The National Consumers League (NCL) seeks a motivated intern who wants to work with the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), a 31-member group that serves as a national network for the exchange of information about child labor; provides a forum and a unified voice on protecting working minors and ending child labor exploitation; and develops informational and educational outreach to the public and private sectors to combat child labor abuses and promote progressive initiatives and legislation. The CLC has both a U.S. and international focus.
The intern will assist with ongoing CLC projects and research related to our work. The CLC’s domestic agenda includes several related initiatives to strengthening protections for working youth, with specific focus on children working as migrant and seasonal farmworkers, child trafficking for sex work and forced labor, and children in other worst forms of child labor.
This internship will provide an opportunity to:
- Gain knowledge about child labor issues, both international and domestic;
- Become familiar with various non-governmental groups and relevant government agencies, and their role in addressing child labor issues;
- Attend congressional hearings and briefings and work with congressional offices;
- Practice social media skills;
- Write for the public;
- Understand coordination and management of a national coalition; and
- Be involved in international campaigns on child labor and basic education for all children.
In order to succeed in this internship, interns should possess superior skills in the following areas:
- Communication skills. Interns must possess high level oral and written communication skills. Interns will be asked to write blogs and articles.
- Research skills. Interns are frequently called upon to write brief reports for NCL staff to provide background information on various issues. We are also in constant need of web site updates and basic statistical “facts about” lists.
A typical day might include attending a meeting with other NGO groups, writing a blog, conducting internet research, working to expand our social media outreach, and providing web site updates.
Internships are unpaid. We ask that interns make a minimum time commitment of eight weeks, spending at least 20 hours per week working at the League. Of course, we welcome longer time commitments. Work hours per week are flexible for longer-term assignments. Our goal is to tailor your internship to suit your specific needs. The League is happy to consider the particular interests of applicants and will develop specific projects, complete paperwork, etc., as needed for class credit.
NCL is a national membership organization that protects and promotes social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad on issues including telemarketing and Internet fraud, food and drug safety, and fair labor standards.
Please submit your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample to Child Labor Policy Intern, NCL, 1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006 or via email: reidm@nclnet.org.
