Internship Program
“This opportunity let me work with fellow Sikhs on a more professional level. Interning at the Coalition not only provided me with the chance to contribute to our community but also with the inspiration to continue to do such work.”
—Bhavneet Kaur, Fall 2006
Working in Manhattan and blocks away from City Hall, Sikh Coalition interns work to further the mission and vision of the Sikh Coalition by helping to achieve legal victories, as well as educating and empowering the community and contributing to the growth of the organization.
The Sikh Coalition Internship Program allows students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies to gain hands-on experience in promoting the civil and human rights of all individuals. Our Internship Program focuses on giving all interns the opportunity to be involved in projects that they can learn from and enjoy.
Time Commitment
During the summer, the Sikh Coalition requests a minimum commitment of 5 days or 35 hours a week for a minimum of ten weeks at the Sikh Coalition’s New York City office. We would be happy to discuss the possibility of split summers for legal interns.
During the Fall and Spring, the Sikh Coalition requests a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks at the Sikh Coalition's New York City office.
Summer Stipend
Accepted summer legal interns who complete their commitment will receive a $1000 stipend. Other accepted summer interns who complete their commitment will receive a $500 stipend.
Concentration Areas
Applicants can choose to concentrate in one of the following areas:
LEGAL – If you are in law school, and want to gain experience in a civil rights organization, an internship with the Coalition’s Legal Director is available. Legal interns will gain experience in:
- legal research
- drafting letters, memoranda and briefs
- interviewing clients and witnesses
- draft discovery responses, discovery request and initial complaints
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING – If you are interested in learning about grassroots community organizing, an internship with Coalition’s Civil Rights Advocate is available.
- communicate with members of the Sikh community about their civil rights
- work to identify the civil rights concerns of the community
- work to develop a base of community members and activists who are committed to taking action of community concerns
MARKETING AND OPERATIONS - Business and communications oriented students can apply to intern with the Coalition’s Executive Director and Operations Manager. These interns will assist the Sikh Coalition by:
- communicating the Coalition’s work to our partners
- raising awareness in the Sikh community
- developing operational business infrastructure
- grant research and donor management
- fundraising coordination and maintenance
In the past, Sikh Coalition interns have:
How to apply:
Interns are selected through a competitive process. Each applicant is required to submit the following to internship@sikhcoalition.org:
1. A cover letter stating which internship you are applying for and expressing the reasons you want to be an intern at the Sikh Coalition and;
2. A current resume
Prospective interns should be hard-working, enthusiastic, self-motivated and flexible individuals who are dedicated to protecting and advocating the civil and human rights of all individuals. Knowledge of the Coalition's mission and previous initiatives is a plus.
Class Credit and/or Work Study In the past, some interns have been able receive class credit for their work at the Coalition. In addition, several colleges in the NYC area have work-study contracts with the Coalition. We will be happy to coordinate with your school in providing the necessary documents for these requirements.
The application deadline for law student interns is March 15, 2008. The application deadline for all other interns is April 1, 2008. Summer internships are highly competitive. Please apply early.
Don’t wait to become a part of history, and work for the betterment of the Sikh community!
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