Seevak Human Rights and Social Justice Summer Fellowship

Seevak Fellowship

On some positions, cowardice asks the question, 'Is it expedient?' And then expedience comes along and asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' Conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right.

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

« 2013 Partners

Community Change Inc.

This placement is with Community Change Inc.’s Civil Rights Internship program. CCI promotes racial justice and equity by challenging systemic racism and acting as a catalyst for antiracist action and learning. With a special focus on involving white people in understanding and challenging systemic racism, CCI strives to make visible the foundational and ongoing role racism plays in the structure and the impact of the institutions that shape all of our lives.

The Civil Rights Internship Program provides practical experience in improving race relations, sensitizes participants to the causes and effects of racism, strengthens interns’ life commitment to racial justice, and motivates students to continue their education in preparation for careers in civil rights. Interns participate in the implementation of ongoing Community Change programs; read and discuss a common set of materials on topics related to racism; and may develop their own projects. In addition, interns have many opportunities to meet and work with other anti-racism activists in greater Boston. If interns identify specific career interests, efforts are made to connect students with individuals working in those areas. Interns will be asked to assist with the administrative work of maintaining the office and library on racism.

For more information see: http://www.communitychangeinc.org/

Proposed responsibilities include:

  • learning through action by visiting and lending assistance to allied organizations and community activists
  • learning with other summer interns though shared readings, viewing videos and conversations with staff
  • participating and supporting antiracist organizing through planning meetings, staffing meetings, rallies and other events
  • designing, participating in, and otherwise supporting workshops and community hearings on racism
  • researching and writing about racism and white privilege
  • participating in the assessment and evaluation of CCI’s programs
  • responding to inquiries and requests about CCI’s work, preparing mailings, answering telephones and otherwise supporting the CCI’s projects
  • other responsibilities as agreed upon with your mentor