The SALDEF Internship Program offers Sikh American youth rare opportunities for political advocacy and leadership development. The program educates students on issues of civil rights, public policy, and the legislative process. Students will gain practical experience in community organizing, research and writing, legal issues, political action, and educational outreach. SALDEF is seeking interns to assist in the following areas: 
Legislative Intern – Intern will be involved with lobbying on National and State legislation. Functions include organizing lobby visits with Congressional offices, drafting official correspondence supporting specific legislation, and engaging in legislative strategy on hate crimes, religious freedom, racial profiling, and immigration. Legislative experience is not necessary. Communications Intern – Intern will work with SALDEF staff to implement a comprehensive communications strategy with the goal of expanding SALDEF’s reach into the community and build relationships with national media outlets. Applicant must have some background in Journalism, Communications, or a comparable field. Experience in advanced Web 2.0 initiatives preferred. Development Intern – Intern will assist senior SALDEF staff in the implementation of a development strategy to grow SALDEF’s organizational capacity and community outreach efforts. Applicant must have experience in Business, Management or similar field. Technology / Media Intern – Intern will assist SALDEF staff in the development and design of new media. Applicant must have background in Computer Science, Web Design, Photography, and / or have experience with video-making or Adobe Photoshop. Qualifications: The program is designed for Sikh American students, although students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicant must exhibit: excellent writing/research skills, demonstrated academic achievement, computer skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail. 
Benefits: Applicants will have the opportunity to be mentored by civil rights leaders and attend political events in the Nation’s Capital. Applicants will work on National issues of concern and develop critical project management and implementation skills. College credit for internship has also been arranged in the past. Education: Applicants must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies. Graduate Students are also welcome to apply. Location: Applicants are preferred to work in Washington, DC. Remote access work is offered on a case-by-case basis. Time: Internships are offered full-time (40 hours per week) with occasional weekend and evening commitments. Part-time programs also available (minimum 10 hours per week required). Stipend: Available based on a case-by-case basis. Deadline: Applications for Fall Semester will be accepted on a rolling basis however early applications will receive preference. Application deadline is September 16, 2010. To Apply: Email a cover letter with references, resume, and 5-page writing sample to internship@saldef.org or send faxes to (202) 318-4433. If applying for a stipend, please add a Statement of Need.
