Position:

Youth Engagement Intern 2024

Position Summary:

This will be a 7-month paid, part-time internship, from June 2024 to December 2024 (with the option to extend internship for another calendar year). During this time, Youth Interns will be provided with access to professional development opportunities while assisting the SMYAL team with crucial administrative and programmatic tasks, as well as contributing to SMYAL’s decision-making and overall growth. All Youth Interns must be between 18 and 24 years old. Interns must have an interest in supporting and empowering the LGBTQ community and communities of color. This position reports to the Youth Engagement Manager. 

Position Responsibilities:

Internship Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Youth Development & Community Engagement team in the daily operations of our community engagement events, and after-school and Summer programming.
• Co-create, plan, and facilitate youth programming with Youth Engagement Manager
• With the help of the Youth Engagement Manager, increase peer education by developing culturally relevant workshops. (Interns will be required to develop and give at least 4 workshops during their time at SMYAL.)
• With the help of the Youth Engagement Manager, support outreach and recruitment of youth for SMYAL programs and events.
• Develop and strengthen other skills they have previously specified as an area of interest, such as activism, social media management, development, etc.
• Participate in our annual 2-day Rise Up! Youth Leadership Conference, and assist staff in planning and execution as needed. 
• Attend and help Facilitate QChat discussion, twice a month.
• Support the creation and monthly outreach of a programmatic newsletter 
• Data entry and other administrative tasks
• Meet regularly with Youth Engagement Manager, and Youth Development & Community Engagement team, providing progress reports

Interns will be provided with:

• Training in leadership skills, advocacy, and positive youth development
• Opportunities to provide input into SMYAL’s decision-making
• Access to lectures, webinars, summits, and/or conferences

Desired Qualifications:

Specific prior experience is not required to apply

● Youth Interns must be between 18 and 24 years old

● Prior experience working with youth ages 13-24 (tutoring, mentoring, sports, arts programs, camp,

babysitting, etc.)

● Interest in, or prior experience, working or volunteering in non-profit and/or educational settings

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to racial and gender equity, accessibility, as well as community safety, and accountability

● Excited to share personal hobbies and talents with youth (art, music, books, theater, games, etc.)

● Strong verbal and written communication skills; Comfort facilitating group discussions

● Ability to navigate multiple projects/responsibilities and deadlines

● Excited to be part of a team and work collaboratively

● Knowledge about queer and trans youth communities, intersectional frameworks, and knowledge

of youth development framework highly desired

● Must be sensitive to issues of identity, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and gender

identity. Must demonstrate a commitment to advancing racial justice and gender equity.

● Queer and trans individuals, women, people of color, and people of all abilities are strongly

encouraged to apply

Availability:

The Youth Engagement Intern will be expected to work 20 hours a week, with nights and some weekends required. The Internship will begin in June 2024, and end in December 2024 (exact dates to be determined based on SMYAL and Intern availability). The Intern must be available during Drop In’s programming times: currently virtual on Wednesdays from 4:30-6pm and Thursdays 5-7pm EST and in-person on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4-7pm EST (subject to change). The remaining hours will be determined together between the Intern and Manager. The Intern must also be available for weekly Staff and Team meetings on Thursdays (11am EST) and weekly check-in meetings with the Manager. 

Compensation:

The Youth Intern will be paid an hourly rate of $19 an hour.

To Apply:

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls, please. Pay is $19 per hour. This position works both virtually and in person at our main offices, located in Washington, DC.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

SMYAL, 410 7th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003-2707

Phone: (202) 546-5940. Web: http://www.smyal.org/

SMYAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental handicap, or political affiliation. SMYAL is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable accommodations.