Americans for Informed Democracy: Vacancies

Vacancies in the Americans for Informed Democracy Network

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Outreach and Communications Guru - Fall 2010 - Americans for Informed Democracy, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

Global Health Intern - September-December 2010 - Americans for Informed Democracy, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

Global Development and Environment Intern - September-December 2010 - Americans for Informed Democracy, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

Global Peace and Security Intern - Fall 2010- Americans for Informed Democracy, Washington, D.C. Headquarters

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Network Builder - Fall 2010 - Anywhere

Issue Analyst - Fall 2010 - Americans for Informed Democracy, Anywhere

New Media Guru - 2010-2011 Academic Year - Anywhere

Graphic Designer - Fall 2010 - Anywhere

Artist in Residence - Fall 2010- Anywhere

Media Hound - Fall 2010- Anywhere

Regional Coordinators - 2010-2011 Academic Year - Selected Campus Chapters

Join the AIDemocracy team!

Americans for Informed Democracy (AIDemocracy) is accepting applications from inspired, globally conscious college students or recent graduates who are interested in dynamic and fast-paced opportunities that will give them a hands-on introduction to the fields of global development, global health, environmental sustainability, global peace and security, student activism, policy advocacy, and non-profit management. Our fellowship and internship programs offer students an unparalleled introduction to organizing and advocacy.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS GURU

The Outreach and Communications Guru will help us build and communicate with our nation-wide network of student activists.

Responsibilities:

Maintaining, promoting and developing content for our website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Flickr accounts
Supporting other outreach efforts, including issue and advocacy training programs and activist toolkits
Helping organize our film series and other summer events
Supporting our transition to a new Wordpress website site later this summer
Helping finalize our communications and outreach strategies
Recruiting and supporting new AIDemocracy members and chapters, both online and in person

Skills and Qualifications:

Great verbal and written communications skills
A good understanding of social media
Must like meeting, inspiring and working with others
Experience maintaining or building websites a plus!
Experience supporting campus events or campaigns for global justice a plus!
Strong interest in international development, environment, peace and security, and health issues a plus!

This is a part to full time position, negotiable for 3-6 months. Interns are offered a $100 monthly transportation stipend.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

GLOBAL HEALTH INTERN

Are you a student interested in global health challenges like HIV/AIDS and reproductive health and rights? Do you believe that
students have both the power and an obligation to speak out about global challenges? Americans for Informed Democracy is
accepting applications from inspired, globally conscious students who are interested in getting hands-on experience educating
and organizing youth around global health. Interns work directly with staff on student outreach, online communications,
curriculum development, event planning and partnership development.

Our vision is that every young person in the United States exercises their power to bring about a peaceful, healthy, just and
sustainable world. We educate, cultivate and mobilize a network of young people in the US to take informed action around our
individual and collective roles as global citizens.

The Global Health Intern will work closely with AIDemocracy staff to support student engagement around issues of sexual
and reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS and malaria. AIDemocracy is unique in that we involve interns in almost every
aspect of our work, providing a broad learning opportunity.

Responsibilities:
• Help student leaders understand the issues. This involves monitoring key conversations around these issues, writing
blog posts, developing toolkits and fact sheets, etc.;
• Support student mobilization on the issues. This involves supporting student strategy development, member
recruitment and events;
• Identify advocacy opportunities and partners;
• Support general delivery of other fall 2010 events, including work around the 2010 elections, the MDG Summit,
regional events, etc.
• Provide general administrative and logistical support to the Global Health Program;
• Assist with website and other communications and outreach tasks;
• Provide logistical support to program staff for meetings, conferences and events.

Skills and qualifications:
• Strong familiarity with and interest in Global Health issues;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Computer and internet competency;
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to work both independently and in teams;
• Experience organizing students, doing advocacy, or working on social justice issues a plus.

You’ll like this position if you:
• Are inspired to learn more about global health issues;
• Believe that students have the power to affect change, and enjoy working with student activists;
• Enjoy coming up with creative ways to educate and mobilize students around issues.

Skills you’ll gain:
• Issue / policy analysis
• Writing
• Organizing
• Leadership
• New media: using blogs, Facebook, etc.

This is a part to full-time position (25-40 hours/week), based in our office on Capitol Hill. This is an unpaid position, although
Intern will receive a monthly travel stipend and numerous training opportunities.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT INTERN

Are you a student interested in issues like US foreign assistance and climate change? Do you believe that students have
both the power and an obligation to speak out about global challenges? Americans for Informed Democracy is accepting
applications from inspired, globally conscious students who are interested in getting hands-on experience educating and
organizing youth around global development and environment. Interns work directly with staff on student outreach, online
communications, curriculum development, event planning and partnership development.

The Intern will work closely with AIDemocracy staff to support student engagement around issues of US foreign assistance,
food sovereignty, women/girls, climate change and water. AIDemocracy is unique in that we involve interns in almost every
aspect of our work, providing a great learning opportunity.

Responsibilities:
• Help student leaders understand the issues. This involves monitoring key conversations around these issues, writing
blog posts, developing toolkits and fact sheets, etc.;
• Support student mobilization on the issues. This involves supporting student strategy development, member
recruitment and events;
• Identify advocacy opportunities and partners;
• Support general delivery of other fall 2010 events, including work around the 2010 elections, the MDG Summit,
regional events, etc.
• Provide general administrative and logistical support to the Global Development and Global Environment Programs;
• Assist with website and other communications and outreach tasks;
• Provide logistical support to program staff for meetings, conferences and events.

Skills and qualifications:
• Strong familiarity with at least one of the issues (development, environment). Interest in current debates;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Computer and internet competency;
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to work both independently and in teams;
• Experience organizing students, doing advocacy, or working on social justice issues a plus.

You’ll like this position if you:
• Are inspired to learn more about global development and environment issues;
• Believe that students have the power to affect change, and enjoy working with student activists;
• Enjoy coming up with creative ways to educate and mobilize students around issues.

Skills you’ll gain:
• Issue / policy analysis
• Writing
• Organizing
• Leadership
• New media: using blogs, Facebook, etc.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

GLOBAL PEACE AND SECURITY INTERN

Are you a student interested in global challenges like nuclear weapons, genocide and US engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Do you believe that students have both the power and an obligation to speak out about global challenges? Americans for
Informed Democracy is accepting applications from inspired, globally conscious students who are interested in getting hands-
on experience educating and organizing youth around peace and security issues. Interns work directly with staff on student
outreach, online communications, curriculum development, event planning and partnership development.

The Global Peace and Security Intern will work closely with AIDemocracy staff to support student engagement around peace
and security issues. AIDemocracy is unique in that we involve interns in almost every aspect of our work, providing a broad
learning opportunity.

Responsibilities:
• Help student leaders understand the issues. This involves monitoring key conversations around these issues, writing
blog posts, developing toolkits and fact sheets, etc.;
• Support student mobilization on the issues. This involves supporting student strategy development, member
recruitment and events;
• Identify advocacy opportunities and partners;
• Support general delivery of other fall 2010 events, including work around the 2010 elections, the MDG Summit,
regional events, etc.
• Provide general administrative and logistical support to the Global Peace and Security Program;
• Assist with website and other communications and outreach tasks;
• Provide logistical support to program staff for meetings, conferences and events.

Skills and qualifications:
• Strong familiarity with and interest in global peace and security issues;
• Strong written and oral communications skills;
• Computer and internet competency;
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to work both independently and in teams;
• Experience organizing students, doing advocacy, or working on social justice issues a plus.

You’ll like this position if you:
• Are inspired to learn more about peace and security issues;
• Believe that students have the power to affect change, and enjoy working with student activists;
• Enjoy coming up with creative ways to educate and mobilize students around issues.

Skills you’ll gain:
• Issue / policy analysis
• Writing
• Organizing
• Leadership
• New media: using blogs, Facebook, etc.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

NETWORK BUILDER

The Network Builder will play a critical role building, cultivating and harnessing the power of our nation-wide network of students taking action on global issues. The Builder will grow our community, reinforce our story and vision, facilitate communications, empower network leaders, and recruit new network members. This work is dependent on advanced use of online tools and social media. This is a tremendous opportunity for a seasoned organizer looking to deepen his/her organizing skills.

Responsibilties:

Identify, approach and cultivate new network members.
Connect students with common interests: weave the network.
Connect members to opportunities for taking action on global issues initiated by the AIDemocracy main office and other students in the network.
Build relationships with partner organizations, allies and other student groups.
Use online and offline tools to foster and support the network, including: Facebook, blogs, videoconferences, photos, SMS/text, etc.
Help set ongoing strategy for building and maintaining the network.

You’ll like this position if you:

Enjoy meeting people.
Believe in the power of youth activism.
Believe in the power of loose networks advocating for social change.
Like talking to others about issues you care about.

Skills you'll gain:

Network-building
Organizing
Communications

Skills and Qualifications

Excellent people skills.
Experience using online and offline communications tools for raising awareness and mobilizing people.
Experience building networks, communities or groups for social change a plus!
Reliability and ability to ask for help.

Details:
This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (approximately 2-3 hours/week). This is an unpaid position, although Builders will receive numerous training opportunities.

To apply:

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

ISSUE ANALYST

Are you a student writer concerned with global affairs? Looking for a new beat? Look no further! Americans for Informed
Democracy is currently recruiting Student Issue Analysts to monitor and analyze the following issues: water, food sovereignty,
climate change, oil dependence, nuclear non-proliferation, US engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq, US-Muslim relations, US
foreign assistance, and the international financial architecture (G8, World Bank, etc.). One to three analysts will be recruited
for each of the issues above.

Responsibilities:
• Monitor key conversations around the issue, in the media, on listserves, on campus and in the classroom;
• Contribute thoughtful analysis of current debates and their relevance to students in the form of blog posts, video blogs,
video essays, etc., to be featured on our website at least twice/month. AIDemocracy staff will help suggest topics to
cover;
• Respond to breaking news, serving as a “rapid responder” on critical and timely issues;
• Join debates on the issue taking place online, in print media and elsewhere. This might involve writing op-eds or
letters-to-the-editor in newspapers, commenting on blogs or videos, etc.;
• Write at least one article to be featured in an AIDemocracy student journal or other outlets.

Skills and qualifications:
• Strong familiarity with the issue, through coursework, advocacy, volunteering or otherwise;
• Excellent writing skills, and the ability to write for a variety of formats: blogs, journals, newspapers, etc.;
• Interest in youth engagement on the issue;
• Ability to work both independently.

You’ll like this position if you:
• Follow news and debates around these issues;
• Enjoy analyzing issues;
• Like talking to others about issues you care about.

Skills you’ll gain:
• Issue/policy analysis
• Writing
• Blogging / Videoblogging
• Media: new and print media
• AIDemocracy will offer support and training to Issue Analysts throughout the year, and Analysts will have priority
access to regional and national network events.

This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (approximately 2-3 hours/
week).

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

NEW MEDIA GURU

Position Overview:
The New Media Guru will play a critical role using social media to cultivate the AIDemocracy network. Many of our interactions with student members are online, thus his/her efforts will provide an important foundation for our efforts to educate and mobilize youth around global issues. This is a tremendous opportunity for a seasoned organizer looking to deepen his/her online organizing skills.

Responsibilities:

Support development of our strategy for using our website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr, SMS, etc.
Help build and maintain our online identity using the tools above.
Monitor and participate in relevant online communities on behalf of the organization.
Support student use of new media.

You’ll like this position if you:

Frequently use new media for personal or professional purposes.
Enjoy establishing and maintaining online relationships.
Believe in the power of using technology for social change.
Believe in the power of youth activism and networks.
Like talking to others online about issues you care about.

Skills you'll gain:

Organizing
Network-building
New media
Writing / blogging
Communications

Skills and Qualifications:

Great verbal and written communications skills
Strong experience using new media, for personal or professional purposes. It’s ok if you’re not expert on all of the tools above; a strong interest and comfort in learning is all that’s required.
Good understanding of social media
Must like meeting, inspiring and working with others
Experience supporting campus events or campaigns for global justice a plus!
Interest in international development, environment, peace and security, and health issues a plus!
Reliable and committed

Details:
This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (approximately 2-3 hours/week). This is an unpaid position, although Gurus will receive numerous training opportunities.

To apply:
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Please put the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. No phone calls please.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Graphic Designer will play a critical role developing visual materials to communicate the vision and energy of the AIDemocracy network. The Designer’s work will help inspire and mobilize our national student network. This is a tremendous opportunity for an artist to expand his/her portfolio and experience developing materials for social change.

Responsibilities:

Work with program staff to identify graphics needs
Develop graphics to support programs, campaigns, communications and merchandise

You’ll like this position if you:

Are artistic, and enjoy design
Believe in the power of youth activism and networks

Skills you'll gain:

Design
Marketing / branding
Outreach
Using communications and art for social change

Skills and Qualifications:

Strong design and creative skills
Reliability and ability to work independently
Experience supporting campus events or campaigns for global justice a plus!

Details:

This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (time commitment will vary; approximately 3 hours/week). This is an unpaid position, although Designer will have the chance to see his/her products reach thousands of student activists across the country.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Artist in Residence will play a critical role in communicating the vision and energy of the AIDemocracy network. His/her work will inspire and energize thousands of student activists across the country. Artist is welcome to use a variety of mediums: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, spoken word, poetry, short story, song, dance, etc.

Responsibilities:

Work with program staff to understand our vision, programs and network.
Develop materials to express and comment on that vision. Artist will be expected to produce at least three original pieces for use in materials, campaigns and communications.

You’ll like this position if you:

Are artistic
Believe in the power of youth activism and networks

Skills you'll gain:

Design
Using communications and art for social change

Skills and Qualifications:

Strong artistic and creative skills
Reliability and ability to work independently
Experience supporting campus events or campaigns for global justice a plus!

Details:
This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (time commitment will vary; approximately 5 hours/month). This is an unpaid position, although Artist will have the chance to see his/her materials reach and inspire thousands of student activists across the country.

To apply:
Please send a resume, statement of interest, and samples of your work to opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Put the name of the position you’re applying for in the email subject line. No phone calls please. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

MEDIA HOUND

Are you obsessed with the news? Have an interest in student journalism and blogging? Americans for Informed Democracy is currently recruiting Media Hounds to monitor and respond to student conversations on global issues taking place in campus newspapers. Hounds will have a specific issue beat: peace and security, environment, health and/or development.

Responsibilities:

Monitor campus newspapers across the country for conversations and commentary on issues relating to the US role in the world
Link relevant content to the AIDemocracy website
Offer comments and reactions on newspaper websites as appropriate
Analyze trends in student reporting and reactions to key issues
Write periodic analysis on the role of the media and journalism in student discussion of international affairs

You’ll like this position if you:

Follow news and debates around these issues
Enjoy analyzing issues

Skills and qualifications you need:

Strong interest in the news and journalism
Interest in youth engagement on the issue
Reliability and ability to work independently

Skills you’ll gain:

Media: new and print media
Issue/policy/media analysis

Details:
This is a virtual position that can be performed from anywhere. This is a part-time opportunity (time commitment will vary; approximately 3 hours/week). This is an unpaid position, although Hounds will receive numerous training opportunities.

REGIONAL COORDINATORS

Regional Coordinators (RCs) play a critical role in growing and cultivating the AIDemocracy network of over 23,000 students and alumni on campuses nation-wide. They lead member and chapter recruitment in their region; build relationships with students, university and political leaders; and attend regional and national events on behalf of the AIDemocracy network. They have proven experience working with student groups, and are looking to expand their leadership and organizing skills. RCs ultimately help challenge injustice, take action and promote social change on their campuses, in their region and nationally.

Regions:

Northeast - ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, PA, NJ
Southeast - DE, MD, DC, WV, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, KY, TN, MS, AL
Midwest - OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN, ND, SD, NE, KS, IA, MO
Southwest - OK, TX, NM, AZ, AR, LA
Rocky Mountain - MT, WY, CO, UT, NC, ID
West - CA, WA, OR, HI, AK

Some of these regions may have more than one Regional Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

Lead member and chapter recruitment in the region. Each RC will develop clear and realistic recruitment targets, with the help of AIDemocracy staff.
Provide support, guidance and training to student organizers. Support advocacy efforts in the region with help from AIDemocracy staff.
Organize regional events and an in-district lobby day with help of AIDemocracy staff.
Attend regional and national events on behalf of the AIDemocracy network, ranging from policy debates to student internship and opportunities fairs.
Build relationships with students, university and political leaders, both online and via face-to-face meetings and events.
Facilitate student communication across the region, for example by connecting student leaders and organizations, creating
Facebook groups, and circulating information via email.
Keep students in the region up-to-date with the latest news and opportunities from Americans for Informed Democracy. Connect students to AIDemocracy staff, programs and opportunities.
Make regular contributions to the AIDemocracy online network.
- Write monthly contributions for AIDemocracy's blog - The World InSight.
- Post relevant regional news and events on AIDemocracy's Facebook Group.
- Tweet about regional events.
Communicate with the main office on a bi-weekly basis.
Contribute to AIDemocracy's strategy and program development processes via periodic online surveys, evaluations and focus groups.

You'll like this position if you:

Like working with friends or as part of a group
Enjoy meeting people and staying connected
Enjoy connecting people with one another
Like keeping up-to-date with and sharing the latest news
Enjoy impacting the world beyond your campus
Like encouraging people to try new things
Enjoy a challenge
Are organized
Enjoy writing

Training you'll get/skills you'll gain:

Recruitment & leadership development
Communications, new media & messaging
Event planning & promotion
Meeting facilitation
Campaign strategy, planning, and implementation
Network building

What's required:

Willingness to invest time and energy to building your organizing and leadership skills, as well as your understanding of U.S. foreign policy. Strong interest in doing the same among your peers.
Excitement to work outside your comfort level and your campus, reaching out to your local community, policymakers, and the broader region.
At least one year's worth of experience in/with the AIDemocracy network (this might range from reading our newsletters to participating in events to leading a chapter).
Experience working with student groups and/or organizing.
Attendance at the AIDemocracy Regional Coordinator Retreat in August (we'll cover the cost).
Bi-weekly communications with AIDemocracy staff.
Physical presence in the U.S. during both semesters of your academic year (if you are studying abroad, please apply again next year!).
Access to a computer, internet and a phone.
Commitment to work around 10-15 hours/month. Some months may be more, some may be less.

Compensation:

AIDemocracy will cover position-related expenses, such as travel to regional/national conferences, in-district lobby visits, or other universities, materials and funds to put on events, etc. RCs will also receive personalized training and support from experienced AID staff in order to perform their responsibilities. This is a great position for student activists who want to take their organizing and leadership skills to the next level.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to: opportunities@aidemocracy.org. Include the name of the opportunity for which you are applying in the email subject line. No phone calls please. Ideal candidates will have experience not only in the issues, but also in leading campus events and/or campaigns for global justice.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.