Interns and Fellows

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Internships and Work Study

What is the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force?

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, The Task Force is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society.

What is the Task Force's internship program?

The Task Force has graduate and undergraduate internships available each school session for college and university students or recent graduates covering a variety of disciplines. Internships are generally located in the Washington, DC office, however a limited number of positions may be available at staff locations in Cambridge, MA, New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA depending on availability and applicant qualifications. Guidelines for internships in New York and Cambridge may differ from those outlined here. Contact The Task Force for more information about internships in New York and Cambridge.

Course credit for the internship will depend on the policies of the particular institution the student is attending. The status of a particular internship as credit or non-credit will be determined before any particular internship is offered. The Task Force Intern Coordinator will provide an evaluation of the intern's work in accord with the institution's standards and procedures.

What is expected of Task Force interns?

Generally speaking, students may volunteer any amount of time with the Task Force. Students who commit 20 to 40 hours per week to their Task Force internship may receive small stipends intended to offset some of the costs of their work: $800 per month (at 40 hours per week); $5 per hour (for less than 40 hours per week) for interns and $1600 per month (at 40 hours per week); $10 per hour (for less than 40 hours per week) for fellows.

There are important exceptions to these guidelines. Any student receiving academic credit for an internship will not receive a stipend, nor will those who are placed at the Task Force through third-party internship programs (such as the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars).

Because interns will come into contact with sensitive information, a confidentiality agreement must be signed prior to the beginning of work. Interns are responsible for their own housing, living expenses, and any other costs. Since The Task Force is a nonprofit agency, we may qualify with certain schools to allow student work study obligations to be fulfilled by working at NGLTF. Prospective interns should contact their campus Financial Aid office for details.

What experience can a Task Force intern receive?

Interns will gain experience working in a national organization dedicated to ending discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. A high degree of exposure to national issues and events will be gained in a fast paced setting. Interns will participate in department staff meetings where strategy is determined and plans are made. Interns are given a high amount of responsibility and work side-by-side with staff member working on important issues and projects.

Who can apply for Task Force internships?

Internships are currently available in the following areas:

• Organizing and Training
• Law Fellowships
• Media and public relations
• Fundraising and development
• Los Angeles Internship
• Information systems, Internet, and WWW
• Accounting and finance
• Conference and event logistics and management

Successful candidates must have the following skills:

• Knowledge of and commitment to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Computer proficiency for word processing, database work, email, and WWW research
• Desire and commitment to work in a multi-cultural environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability is an important institutional value

How can I apply for a Task Force Internship (non-legal)?

Please submit:

1. A cover letter stating:
   • The approximate dates you are available and the estimated time per week
   • Why you would like to work as a Task Force intern
   • What you think you can contribute to The Task Force through your work as an intern
2. Your resume
3. Three references (contacts, not letters of recommendation)
4. A writing sample
5. Your law school or college transcript (does not need to be official)

DEADLINES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

For Task Force non-legal internships, send your application to:
Task Force Internships
1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
(Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.)

DO NOT fax or email your application materials unless noted above. However, we welcome your internship questions by telephone, fax, email or mail.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Task Force as an intern!