Community Engagement Intern - Spring 2025

International Rescue Committee
United States, Maryland, Silver Spring
Nov 16, 2024
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. BACKGROUND The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. SCOPE OF WORK The aim of community engagement is to establish strong, mutually-beneficial connections between the community and the IRC in Silver Spring order to garner monetary, in-kind and volunteer resources for refugee clients. The Community Engagement Intern will work closely with the Community Engagement Specialist towards these goals in order to enhance the IRC in Silver Spring's ability to meet refugee client needs. RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct outreach to and coordinate meetings with community partners to recruit volunteer groups for the Refugee Welcome Home Project program. Support overall volunteer programming by onboarding volunteers, researching volunteer best practices, and suggesting changes to programs based on volunteer feedback. Assist in planning events to recognize community partners and volunteers and deepen engagement with the community. Support in the creation of content for social media, the IRC website, monthly newsletter, and outreach materials. Track community partnerships across IRC Silver Spring programs. Coordinate in-kind donation opportunities LEARNING OBJECTIVES Intern will acquire detailed knowledge of programs available for refugees and asylees during their resettlement period. Intern will learn to communicate effectively with clients across cultures. Intern will learn reporting requirements for resettlement agencies and how to capture data to improve services Minimum Qualifications: Minimum commitment of three months and at least 22.5 hours per week. Availability for some weeknights and weekends preferred. Ability to work in-person required. Passionate about immigration, refugees and serving others. Ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Creativity and initiative to follow through on projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills. TO APPLY Click Apply Now at the top of this page. Please attach a resume, cover letter and list of (at least) three references to your application. The deadline to apply is January 6th,2025. This position is for Spring 2025 and requires a minimum commitment of 22.5 hours per week. Availability for some weeknights and weekends required. Ability to work in-person preferred. Spring 2025Interns are expected to begin their internship term by attending an in-person intern orientation on January 27th, 2024 from 9:15AM-3:30PM. We currently offer internships during the following semesters: Spring: January - May Summer: June - August Fall: August - December Internships are typically posted 2-3 months prior to the anticipated start date. Note: Internships with the IRC in Silver Spring are unpaid. Spring 2025interns may be eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15/day to offset the costs of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the IRC Silver Spring intern coordinator at Michalina.Kulesza@Rescue.org. *Candidates applying who are not currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or are outside 12 months of their graduation are welcome to apply. These candidates will be processed as volunteers. To protect our clients, the IRC requires all selected applicants to complete background checks. We ask that you make a $30 donation to help us cover the associated costs. Currently, 87% of our funding goes directly to programming to support our clients, and your help to cover this cost will ensure that no funding is directed away from serving our clients. Instructions will be provided after you have been selected to intern or volunteer. IRC leading the way from harm to home. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance in the application or hiring process to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact Talent Acquisitions at IRC.Recruitment@rescue.org. As required by law, the IRC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with a known disability. Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.