ABOUT CAIR-OHIO

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio Chapter (CAIR-Ohio) advocates for the rights of Ohio’s growing Muslim community through policy, community development, and legal advocacy.  

The Internship Program at CAIR-Ohio offers students an opportunity to learn, interact, and grow in a friendly and diverse environment. Our program is career-oriented and based on grassroots activism. CAIR-Ohio is a dynamic workplace and interns will be encouraged to explore opportunities across the organization.

WHY JOIN CAIR-OHIO  

CAIR-Ohio provides internships throughout the year, full-time or part-time, undergraduate or graduate, and for all majors. Interns can earn academic credit or community service hours, or simply enrich their experience and insight to advocacy and civil rights efforts.

2022 Fall Internship Application

Deadline to Apply: September 3, 2022
Closed

FALL & SPRING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Fall 2022 Session Application Deadline: September 3, 2022

 

CAIR Ohio’s internships are open throughout the school year and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Considering academic calendars, each session will run between the following months:

– Winter/Spring: January to April 

– Fall: September to November

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Interns develop professional skills, gain insight into the societal impact of public service, and will work with different teams at CAIR-Ohio so they may holistically understand the internal collaboration and day-to-day operations of a non-profit civil rights organization.

Interns gain hands-on experience in the following areas:

 

1. RESEARCH & POLICY 

The Intern will create and support research projects that are relevant to the Muslim American community in Ohio and across the country. Ongoing efforts include the study of the Muslim community’s demographics, institutional profiles, identifying civil rights patterns, and trends in various instances of discrimination confronting Muslim Americans. The questions that motivate our research projects are informed by the relevancy to the Muslim community, CAIR-Ohio departments, and the practical benefit that can be attained through our findings and conclusions. Interns may also provide assistance in legislative advocacy, policy-related issues, and other projects as needed.

 

2. OUTREACH & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 

The Intern will support in organizing and mobilizing Muslims around campaigns and in compiling and designing educational resources to help in empowering the Muslim community. Responsibilities include organizing events and programs, preparing an exhibit (tabling), compiling educational materials and resources, and developing and implementing strategies to attract Muslims to become more civically engaged. Interns will help in general advocacy, events, and other projects as needed. 

 

3. OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS  

The Intern will work closely with the Operations & Communications Teams to maintain office productivity and assist in communication-related content and processes. Interns will help coordinate activities and events and help with office projects. Interns will also learn how to effectively engage the community on various communications platforms. Some responsibilities may include social media updates, graphics design, and helping to draft the weekly newsletter. Responsibilities could include assisting in drafting the CAIR-Ohio newsletter and designing graphics. Interns will help with other projects as needed.

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

– College students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree, or recent graduate.  

– Committed to CAIR-Ohio’s vision and organizational values. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to public interest, civil rights, and/or the Muslim community. 

– Motivated self-starter and collaborator. The ideal candidate will work well in a dynamic environment, demonstrate self-initiative, as well as work collaboratively with project partners. 

– Have strong organizational and multitasking skills and pay attention to detail. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an exceptional ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

– Be a clear communicator. Effective and excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary.  

– Prior experience or classwork in policy, communication, marketing, government, political science is preferred, but not required.

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP AND LOCATION 

Interns will work across all staff and departments, including the Outreach & Government Affairs, Legal & Civil Rights, Communications & Operations teams.

 

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS 

Internships are offered throughout the year and can be arranged to accommodate academic schedules based on the intern’s availability.  

Internships are approximately 6-10 weeks long but can be longer depending on the intern’s availability. Part-time interns are expected to work at least 10+ hours a week. 

The Summer Internship Development Program runs only in the summer and is a 4-week intensive program that include trainings, workshops, and collaborative campaigns.

 

REQUIREMENTS/HOW TO APPLY 

– Interested candidates must complete the full application below.  

– One page cover letter specifying candidate’s interest in working with CAIR-Ohio and commitment to public service 

– Resume 

– Two references 

– Three to five-page writing sample 

– Class/Work schedule (for Fall/Spring Session applicants only) 

Note: Summer Internship Development Program applicants are required to attend Mon-Fri, from noon – 5pm, program may include weekend event(s). 

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All interns are subject to a criminal background check.

 

SELECTION PROCESS 

Once your application is received, you may be contacted for a telephone or in-person interview. Candidates may be asked for additional documents to supplement their applications prior to their interview.

 

ACADEMIC CREDIT & COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS 

Interns may receive academic credit or community service hours if arrangements are made between CAIR-Ohio and the intern’s school. It is the intern’s responsibility to research the requirements, work with the supervising director to tailor the internship, and ensure that appropriate forms are completed if they wish to receive academic credits from their respective institutions. 

All internships are unpaid, but travel stipends are available.

 

QUESTIONS 

For general inquiries, email or call CAIR-Ohio Acting Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

For more information about CAIR-Ohio, visit www.cair-ohio.com.