Community Organizing Internship

for teen girls of color

**Deadline Extended to August 9th, 2010**

SIS Group Interviews are to be held August 16th-20th, 2010

Contact:
Nefertiti Martin, Community Organizing Intern
coalition@ggenyc.org
718.857.1393

Girls for Gender Equity is a nonprofit organization committed to the physical, psychological, social and
economic development of girls and women. Through education, organizing and physical fitness, Girls for
Gender Equity encourages communities to remove barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to
live self-determined lives.
 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

Girls for Gender Equity aims to create and maintain a space where the most targeted and
vulnerable people amongst us - women, low-income people of color, people living with
disabilities, queer people, trans people, immigrants, etc. – always feel safe and valued.

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

Girls for Gender Equity is looking for young women, ages 16-19 years old, for a part-time, paid Community
Organizing Internship with our Sisters in Strength (SIS) program. SIS confronts the multiple layers of individual and
institutional discrimination that threaten the safety of girls and women.

Internship Components:
I. Sisterhood & Supporting You
 The SIS program is designed to support the optimal development of young women of color. To do this, GGE staff
will work with you to build sisterhood within the group, as well as support you with workshops and resources
that provide academic support, career and educational support, and support in other areas identified by you.
 You will also meet one-on-one monthly with your Big Sister – a mentor who will get to know you and be an ally
at GGE.
 Lastly, SIS will include resources and trips to nurture and support you as you navigate your life and development
as a young woman.
II. Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools - Community Organizing
 Sisters in Strength interns will attend a mandatory 2-week long training in August 2010 on the history of social
justice work, community organizing strategies and tactics among other things.
 The group will continue GGE’s community organizing efforts with the Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools by
collaborating to build and lead a community organizing project that centers on sexual harassment and gender-
based inequities in the NYC school system. This will include facilitating workshops with peers.
 Visits to other NYC community organizations throughout the year will lead SIS to speak to local change makers
in order to better understand communities throughout NYC and build their own grassroots organizing skills.
III. Mentoring Youth at MS 61
 SIS interns mentor girls and boys in Middle School 61 each week. This aspect of SIS builds leadership skills,
professional experience and increases community connection. Interns assist instructors, lead workshops and
homework assistance groups, and help with recruitment and outreach for the program.

The interns receive a stipend of $8-$9/hour to work up to 6 hours/week* from September 2010 to June 2011. A
mandatory 2 week orientation (unpaid) will be held August 24, 25, 26, 31, and September 1 & 2.

*Please note that Sisters in Strength is not a typical job. There will be various mandatory events, trips, activities, etc.
that will be unpaid. However, these opportunities will be vital to the internship and will be beneficial experiences.

To apply for the Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship you must do all of the following:
__ Legibly fill out the following application questions, including the short essay question
__ Obtain 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor
__ Sign the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement – page #5 (you and your parent/guardian)

Return this application by 6pm on Monday, August 9, 2010.

Mail or email ONLY. No faxes.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

Your Contact Information

Name __________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________ _

City______________________________________________State__________

Zip____________________ Email*: ___________________________________

* this is how we will contact you
Home Phone__________________________ Cell Phone_________________________

Date of Birth ______/______/__________

Are you eligible to work in the US? (circle answer) Yes No

Emergency Contact: ______________________________ Phone__________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Contact Information

Name(s) __________________________________________________________________

Address (if different from yours)____________________________________________ _

City______________________________________________State__________

Zip____________________ Email: ___________________________________

Home Phone__________________________ Cell Phone_________________________

School Information
Name of School___________________________________________

Grade Next Year: 9 10 11 12

What time do you anticipate leaving school Monday – Friday?________________________

How many classes will you be taking next year? ___________________________________

What other programs, teams, internships, or jobs will you be participating during the next school year?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Are there any issues or personal matters that may keep you from completing or fully participating in this
internship program from August 2010 – June 2011?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

Short Answers: This part of the application requires you to answer questions so we can get to know you better.
Your answers are confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of Girls for Gender Equity.

1. Have you ever participated in a social justice internship or program before? Circle one.
Yes No If “Yes”, which program(s):
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe your experience interacting with young women from different schools, neighborhoods,
backgrounds and identities (examples: different races, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, etc.).
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

3. What challenges do you foresee working with middle school students?

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

4. What will you contribute to the middle school youth as a mentor? Please mention if you have experience working
with people younger than you (examples: babysitting, mentoring)?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

5. Think about social justice issues that may exist in your community – examples: women’s rights, racial justice,
living wage, right to healthcare, gentrification. How do struggles such as these affect your daily life?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

6. Please describe a time when you made a difference in your living community or school.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

7. At Girls for Gender Equity all people’s identities are respected. We are a very diverse
community in terms of race, religion, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation,
ability, gender identity, gender expression, etc. We want young women to join Sisters in Strength who are
comfortable with diversity and will respect it.

How do you feel about this aspect of our community and why?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

8. Sisters in Strength’s community organizing work focuses on combating sexual harassment – unwanted and
unwelcome sexual behavior and attention – through leading the Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools.

Why do you think it’s important to fight for women’s right to be safe and respected?

What in your life experiences and observations has helped you form your opinion?
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Letter of Recommendation
Please have a teacher, mentor or another adult you work closely with write a letter to us explaining how the Sisters in
Strength internship program would benefit from having you in it.

Please have the individual recommending you mail their letter or turn it in with your completed application in a
sealed envelope with their signature across the seal.
Memorandum of Understanding

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

The following are terms of agreement between GGE and

_____________________________________ (fill in the name of applicant). This agreement is
effective from August 15, 2010 until June 30, 2011. As a Sisters in Strength Community
Organizing Intern, I agree to fully participate in:

 SIS Community Organizing Internship Orientation (mandatory - held in August 2010)

 Leading the Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools
 Mentoring Middle School girls and boys in GGE’s Urban Leaders Academy after school program
 Cultural and Social Activities (plays, movies, etc.)
 Office Support, Outreach and Fundraising for GGE’s programs

Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Interns are responsible for promoting a positive environment and showing respectful
behavior at all times. You are a “living legend.” Your actions will affect hundreds of girls; therefore, it is imperative that every
member of GGE always engage in conduct that is positive and representative of GGE’s mission. You are representing yourself
and GGE, which promotes self-respect and respect for others. GGE’s code of conduct expects that participants will:
 Maintain a safe environment free from threats of physical, verbal and emotional harm
 Maintain a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free lifestyle
 Maintain respectful dialogue with staff members, volunteers and other program participants even in times of
disagreement
 Non-violence - not possessing or using a weapon, not participating in gang related activities
 Respect GGE property
 Honor your commitments (ex. arrive on time on days you are scheduled to attend, complete tasks)

GGE staff and volunteers are expected to treat interns respectfully, consistently and fairly at all times. We expect everyone
involved with GGE to honor the code of conduct. If this agreement is breached by the Sisters in Strength Community Organizing
Intern, it may result in suspension or expulsion from the organization.
I hereby grant to Girls for Gender Equity, the absolute right, for as long as they may elect, to copyright and/or use and/or publish
in video, audio, print or any other media, my name and/or likeness and/or statements, in whole or in part, for purposes of public
education and information. I grant these rights in perpetuity for use in news, education, art, or any other lawful purpose
whatsoever.
I waive any right to inspect and/or approve any related products that GGE may develop or the use(s) to which they may be
applied. I also hereby release GGE from any and all claims relating to or arising from the uses consented above. I understand
that under no circumstances shall I have any right to maintain any cause of action against GGE by virtue of this agreement, the
use of my name, likeness, and/or statements and anything done pursuant here to.
Signing this memorandum of understanding indicates that I have read this form, fully understand its contents, and agree to its
terms knowingly and voluntarily.
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________
Name of Applicant Signature Date

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________

Name of Applicant’s Legal Guardian Signature Date

Meghan Huppuch ____________________________ ____________

GGE Internship Supervisor Signature Date

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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 Sisters in Strength Community Organizing Internship Application

1) When and how will I be notified of a decision? Everyone will be notified of their
status via email or by phone by August 13, 2010. Do not call to inquire about your
status!

2) What are the days/times/locations of the internship? The internship will take place primarily at MS 61 (400
Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY) and at Girls for Gender Equity (1360 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY) during the
hours of 3pm-6pm, Monday through Friday.

3) Can I fax the application to you? No, only emailed or mailed applications will be accepted. And the
application must be in our office by 6pm on August 9, 2010.

4) My teacher/counselor gave me the application on the day of the deadline. Can I turn it in late? No,
emailed or mailed applications must be in our office by 6pm on August 9, 2010. We won’t accept late
applications for any reason.

5) I won’t be able to do this internship for the whole year because I have a scheduling conflict (for example:
softball/basketball/debate team practice). Can I still apply? You can apply, but please let us know what
your scheduling conflicts are on page #3.

6) How can I send my letter of recommendation electronically? Have your recommender email the letter to
equity@ggenyc.org from their email address.

Girls for Gender Equity 30 Third Ave, Suite #102, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.857.1393 www.ggenyc.org
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