Program: John Lewis Young Leaders Program

Reporting to: Program Manager of Young Leaders

Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Hybrid

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Human Rights seeks a John Lewis Young Leaders Intern to support the John Lewis Young Leaders Program. We are looking for a passionate, self-determined and innovative intern with skills in research and grassroots organizing. The intern will be responsible for helping the program manager create a grassroots organizing toolkit and resources that fellows can use as a resource to enhance their organizing skills.

About the John Lewis Young Leaders Program:

The John Lewis Young Leaders Program is an undergraduate program that equips fellows with the necessary skills to become effective community organizers and civic leaders, paying homage to the beautiful and inspiring friendship between John Lewis and Robert Kennedy and their joint dream of empowering young people to take action. Throughout the course of the academic year, fellows engage their campus and local communities in human rights work through a robust capstone project. Fellows receive resources and support to ensure their success in the program, including access to comprehensive grassroots organizing workshops, 1:1 mentorship from RFKHR staff, financial support, and access to an extensive network of human rights professionals, peers, and program alumni. By providing fellows with these resources, we aim to build their capacity and confidence to pursue careers as human rights defenders and enact positive and perpetual change in their communities.

Young people at the margins are disproportionately absent from leadership roles, community dialogues, and critical decision-making positions. To build a more just and peaceful world, we are committed to ensuring that the next generation of leaders is diverse and a true representation of the unique cultures, identities, and voices within America. Despite a handful of diversity milestones, in corporate America and throughout the United States government, white, straight, cis-gender leaders still dominate the C-suite and governmental leadership

Positions. The program focuses  on recruiting at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) to transform the landscape of student activism, giving voice and opportunity to students whose lived experiences inform their decisions to become community organizers. Furthermore, the program prioritizes students from marginalized communities, including Black, indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and financially burdened students, building an expansive network of student organizers and activists, and giving them unique experiences that will help them make a measurable difference in their chosen issue areas.

Following a social justice framework based in AYNI Movement Ecology and our own effective theory of change, the John Lewis Young Leaders fellows capstone project focus on the following key areas:

• Social Justice Advocacy

• Immigration 

• Judicial / Incarceration

• Environment and Climate Change

• Education and Mentorship

• Mental, Sexual, or Physical Health and Safety

• Housing, Gentrification, and Homelessness

Our goal is to dismantle systemic barriers in civic engagement and create opportunities for young people of all ethnicities, identities, and orientations to rise through local systems of power. The John Lewis Young Leaders will ensure that the next generation of leaders is better positioned to further justice by reimagining and reconstituting our systems and structures to reflect and serve all people equally.

Internship Responsibilities:

• Support JLYL program manager in the 2025 application cycle;
• Assist Program Manager in developing workshops and team building activities for fellows’ monthly cohort convenings;
• Research effective grassroots organizing tools and literature to be included in a customized research pack;
• Craft presentations on reports of the program; 
• Assist with other tasks and activities as needed, including but not limited to drafting emails and creating templates.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate student who has secured or in the process of securing funding from a school or foundation or other funding opportunity;
• Demonstrated experience and interest in education, youth development, human rights, and the nonprofit sector;
• Interest in working on progressive issues including but not limited to: digital organizing, voters’ rights, and youth leadership development;
• Awareness and interest in current events and issues relating to human rights;
• Experience drafting/planning a training, lesson plans, or a workshop;
• Ability to understand online education tools and systems;
• Demonstrated research skills suitable for varied audiences;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Attention to detail, you’re able to scope out errors and willing to fix mistakes;
• Time management, you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• Flexible, patient, and ability to stay gracious under pressure;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Innovative thinking, an unwillingness to accept things as they are, and a strong work ethic are essential
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Inclusive, you’re excited to work with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to applications@rfkhumanrights.org with “Your Name + Spring 2025 JLYL Internship” in the subject heading. For example: “Jane Doe + Spring 2025 JLYL Internship”.
• In your cover letter please include if you have secured funding and how you heard about this role and why you are interested in this position.

No phone calls, please. RFK Human Rights will contact qualified candidates directly. 

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you’re in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line “Accommodation Request”. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud