Last summer, I completed a remote internship at Social Justice Connection (SJC) an independent organization providing educational programs focused on the advocacy of human rights, global poverty and inequality. As an M.A student in Political Science and Development Studies, I have always shown great interest in these issues and particularly in independent organizations’ influence on policy makers. Hence, interning at SJC was the perfect opportunity to deepen my knowledge on these topics.
SJC is based on an understanding that poverty is a result of inequality and believes that both can be eliminated through education and advocacy. The SJC offers unique and engaging educational tools and interactive workshops to schools, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community groups. This provides individuals with the right tools and skills to be informed, effective and inspired global citizens. The advocacy work conducted by this organization engages policy makers at the national and international levels for greater fairness and recognition of human rights standards in global finance. The organization supports international law on human rights and ideas of social justice such as equality, non-discrimination and other conditions that contribute to a life of fulfillment.
My role at SJC was to promote and update SJC’s workshops and resources on aspects of local and global issues, such as human rights, eco-citizenship, economic development, and the dynamics of social engagement and social change. In addition, I helped develop pedagogical activities and workshops for schools, universities, and NGOs that promote responsible global citizenship. An important part of my internship involved conducting research on COVID-19 in order to raise awareness on the social, economic, political and environmental implications of this pandemic. These themes were analyzed through regional, national and international frameworks. I wrote literature reviews on these subjects and helped identify their multilayered interconnectivity. Finally, I was also in charge of contacting stakeholders that might be interested to collaborate with SJC on various projects (including research projects on COVID-19), which allowed me to sharpen my project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Although I was initially worried that completing an online internship would not be a stimulating experience, I soon realized that I was wrong. SJC’s team created a wholesome online work environment that allowed me to fully participate to their dynamic team. Indeed, contributing to the organization’s various projects, while shedding light on crucial present-day topics such as the pandemic, was truly fulfilling. The highlight of my internship was being able to foster strong work-relationships with my colleagues despite working from home. Zoom meetings are not so dreadful after all when you work with a lovely team!
SJC was my second internship placement through the Arts Internship Office (last summer I interned at CDD-Ghana) and I can say, without hesitation, that these placements have greatly shaped my student experience at Ã山ǿ¼é. Gaining firsthand experience in a field I am passionate about and interning for organizations that have a world-wide impact was truly memorable. This internship would not have been possible without the generous support of Ms. Wendy Patton Keys, whom I would like to personally thank. Without the Wendy Patton Keys Arts Internship Award, I would have been hesitant to apply to an unpaid internship. Finally, my appreciation also extends to the Arts Internship Office who offered continuous support and guidance during both of my internship placements.
