INTERNSHIPS

Spring 2024 (February-April) – Deadline to apply: January 14, 2024

At CAIR-SFBA we believe that the best way to secure a better future for all of us is to empower young Americans with the skills they need to make a difference. There is no better teacher than experience. Interns will work with leaders on substantive projects that lay the foundation for a more just and inclusive America. Interns develop professional skills, gain insight around the impact of public service, and work with different departments to holistically understand the daily operations of a non-profit civil rights organization.

Interns gain hands-on experience in one of the following departments

Civic Engagement

Responsibilities include organizing meetings with local elected officials to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community, assisting with voter registration campaigns, as well as acting as a liaison between CAIR and public officials. An interest in political science is desirable.

Legal

Responsibilities include supporting the operations of the legal team, assisting with citizenship and TPS clinics, and maintaining communication with clients. Additionally, interns will help facilitate Know Your Rights trainings and workshops. There will also be opportunities to contribute to publications like the Bullying Report, the Annual Legal Report, and other specialized projects conducted by the legal team. An interest in law is desirable.

Communications/Media

Responsibilities include informing the media about Islamic activities and practices, monitoring the local media, writing editorials, and assisting in issuing the CAIR-California newsletter. Interns will develop their skills for writing in a journalistic style. Interns will also learn how to effectively engage the community through social media and be responsible for creating posts, updates, tweets, and more to promote and enhance CAIR-SFBA’s image through said mediums. They will also learn how the media works and how to develop press releases and media packets. An interest in media and communications is desirable.

Event Planning/Outreach

Responsibilities include organizing events sponsored by CAIR, such as the Muslim Day at the Capitol, proposing & creating new material to promote CAIR, preparing an exhibit, and supporting with inquiries by members and guests. Other responsibilities may include acting as a liaison between CAIR and the local Muslim and non-Muslim communities, organizing outreach programs with Islamic centers, and developing and implementing strategies to attract individuals to become involved with CAIR. An interest in marketing, public relation, and graphic design is desirable.

Operations

The Operations intern will work closely with the Operations Manager to maintain office productivity. Interns assist with daily operations such as coordination of staff meetings, trainings, and activities; greeting guests and interacting with patrons; and assisting with office organization projects. The internship will also include a membership component with responsibilities such as donor and community outreach, development of a membership program, and more.

Youth Development

Responsibilities include implementing CAIR’s youth programming which engages high school and college students around issues of identity, leadership development, civil rights, civic engagement, and social justice. Programs include the Muslim Youth Leadership Program, Muslim Gamechangers Network, Bridging Communities Program, and Muslim Day at the Capitol. Interns will research a wide range of issues affecting the Muslim community in order to develop relevant and engaging curriculum and program content. Interns will work on all aspects of program planning including, but not limited to: marketing, outreach and recruitment, program execution, and evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Candidates must be college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree, or recent graduates (18 and older)
  • Passion and familiarity with the work that CAIR does
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office platforms
  • Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills

HOW TO APPLY:

Once your application is received, you may be contacted for a telephone or in-person interview. For questions or concerns, please contact CAIR-SFBA’s Operations Coordinator Mayeena Ulkarim at mulkarim@cair.com.

Note: All internships are unpaid but travel stipends are available.

Law Clerkships

The summer clerkship application has opened.

DESCRIPTION

Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization for first-hand experience working on a wide range of cases, serving clients from diverse backgrounds. Law clerks have the opportunity to assist in providing direct services to individuals impacted by discrimination and work on projects that highlight distinct civil rights issues ranging from immigration assistance (e.g., naturalization, adjustment of status, asylum and benefits delay), interacting with local and federal law enforcement and securing the rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely in the public sphere, schools, places of employment, prisons, and other institutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct intakes by communicating with and counseling a diverse group of callers and maintain detailed records of all communications
  • Research discrimination, constitutional, employment, immigration, and national security laws to support representation of and advocacy for clients
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting complaints, letters, and memos
  • Communicate with administrative agencies, attorneys, employers, and others
  • Participate in outreach efforts during religious services and community events as well as through CAIR’s Know Your Rights workshops and Citizenship Clinics
  • Undertake term-long research and advocacy projects focusing on a host of issues such as prisoners’ rights, student bullying, law enforcement surveillance, travel complaints, unemployment insurance assistance, and immigration reform
  • Compile and organize data for legal department projects

All CAIR law clerks are required to assist in general duties such as outreach, answering phones, and other office tasks. CAIR law clerks will be asked to participate in events outside of normal business hours.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Current law students enrolled in a J.D./L.L.M. program, or those who have completed one of these programs and are looking for a post-bar opportunity
  • Past experience or interest in working with diverse clients who have faced discrimination
  • Sound legal research, analytical, and writing skills. One semester of legal research and writing preferred
  • Demonstrated time management and multitasking abilities
  • Ability to work independently, handle concurrent assignments, and meet deadlines
  • Supportive of CAIR’s mission

While CAIR-SFBA does not compensate law clerks, we encourage candidates to apply for funding through scholarships and/or fellowships. For more information, contact your law school career services office.

Clerkships typically last from 10-12 weeks depending on the student’s academic calendar. Hours for an academic term clerkship are 10-15 hours per week (Fall/Spring) and 30-35 hours for a summer clerkship.

HOW TO APPLY

Click “Apply Here!” to submit the Law Clerkship Application Form below-A complete application will include: cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references. We will contact you once we have received all of your materials.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Summer 2023 (June-August) – Deadline to apply: April 30, 2023

We also welcome applications from college students and attorneys for volunteer positions. Please apply here for one of those roles.