Youth Outreach and Development Internships

The Field Outreach, CDF Freedom Schools^® and Leadership Development offices of the Children’s Defense Fund equip and educate and work with community groups, leaders, colleges and organizers in the ongoing labor of child advocacy and program development.

Primary Responsibilities:

Interns will gain knowledge and work to support one or more of these programs:

• CDF Freedom Schools summer programs designed to improve literacy and leadership skills among school-aged scholars (K-12) through college-aged servant leaders
• College campus-based initiatives designed to develop strategies and outreach that will promote advocacy for children
• Community organizing for advocacy and movement building

Responsibilities will include:

• General program support through assistance with organizing specific events related to overall program implementation
• Outreach to former and existing program participants, partners and other community members
• Develop and maintain record-keeping systems and databases of participants and partners
• Facilitate organizational communication and contact within national office and with field offices
• Assist in administrative tasks such as: typing letters, mailings, data entry, etc.
• Assist in maintaining and posting information to web-based groups and boards
• Perform other division, department, and organization-wide special projects as needed and assigned
• Be able to meet the educational component of the CDF Internship Program, including luncheons, seminars, and trips

Skills Required:

• Verbal and written communications skills
• Flexibility and work ethic
• Ability to work alone or in groups to accomplish tasks
• Familiarity with basic computer programs and web search engines
• Experience in outreach efforts, such as campaigning or canvassing, preferred
• Must display incentive to take the lead on various outreach efforts to expose a large number of people to the work of CDF. 
• A sense of creativity encouraged
• Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with daily deadlines
• Strong organizational and execution skills
• Commitment to social advocacy and CDF’s mission to be a voice for all children in America
• Ability to organize facts and present issues in a clear, concise and logical manner, both orally and in writing
• Ability to commit at least 20 hours per week required
• Ability to establish a daily presence preferred