Internships

LGBTQ Youth Election Year Project
(Spring 2008 through November 2008 – possibility of extension beyond November)
Contact Isaiah Webster: iwebster@nyacyouth.org

In this election year, NYAC has launched efforts to register LGBTQ youth to vote in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and to mobilize and inform young LGBTQ voters across the country through its Election Year Project. Through links on the NYAC website and email alerts, the organization hopes to establish a clearinghouse of election information geared specifically for LGBTQ youth, and to create an election guide for LGBTQ youth based on the issues important to them. As part of the overall project, NYAC hopes to register as many LGBTQ voters as possible and encourage them to mobilize their peers. Interns on this project could work to establish an updated collection of online election resources, write and send email alerts, coordinate voter registration initiatives, and participate in grant writing to raise funds to develop materials and extend the project. After November there might be opportunities to engage LGBTQ youth in other political activism (contingent upon funding).

Lesbian Health Issues Literature Review and White Paper
(Spring 2008, Summer 2008, or Fall 2008)
Contact Kristen Degan: kristen@nyacyouth.org

NYAC plans to issue a white paper on lesbian health issues. This project would entail an extensive review of the literature and the drafting of a white paper outlining the findings. If time permits, the intern could also conduct a nationwide key informant survey to supplement the findings from the literature review. This project provides an excellent in-depth research opportunity and could be submitted for academic credit or as an independent study, if appropriate. Much of this work can be done on the intern’s own time and off-site.

Youth Connections Resource Update
(Spring 2008 or Summer 2008)
Contact Kristen Degan: kristen@nyacyouth.org

NYAC produces a publication called Youth Connections, which is a comprehensive resource guide for LGBTQ youth. Youth Connections was last printed in November 2004 and it needs to be updated now. This project would entail researching LGBTQ youth-friendly organizations—particularly those that may not have existed in November 2004—and updating the contact information for the existing organizations. The next edition of Youth Connections will be online as well as in print format, and the intern will have the opportunity to take the lead on both versions. This publication is a critical resource for LGBTQ youth because it provides resources that are available in their communities and helps youth find the support they need. Contact us if you are available to help us update this important booklet. (Days and times will be flexible, and much of the work can be done off-site.)

Anti-Tobacco Campaign for LGBTQ Youth
(Spring 2008 through September 2008)
Contact Kristen Degan: kristen@nyacyouth.org

NYAC recently was awarded a grant from the DC Tobacco Free Families Coalition to engage LGBTQ youth in tobacco prevention activities in DC. The projects are just taking shape now, and will include youth designing anti-tobacco campaign materials, a coordinated youth effort at Youth Pride on May 3rd, and the planning of a major tobacco free event—by and for LGBTQ youth and straight allies. If you are interested in tobacco prevention, this project will provide a great opportunity to work on an exciting new project in DC for one of the populations most vulnerable to starting to use tobacco. The funding runs out on September 30th, so this project is open immediately and would require a commitment through the summer. We plan to write a process evaluation and an outline of the project to share with organizations across the country so they can implement similar campaigns. The writing of this report could extend this project beyond September 30th, and the report could be used for an independent study or other academic credit, if appropriate.

LGBTQ Youth Needs Assessment
(Spring 2008)
Contact Kristen Degan: kristen@nyacyouth.org

Youth Pride is on May 3rd this year, and NYAC plans to conduct a needs assessment ­ asking LGBTQ youth in DC what they (and other youth) need. This will inform future fundraising efforts at NYAC as well as the development of future internship projects and program areas. The intern would be responsible for designing the needs assessment, conducting it at Youth Pride (we can help find volunteers if needed), and summarizing the results in a report.

Non-Discrimination Policy

NYAC is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment practices including but not limited to application for employment, hiring, termination, training, and promotion; or against any employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, color, age, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, sources of income, or place of residence or business, when such characteristics are not in conflict with the performance of responsibilities or duties required of a particular position, with or without reasonable accommodations. Present employees or volunteers have the right to apply and be considered for any position which becomes available.

NYAC is committed to maintaining a culturally competent workplace that is characterized by acceptance and respect for human differences in order to better meet the needs of all communities. This will be reflected in an environment that promotes the awareness of ethnic, cultural, racial, religious, geographic, generational, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, class and disability issues facing the organization; training all staff and volunteers on the issues of diverse communities; outreach to serve specific underrepresented populations; and actively recruiting staff.