Labor Rights Internships

1. Amnesty International

http://www.amnestyusa.org/activism/internships.do
About:
Amnesty International is an international grassroots movement. Much of our work is done by our network of volunteer groups. We have groups in communities and churches and on high school and college campuses. There are professional networks of lawyers, health professionals, and educators. We very much hope that you will consider joining one of these groups.
Unpaid Internships: Several in the area of Business and Human Rights

2. Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)

http://www.acorn.org
About:
ACORN continues to press for a long-overdue increase in state and federal minimum wages. In the meantime, they are working with coalitions to put minimum wage increase on the ballot in Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, and in the City of Albuquerque.
Type of Internship Available:
ACORN regularly has openings for two types of internships. One is working on financial justice issues in our Baltimore office, the other working on communications and media out of our Washington, D.C., office. In both cases, a stipend will be paid.

3. Corporate Accountability International

http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org
About:
Corporate Accountability International is a membership organization that protects people by waging and winning campaigns that challenge irresponsible and dangerous corporate actions around the world. Corporate Accountability International and our members have scored major victories that protect people and save lives. For over 25 years, we have forced corporations like Nestlé, General Electric and Philip Morris/Altria to stop abusive practices
Opportunities:
If you are looking a paid or college credit internship in a dynamic campaign atmosphere, you may be the right person for an exciting internship with Corporate Accountability International! Become an integral part of a dynamic team for equality, justice and effective social change.

4. Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)

http://www.iccr.org
About:
For over thirty years the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) has been a leader of the corporate social responsibility movement. ICCR's membership is an association of 275 faith- based institutional investors, including national denominations, religious communities, pension funds, endowments, hospital corporations, economic development funds and publishing companies. ICCR and its members press companies to be socially and environmentally responsible. Each year ICCR- member religious institutional investors sponsor over 100 shareholder resolutions on major social and environmental issues. The combined portfolio value of ICCR's member organizations is estimated to be $110 billion
Opportunities:
Variety of paid an unpaid internships available.

5. Fair Trade Resources

http://www.fairtraderesource.org
About:
The Fair Trade Resource Network's goal is to raise consumer awareness about improving people's lives through Fair Trade alternatives by gathering and compiling research and data about Fair Trade, providing information about Fair Trade to the public, the media and Fair Trade advocates, and galvanizing Fair Trade organizations and individuals seeking to get involved.
Type of Internship Available:
FTRN seeks self-starters to help strengthen and shape our grassroots operations. If you'd like to join our team of volunteers, send a letter of interest and resume to jackie@fairtraderesource.org.

6. Global Exchange

http://www.globalexchange.org
About:
Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since our founding in 1988, we have successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change. Whether it is US companies such as Nike abusing the women who make its shoes, the US government fueling an illegal, unjustified, murderous war in Iraq, or the World Trade Organization (WTO) undercutting consumer and environmental protections, Global Exchange offers itself as a partner for peace and social justice.
Type of Internship Available:
Global Exchange operates a structured internship program during the summer and a less structured program during the fall, winter and spring. Interns work closely with program staff on campaigns and programs and are expected to bring some knowledge and experience to the organization. Some agreement can be made for interns to work remotely on specific projects. Interns should be able to offer at least 15 hours per week for a minimum of 2 months.
Volunteers work in our San Francisco office, with program staff on a less formal basis and are generally able to offer a shorter amount of time than interns. Volunteers are those wishing to get involved with the organization, in any capacity. Tasks may range from staffing information tables at day time, evening or weekend events, phone banking Global Exchange members about important issues, assisting with the development and distribution of campaign/program materials to researching and writing reports. Some volunteers make short term agreements with the organization to assist staff, while others volunteer 1-2 hours per week over a longer period of time.

7. Human Rights First

http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/index.asp
About:
Since 1978, Human Rights First has worked in the U.S. and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; promote fair economic practices by creating safeguards for workers' rights; and help build a strong international system of justice and accountability for the worst human rights crimes.
Type of Internship Available:
Human Rights First welcomes a limited number of interns throughout the year. Positions are available in Program as well as Development, Communications, Administration and Finance. During the academic year, interns commit to 10 – 12 hours a week. During the summer most interns work full time. Often, when computers and workstations are fully committed, interns will work from their own laptops or off-site at libraries etc.
Misc: Offers the Frankel Fellowships, Everett Internships

8. Mexico Solidarity Network

http://www.mexicosolidarity.org
About:
The Mexico Solidarity Network struggles for democracy, economic justice and human rights on both sides of the US-Mexico border. Civil society must take the leading role in fomenting social change by developing democratic spaces and empowered communities that are outside of party/establishment structures, but always interacting with those structures. The Mexico Solidarity Network is a grassroots-based organization dedicated to profound social change that challenges existing power relationships and builds alternatives.
Type of Internship Available:
The Mexico Solidarity Network is looking for students, recent graduates or community organizers who are interested in doing an internship in their city. There is no need to relocate for the internship and you can do it while attending college, high school or even working another job! The internship program is part of a fair trade/solidarity program organized by the Mexico Solidarity Network in coordination with three Zapatista women's cooperatives and a Zapatista coffee cooperative. During the internship, you will learn about the Zapatista struggle for autonomy and alternatives to the predominant capitalist model. You will develop public speaking capabilities. The internship is a paid position, with the amount of income depending on your time and organizing capacity.
Interns will receive material on indigenous rights and fair trade. Each intern will start with a package of fair trade items, including textiles and coffee produced by Zapatista cooperatives. Interns will organize at least one public presentation each week at which you will discuss indigenous rights and fair trade, and sell fair trade items produced in Zapatista cooperatives. You can keep 20% of the income from sales. Interns are expected to devote 3 to 6 hours per week, and can expect to earn $50 to $100 per week.

9. Oxfam

http://www.oxfamamerica.org
About:
Oxfam America is a Boston-based international development and relief agency and an affiliate of Oxfam International. Working with local partners, Oxfam delivers development programs and emergency relief services, and campaigns for change in global practices and policies that keep people in poverty.
Opportunities:
Interns and volunteers play a key role at Oxfam America. Each year, more than 100 volunteers and interns in our Boston and Washington, DC offices log some 10,000 hours, expanding our capacity to achieve our mission to end poverty and suffering.

10. Peace & Justice Center

http://www.pjcvt.org/center.htm
About:
The Peace & Justice Center is looking for committed individuals, which are detail oriented self-starters with an interest in social justice, to organize and conduct a community/membership assessment on peace, and racial and economic justice issues.
The ideal candidates will have: good communication skills (including writing, phone, and face-to-face skills); computer skills (Excel, Word, Internet); and the ability to work independently and as a part of a team. Majors that might be interested in this opportunity: Government; Marketing; Community Development; Social Work; Sociology; Statistics; Non-profit Administration; and Economics.
Type of Internship Available:
The PJC is seeking reliable, smart, politically aware, progressive interns to assist the PJC staff in the day to day functioning of the Center. The position includes administrative, organizing, and research work.

11. RUGMARK

http://www.rugmark.org
About:
RUGMARK is a global nonprofit organization working to end illegal child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It does this through loom and factory monitoring, consumer labeling, and running schools for former child workers.
Type of Internship Available:
RUGMARK Foundation, an international nonprofit organization working to end child labor in the carpet industry and offer educational opportunities to children in India, Nepal, and Pakistan, is looking for interns to support its work throughout the academic year and during the summer. The U.S. office is responsible for running a consumer education campaign and for signing carpet manufacturers into the RUGMARK program.
Interns will assist with research, PR and marketing, and administrative tasks. A minimum of 30 hours per week is required. This is an unpaid position.

12. Social Accountability International

http://www.sai-intl.org
About:
SAI is an international non-profit human rights organization dedicated to the ethical treatment of workers around the world. SAI’s social standard, called SA8000, functions as a highly effective and expedient system for delivering improved social performance to businesses and their supply chain facilities. The SA8000 solution is designed to ensure compliance with the highest ethical sourcing standards by integrating management tools that serve the needs of workers and businesses alike.
Opportunities:
SAI offers many opportunities for researchers and students to become involved in our work. Individuals interested in legal research, management procedures, and the elimination of sweatshops worldwide will find many areas to learn as well as contribute to the growth of SAI programs. SAI requires a person interested in how businesses develop standards for respecting labor rights and addressing overall workplace issues. The types of activities a researcher or student intern could participate include:

• Research and analyze legislation relevant to international labor standards.
• Develop cost/benefit analysis regarding implementation of SA8000.
• Organize portions of SAI conferences.
• Perform case studies relating to working hours, living wage, and other aspects of humane business practices.
• General organization of office systems and management.
• Manage incoming information requests and database tracking system.

If you are interested in research or an internship with SAI, please contact the Office Systems Manager at info@sa-intl.org for further information.

13. Student Action with Farmworkers

http://www.cds.aas.duke.edu/saf/index.html
About:
Student Action with Farmworkers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to bring students and farmworkers together to learn about each other’s lives, share resources and skills, improve conditions for farmworkers, and build diverse coalitions working for social change. SAF accomplishes its mission by coordinating summer internships, providing year-round opportunities for direct service, and carrying out community education, advocacy, and community and labor organizing work.
Type of Internship Available:
Into the Fields (ITF) is a ten-week summer internship and leadership development program that creates opportunities for college students to work for fairness in our agricultural industries. Through the Into the Fields Program, college students from diverse backgrounds work full-time with farmworkers to promote greater respect and justice for the people who supply food for our tables.
SAF Interns provide much needed skills, energy and time to farmworker organizations and receive a life-changing educational experience in return. Each summer, thirty students work in migrant education programs, rural health clinics, legal services, immigrant assistance organizations, policy and research groups, and with community & labor organizing projects in North and South Carolina.
SAF Interns provide health education to farmworkers, promote workplace safety and pesticide education, teach English as a Second Language, educate farmworkers about their legal rights, and organize workers into labor unions. By fulfilling Into the Fields expectations, Interns receive on-going training, furnished housing, a per diem of $1,200, a post-service scholarship of $1,500, as well as possible academic credit. SAF also covers travel expenses to NC for students from farmworker families.

14. TransFair USA

http://www.transfairusa.org
About:
TransFair USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is one of nineteen members of Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO), and the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. We audit transactions between US companies offering Fair Trade Certified™ products and the international suppliers from whom they source, in order to guarantee that the farmers and farm workers behind Fair Trade Certified goods were paid a fair, above-market price. In addition, annual inspections conducted by FLO ensure that strict socioeconomic development criteria are being met using increased Fair Trade revenues.
Type of Internship Available:
Certification and Finance Intern: TransFair USA, an international, cutting-edge non-profit is seeking a Certification and Finance Intern. Help us make a difference for farmers and farm workers around the world. Fair Trade is an exciting alternative to “business as usual” that guarantees fair prices and better working conditions for Third World producers of coffee, tea, chocolate and fresh fruit. TransFair USA provides the only certification for Fair Trade products in the US.
Marketing / Business Development: This internship is for those with a strong interest in market research and business development. An internship in the Business Development department will allow you to assist in increasing the number and participation of companies that are committed to Fair Trade.

15. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

http://www.undp.org
About:
UNDP's purpose is to help developing countries, and countries moving from centrally planned to market economies, build capacities for "sustainable human development" - development that centres on people
Type of Internship Available:
The Internship Programme offers a small group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. It is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical cooperation.
Interns are assigned to either a UNDP country office or the organization's Headquarters in New York. Assignments vary greatly in terms of content. They may have a country-specific, regional, sectoral, or thematic focus. However, interns are normally involved in some aspect of the design, implementation and evaluation of UNDP-supported programmes and projects. Every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization.
Internship assignments vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year.

16. United Students Against Sweatshops

http://www.studentsagainstsweatshops.org
About:
United Students Against Sweatshops is an international student movement of campuses and individual students fighting for sweatshop free labor conditions and workers' rights. We define 'sweatshop' broadly and recognize that it is not limited to the apparel industry, but everywhere among us. We believe that university standards should be brought in line with those of its students who demand that their school's logo is emblazoned on clothing made in decent working conditions. We have fought for these beliefs by demanding that our universities adopt ethically and legally strong codes of conduct, full public disclosure of company information and truly independent verification systems to ensure that sweatshop conditions are not happening. Ultimately, we are using our power as students to affect the larger industry that thrives in secrecy, exploitation, and the power relations of a flawed system.
Type of Internship Available:
The summer of 2004, USAS had nine students abroad in seven countries, through a partnership with the American Center for International Labor Solidarity. This diverse and impressive group of student activists spent 8-10 weeks working with workers’ rights groups abroad, researching collegiate apparel production, wages, and working conditions, as well as building strategic relationships across Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho), Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India), and Latin America (the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Mexico). The interns were an incredibly diverse group, in terms of both racial and socioeconomic background, as well as previous organizing experience. The internship program commenced with a four-day training in Washington, D.C. in June, with most interns departing directly after this training for their placement country. The training consisted of educating students about the work that USAS has done, meeting with representatives from allied organizations, and discussing and learning the skills needed to work with international workers’ organizations. Almost all returned to the U.S. by coming directly to USAS’ summer affiliates gathering in early August, to share the work that they had done and use their knowledge to develop campaign strategy for the upcoming year.

17. Workers Rights Consortium

http://www.workersrights.org
About:
The Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) is a non-profit organization created by college and university administrations, students and labor rights experts. The WRC's purpose is to assist in the enforcement of manufacturing Codes of Conduct adopted by colleges and universities; these Codes are designed to ensure that factories producing clothing and other goods bearing college and university names respect the basic rights of workers. There are more than 100 colleges and universities affiliated with the WRC.
Type of Internship Available:
The WRC offers full-time and part-time, unpaid internships. Interns must have solid writing and research skills and a commitment to advancing the goal of increasing respect for workers' rights in the global economy. Foreign language skills are desirable. Interns must be able to work for a period of at least ten weeks; internships are available year-round. Interested individuals should send a resume and cover letter, indicating when and for how long they will be available and how many hours per week they wish to work.