer session. This program provides a stipend for interns, as well as additional programs interns must attend. IPS projects designated as receiving Everett funding are determined by committee in the early Spring and are generally rotated on a yearly basis among our 12+ projects.

When applying, please submit:

All materials listed above
The IPS-Everett Internship Application form. {Will be updated in early Spring 2008}

If, in addition to the IPS-Everett internship, you would also like to be considered for an unpaid internship at IPS, please submit both the IPS Application form and the IPS-Everett Internship Application form.

If you have any questions, please e-mail info@ips-dc.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Administrative Assistant

A great opportunity for a student in Business interested in learning the "nuts & bolts" of a Washington Think Tank. The Administrative Assistant intern handles office organization, phone communication and administrative tasks, but she or he also has the unique opportunity to interact with all the project coordinators at the Institute. A motivated intern will learn not only the mechanics of the operations of a policy institute, but will also become familiar with the many different projects and issues in which the nation’s most progressive public scholars are engaged.

Break the Chain Campaign

The Institute for Policy Studies’ "Break the Chain Campaign" is a direct service/advocacy organization dedicated to the empowerment and protection of trafficked, enslaved and/or exploited workers. The Campaign's direct service work gives it the practical experience, case data and statistics to better inform the Campaign's advocacy work which, in turn, provides positive systemic change for trafficked, enslaved and/or exploited individuals. The Campaign's method is holistic - combining outreach, "escape" assistance, training, direct service, and legal representation to, by, and for workers with ongoing negotiations with international agencies and embassies as well as Congressional and legislative advocacy.

Cities for Progress

Interns for this project will have the unique opportunity to work on Capitol Hill with Congressional offices as well as to be involved in networking with the nation's top progressive non-profit think tanks and advocacy groups. This project is one of the country's most vibrant and fastest growing coalition projects, aimed at uniting scholars, policy-makers, research institutions, grassroots, faith-based, labor and community groups behind a common progressive vision for the future. This project provides the opportunity to learn organizing skills, media and public relations skills, as well as to gain knowledge of policy and the operational aspects of our government. Applicants should have a strong commitment to progressive politics, some knowledge of domestic and foreign policy, and very strong computer skills. Additionally, applicants should be strong public speakers with professional attitudes and good self-motivation, and should be seeking organizing and coalition-building skills. Background in campus or community organizing a plus. Internship is non-paid, but provides invaluable introduction to Washington's progressive political community.

Drug Policy Project

The IPS Drug Policy Project seeks to end the so-called "War on Drugs" by reaching out to non-traditional allies and employing innovative tactics to promote a sustainable, constitutional, and humane drug control policy. The project's mission is to help foster a paradigm shift replacing the punitive and coercive "social control model" of drug policy with a public health and community economic development model. By encouraging an interdisciplinary discussion concerning the myriad factors contributing to our social ills, we try to advance policies that address the root causes of the drug problem (such as decaying school systems, lack of inner city and rural jobs, shortage of affordable housing, lack of health care, and social alienation) rather than scapegoating the symptoms (addicts, street corner dealers, peasant drug grower overseas, etc.).

Foreign Policy In Focus

Foreign Policy In Focus (FPIF) provides timely analysis of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs and recommends policy alternatives. The project publishes commentaries, briefs, and reports and organizes briefings for the public, media, lawmakers, and legislative staff. Staff and other FPIF experts write for newspapers, magazines, and other online publications and author books on foreign policy and international affairs.

Interns should have solid computer and on-line research skills, writing ability, student activist experience, and background/interest in several of the following areas: foreign policy, U.S. military policy, military spending, intelligence, terrorism, global justice, security, international development, international financial institutions and trade. Foreign language and overseas experience are helpful.

Global Economy Project

This project monitors the social and environmental impact of corporate-driven globalization and works to develop just and sustainable alternatives to the free trade model. In addition, the project produces an annual report on executive compensation. Interns are typically involved in research and writing to produce policy papers related to these issues. Summer interns conduct data analysis for the annual executive pay report. Math or finance background helpful.

Hip Hop Caucus Institute

The Hip Hop Caucus promotes social and political equality in the areas of Economics, Education, Health Care, Housing, and Justice. The idea for a “Hip Hop” Caucus developed from the understanding that Hip Hop is the next serious voice in the historical struggle of people of color and poor people to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, their communities and their countries. The Caucus takes seriously its mission to continue the work of Civil Rights generation in the 21st century with strong links to disenfranchised and poor communities.

The Hip Hop Caucus has fought relentlessly for justice for Hurricane Katrina survivors in the rebuilding process in the Gulf Coast. Recently, the Caucus organized a national “Make Hip Hop Not War” Bus Tour that connected to the war communities of color and poor communities are fighting at home to the Iraq War the U.S. is engaged in. In the next months the Caucus will be solidifying new work on Global warming and environmental justice issues.

Hip Hop Caucus Interns have the opportunity to work with Congressional staff and interns on Capitol Hill and network with the activist and think tank communities in Washington DC, especially organizations and individuals that represent communities of color. Interns help plan events around the country, working with the Hip Hop community and grassroots and community-based organizations. Interns also assist with administrative tasks. Graphic design and web design skills, as well as experience with Excel are a plus.

Human Rights Award Event

In tribute to our former colleagues, Orlando Letelier & Ronni Karpen Moffitt, who were killed by assassins of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1976, IPS has honored an international and a domestic champion of human rights with a Letelier-Moffit Human Rights award.

Interns are asked to help in the planning each year's event, which includes helping to secure a transportation arrangements, & entertainment. Other duties will be: helping with outreach for event attendance, maintaining a paper file of the planning process and overall support for the project director.

Candidates for this position should be interested human rights work, Latin America, and possess sharp organizational skills. A working knowledge of the Spanish language is preferred. L-M interns will have the unique opportunity to become acquainted with all of the projects at IPS by attending most, if not all press-conferences, rallies, seminars and films sponsored by the Institute. This is a fabulous opportunity to become involved in the DC Human Rights community and develop essential skills for organizing.

(This internship is available year-round).

Information Technology (I.T.) Assistant

This is a paid position. Inquire with info@ips-dc.org for more information.

Melman Fellows Program

The Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to sponsor the Seymour Melman Fellowship Program for workplace democracy and against militarism. The Fellowship Program is currently being rethought and reconfigured. There will be no call for proposals in 2006.

more info and research from prior Melman Fellows

New Internationalism Project

IPS's New Internationalism Project includes three major areas of work: the Middle East, U.S.-UN relations, and U.S. interventionism. Interns will work in all areas.

In the Middle East arena, one aspect focuses on changing U.S. policy towards the Palestine-Israel conflict, based on support for Palestinian rights and opposition to Israeli occupation. It is also involved in educational work opposing Israeli settlements, challenging human rights violations by both Israeli occupation forces and the Palestinian Authority, and favoring a greater role for the UN in Middle East diplomacy. The second priority involves changing U.S. policy towards Iraq and working for greater UN primacy in international Iraq policy.

The UN work is framed by an effort to create a new kind of internationalism with the United Nations at its center, including defending the UN and its majority poor countries against U.S. efforts to control the organization. It works to reverse Washington's current anti-UN policies, and to change both the thinking and the specific policies that have led to abandonment and attacks against the United Nations.

The Intervention arena focuses on the need to create alternatives to military intervention, paying particular attention to U.S. efforts to undermine or sideline international law and the UN in favor of NATO and other military solutions to political and humanitarian crises.

All interns for the New Internationalism project should have interest and experience in international developments, opposition to U.S. interventionism, and good research and writing skills. A background in Middle East studies and/or organizing experience in peace or international solidarity movements is especially helpful.

Interns will be involved in research, preparation of educational materials and organizing within the anti-war movement.

Pathways to the 21^st Century

This project outlines an analysis of this century and lays the foundation for the next. Internship consists of research, writing, and administrative support.

Press/Public Relations

The Press office is responsible for generating press (both print and broadcast) and promoting IPS work among policy makers and the public. Interns will assist the media office in developing databases and media outreach strategies. They will also help respond to inquiries from the press as well as in outreach to Congress, the media, grassroots groups, and other policy organizations. They will assist in organizing press conferences and congressional briefings. An interest in press work and/or marketing will be helpful. Familiarity with Access a plus.

SEEN director and IPS Fellow Daphne Wysham co-hosts a radio show on environmental issues, "Earthbeat," which airs once a week on WPFW, 89.3 FM, and online at www.wpfw.org on tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. She is seeking a radio show intern to assist her in researching material for the show, setting up interviews with guests, and assistance in producing the show.

Social Action and Leadership School for Activists (SALSA)

The mission of the Social Action and Leadership School for Activists, SALSA, is to help organizations and individuals develop the skills, analytical framework, and network they need to effectively promote progressive social change. SALSA serves community activists, students, nonprofit professionals, and those interested in activism or a career in the nonprofit sector by offering training in fundraising, communications, organizational development, on-line activism, research, and organizing. These classes, usually one to two evenings in length, range from introductory to intermediate levels of instruction. Classes are held year-round, Monday through Thursday evenings.

The SALSA intern works on a variety of projects, including marketing/outreach, catalog distribution, curriculum development, teacher evaluation, program evaluation, writing and editing, and administrative work such as responding to information requests, processing registrations and payments, sending confirmation cards, preparing materials for classes, and signing students in on night of class.

Split This Rock Poetry Festival

Split This Rock Poetry Festival - Poems of Provocation & Witness will take place in Washington, DC, in March 2008. IPS is cosponsoring the festival with D.C. Poets Against the War, the arts and social change organization Sol & Soul, and Busboys and Poets, a progressive restaurant and performance space in DC.

The festival will feature many of the most important poets of conscience writing in America today, including Lucille Clifton, Naomi Shihab Nye, Martín Espada, and Sonia Sanchez, and will provide those attending a unique opportunity to assess and debate the public role of the poet and the poem in this time of crisis. The festival will include readings, workshops, panels, films, parties, walking tours, and activism. (For more information: www.SplitThisRock.org)

Interns for the festival will have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of poetry and social change. Interns will work on outreach to literary, community, youth, and political organizations and colleges and universities. They will learn the nuts and bolts of planning a major event. There will also be opportunities for writing and editing, especially for the web. Interest in arts and social change essential, as are attention to detail and strong computer skills.

Sustainable Energy and Economy Network (SEEN)

The Sustainable Energy and Economy Network (SEEN), a project of the Institute for Policy Studies (Washington, DC) and the Transnational Institute (Amsterdam), works in partnership with citizens groups globally on environment and development issues with a particular focus on climate change, energy, gender equity, and economic issues. SEEN provides ground-breaking research and support to activists, citizens' groups and policy-makers around the world with the goal of steering investment of public funds away from fossil fuels and toward clean, safe, renewable forms of energy for human needs and sustainable livelihoods. SEEN works to marshal the wisdom of the people most directly impacted by energy and climate issues-from rural Appalachia to village India to the rainforests of the Amazon--in finding and advancing solutions to climate change that are both equitable and sustainable. Our research focuses on investments made by international financial institutions and government agencies in developing countries and economies in transition--where the largest energy investments will be made in coming decades--as well as in economically disadvantaged regions of the U.S. An internship with SEEN offers opportunities for conducting research and writing projects independently. We are particularly interested in those who have an existing background in areas such as environment (particularly climate change) issues, environmental justice, alternative energy, environmental economics, human rights, gender studies, or the activities of the Bretton Woods Institutions. SEEN is also interested in working with activists interested in developing their Internet skills.