FOR- Internships

The Fellowship of Reconciliation, begun in 1914, is an interfaith peace organization composed of women and men who have joined together to explore the power of love and truth for resolving human conflict. While it has always been vigorous in its opposition to war and nuclear weapons, the FOR has insisted equally that this effort must be based on a commitment to the achieving of a just and peaceful world community, with full dignity and freedom for every human being. "The FOR seeks to replace violence, war, racism and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace and justice. We are in an interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life and as a means or radical change. We educate, train, build coalitions and engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions locally, nationally and globally."

I. Definition: The TFLAC Freeman Intern will assist the Task Force on Latin America and the Caribbean to support Colombian peace communities and initiatives, through public education, advocacy, and human rights accompaniment projects, and to support environmental justice in Puerto Rico through education and advocacy for the environmental and health claims of the people of Puerto Rican island of Vieques.

II. Nature and Scope of Work/ Typical Tasks May Include:

Assist in organizing speaking tours in the United States by returned FOR volunteers from Colombia and/or Colombian activists and community leaders.
Assistance with production of TFLAC newsletter or other publications (for example, monthly Colombia Update), which may include research and writing or co-writing articles, as well as coordinating or assisting with mailing.
Development and follow-up of TFLAC's Colombia media access and media monitoring efforts.
Staff outreach efforts in the Bay Area, including literature tables at events, and possible participation in local anti-war coalitions.
Assistance with and participation in human rights accompaniment volunteer training.
Maintenance of e-mail addresses and other contact information of activists for FOR list-serves on Colombia.
Assist Task Force on Latin America and Caribbean staff in San Francisco to organize regional and national participation in events initiated by national Colombia coalitions.
Participation in FOR Youth Task Force, if applicable.

III. Responsibilities: The Latin America and Caribbean intern is responsible for supporting the development of the FOR Colombia Program, including reports, updates, and photo projects to highlight Colombian peace communities and initiatives, and a Media Activism Project on Colombia, as well as participation in national coalitions on Colombia,

each aimed at increasing awareness of peace alternatives in Colombia and U.S. policy. Depending on intern capacities and the outcome of the National Vieques Conference, the intern may also be responsible for supporting projects in the FOR’s Puerto Rico Campaign.

IV. Qualifications:

Strong commitment to faith-based nonviolence, multiculturalism and the mission and vision of FOR
Good interpersonal skills: ability to relate to and communicate with other staff and other peace and justice organizations
Strong communication skills, both oral and written
Fluency in Spanish very desireable
Ability to organize programs, gatherings and newsletters
Ability to work independently on projects

V. Terms of Employment

Affirmative Action: The FOR is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks inclusion of women, people of color, religious minorities, gays and lesbians throughout its staff and communities.