Welcome to GWS 660

Organization description: State Representative Francesca Hong has served Wisconsin’s 76th assembly district since January 2021. Hong is a second-generation Wisconsinite, mother, community organizer, and service industry worker in Madison, Wisconsin. Hong is the daughter of hard-working immigrants who made the journey to the United States in the 1980s so her father could pursue a doctorate in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Growing up, Francesca was witness to the hard work and perseverance of her parents. She learned the value of sacrifice and determination watching her mother’s journey as a stay-at-home mom who pursued a degree in Education at UW-Madison, later becoming a public-school teacher in Wisconsin for well over ten years. You can read more about her office here. 

Job Description: Interns will focus on constituent correspondence, office administration, and communication skills among other things. For the policy research and bill writing section the student can then opt to focus on their topic of choice.

Supervisor: Nada Elmikashfi, Rep.Hong@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Application Instructions: Send a resume to Nada Elmikashfi (Rep.Hong@legis.wisconsin.gov) to begin the process.

Organization description: Congressman Mark Pocan was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s second congressional district in 2013 following 14 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly. A small business owner, union member, and lifelong advocate for progressive causes, Representative Pocan is committed to using his life experience to fight for policies that promote economic and social justice and support the families of south central Wisconsin.

Job description: Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to the office in various ways. The first involves direct constituent contact via casework intake and opinion tracking. The district office has three dedicated casework staff. Their job is to act as a bridge between constituents and federal agencies. Being responsible for intake, you would be the first contact between the constituents and our office. You will learn more about the role of different federal agencies and the federal policies that most affect WI communities.

Interns are also responsible for congratulatory letters to exceptional members of the community. Every month Congressman Pocan and his staff look for remarkable people who are promoting values like inclusivity, cooperation, and selflessness. This program helps our office stay connected to the communities we represent and allows you to get to know our district.

Another main task for interns is creating our office newsletters. We have several internal newsletters. The newsletter’s main purpose is to inform the staff of important news happening in the district and the State legislature. The newsletter helps you practice policy analysis and understand the implications of proposed laws. In addition to all of this, interns have the opportunity to develop independent projects, attend a weekly intern meeting, and receive regular feedback from supervisors.

Supervisor: Alec Schwehm, Alec.Schwehm@mail.house.gov

Application Instructions: Apply using this application form.

Note on modality/pay: This internship work happens in the office.

Postponed for the 2025 spring semester.

Organization description: The UW System Office of the Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian (GWSL) is one of the premier resources for support of gender, women’s studies, and LGBTQ+ scholarship and librarianship. The GWSL provides bibliographic and curriculum support, inter-institutional cooperation, information sharing, and advocacy related to the fields of women’s, gender, and LGBTQ+ studies and to gender-focused scholarship in the traditional disciplines.

We value and affirm the role that libraries and other information services play in the empowerment of people in our community and beyond. Through local, national, and international partnerships, we aim to provide relevant resources, skills, and support to those researching and working to improve the lives of women and girls throughout the world.

Job description: This internship’s primary responsibility is to support the staff of the Office of the GWSL with the spring conference co-convened with the UW System Women’s and Gender Studies Consortium. While involved in general administrative support, the intern will also have the opportunity to assist in coordinating and providing technical support for the conference, use CANVA, and develop other publicity graphics. In-depth knowledge is not necessary to be hired, but a keen interest in and aptitude for technology will be helpful. We are also looking to provide the intern with additional opportunities for professional and/or leadership development, depending on their individual skills and interests. This will be determined in consultation with the intern hired. In the past, interns have assisted with creating bibliographies, preparing reading guides, helping with library work, and more.

In addition, the intern will be trained in the day-to-day tasks of the office, including but not limited to greeting patrons and assisting them with the book collections, mail, making buttons, and providing administrative support to professional staff.

Supervisor: Kelsey Foster, kmfoster2@wisc.edu

Application instructions: Students should send a resume and a statement of interest explaining why they would like to work in the Office of the GWSL to kmfoster2@wisc.edu. (A formal cover letter is welcome but not required.) Materials must be received by 12 PM on Monday, December 9. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the end of that week to set up a virtual interview.

Note on modality/pay: The intern will primarily work in-person in the Office of the GWSL in Memorial Library, with some virtual meetings/paid position.

Organization description: Arts + Literature Laboratory is a community-driven contemporary arts center supporting the visual, literary, and performing arts through an active calendar of exhibitions, readings, concerts, and educational programs. We bring together resources, people, and space to empower artists and writers to take risks that transcend formal and conceptual boundaries. Our programs foster critical and imaginative dialogue towards equitable social transformation—actively challenging audiences while prioritizing accessibility and community responsiveness.

Job description: An intern could either (a) support one of ALL’s Teaching Artists as an Assistant Teacher/Observer for a writing or visual arts workshop. In this capacity, the intern would meet with the Teaching Artist in advance, would review the course objectives, and would attend the course. The Intern would help with setting up the Education Studio, would interact with students during the workshop (according to the Teaching Artist’s directions) and would review class evaluations once they’re submitted. (b) There is an option for an Intern who is more interested in the administrative aspect of education to support ALL’s Summer Camp Planning. In this capacity, the intern would work with Education Director Ceara Yahn and Education Intern Laurel Statz on some of the myriad aspects of planning and coordination that go into running a 10 week long youth summer camp for children ages 7-17.

Supervisor: Ceara Yahn, ceara@artlitlab.org, 860-550-5726

Application instructions: Send a resume and cover letter to Ceara Yahn at ceara@artlitlab.org.

Note on modality/pay: In-person

Organization description: Defending Black Girlhood equips parents, teachers, social workers, community advocates and organizations with tools to defend Black girlhoods in their homes, schools and communities. A dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Madison native Lilada Gee has committed her life to the defense of Black girlhood and the healing of Black women. The first season of her powerful podcast explores the complex family, school, and community relationships that can either support or fail Black Girls.

Job description: The intern can expect to learn about the issues impacting Black girls and women in Madison and beyond. The intern will work directly with Lilada Gee in assisting with planning and executing events and podcast development.

Supervisor: Lilada Gee, Lilada@Lilada.org

Application instructions: Send a resume and cover letter to Lilada@Lilada.org.

Note on modality/pay: hybrid

Organization description: Today, Ms. remains the most trusted, popular source for feminist news and information in print and online. Its time-honored traditions—an emphasis on in-depth investigative reporting and feminist political analysis—have never been more relevant, bringing a new generation of writers and readers together to create the feminism of the future. Through its innovative Ms. Classroom program, the magazine enjoys a large and growing audience on college campuses. Its cross-generational appeal, global reach and deep connections to grassroots activists in the U.S. and globally, make Ms. a critical information and ideas resource and a place where feminists engage with each other and the world for action and social change.

Job description: Ms. has a developed internship program. Read more about internships here.

Supervisor: Roxy Szal, Managing Digital Editor, rszal@msmagazine.com

Application instructions: Detailed instructions are on the Ms. internship page.

Note on modality/pay: Remote unless able to work in L.A.

Organization description: The Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History is an ongoing effort to to expand and enrich UW-Madison’s historical narrative by centering the voices, experiences, and struggles of marginalized groups. The broad intent of the Center is to ensure that all students and alumni are aware of the full history of the university, including the accomplishments of campus community members from marginalized populations whose stories previously may have been hidden or not widely known.Reckoning with our history is essential to the future of the UW-Madison community. The University’s past cannot be changed, but by confronting our history we can shape the future together. The Center is committed to initiating and supporting a process of reckoning by educating and collaborating with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider Madison community.

Job description: We like to take a flexible approach to internship opportunities by allowing students to develop skillsets that they are interested in. Previously, we have had students work on things that are more academically traditional such as independent research projects that align with the Center’s mission. However, we are happy to give students a more unique range of experiences and skills. We’ve had students support our Center’s exhibition curation efforts, help us write and record a podcast, support our social media presence, and more. Our goal is to match students to skills they hope to gain.

Supervisor:Taylor L. Bailey. tbailey6@wisc.edu

Application instructions: Please send a resume/CV and a brief cover letter on why you’d like to work with us to Taylor Bailey at tbailey6@wisc.edu.

Note on modality/pay: Hybrid

Organization description: At Girls on the Run (GOTR) South Central Wisconsin, teaching essential life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. GOTR coordinates after school empowerment programming to ~2,200 kids annually at 120 sites throughout South Central Wisconsin. Girls participate in weekly running sessions paired with programming focused on building social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. GOTR has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.

Job description:This is a part-time internship with a flexible schedule. Ideal availability would include the capacity to work at our office on the west side of Madison Monday-Thursday afternoons. The intern will work with Girls on the Run staff, assisting with program implementation and evaluation, volunteer management, 5K event support, and fundraising. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in behind-the-scenes program administration and execution of a mid-size non-profit. The intern’s work will directly benefit the youth, families, volunteers and communities we serve in South Central WI. Training will be available from members of our staff and through webinars that have been developed by Girls on the Run International. We typically include our interns (pending interest and availability) in all of our staff meetings, social events and networking opportunities.

Intern Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Learn and upkeep data management of programming systems (entry, clean-up, etc)

• Assist with hands-on GOTR program delivery (substitute coach, deliver supplies, visit teams, etc)

• Research and outreach to potential new program sites (schools, community centers, etc)

• Assist with volunteer coach recruitment, onboarding, training & engagement

• Support volunteer communications (email campaigns, newsletter, coach stories, etc)

• Support special event planning and peer to peer fundraising (5K and 20-year Anniversary Events)

• Additional opportunities available based on intern interests

Supervisor: Christine Benedict; christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org

Application information: Students should submit a resume and cover letter to Christine Benedict at christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org prior to Friday, January 3, 2025.

Note on modality/pay: In-person/paid.

Organization description: The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center provides education, outreach, advocacy, and resources for UW-Madison student communities and their allies to improve campus climate and their daily intersectional experiences. The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center envisions a University of Wisconsin-Madison that actively addresses oppression in all its forms and affirms, includes, and celebrates people across the spectrum of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, including their intersectional experiences and perspectives.

Job description: Core tasks will vary depending on the interest of the student intern but could include running events and programming for LGBTQ+ students and their communities at UW.

Supervisor: Katherine Cherek Briggs, katherine.charekbriggs@wisc.edu

Application process: Interested students can email Katherine Cherek Briggs to set up a meeting to discuss the internship.

Note on paid/modality: hybrid/likely unpaid.

Organization description: The Isthmus Dance Collective is a cooperatively organized non-profit corporation. Our collective is modeled on a hybrid of several types of cooperative or collective organizational structures, primarily a consumer and a worker cooperative. IDC members contribute to the operations of the organization, monetarily and through service work.The pooling of our resources allows us to provide our member artists with better access to rehearsal space, physical training, continued education, music, insurance, and more. It also creates a space for dance artists in our community to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and push the art of dance to develop in ways that serve the betterment of ourselves, the community, and the world.

Job description: An intern would act as a liason between the Isthmus Dance Collective (IDC) and UW student activities, assist in the marketing and promotion of IDC activities including writing press releases, posting on online platforms, serve on a project based committee. An intern could get an inside perspective on consensus based decision-making and a collective structure, learn about the Madison dance eco-system, learn some basics of grant-writing, PR, and event production, and more. Possible projects include collating, analyzing, and creating visual data for IDC’s community impact, the development of an online resource directory for the Madison dance community, and attending the Dane Arts Conference in 2025.  As a Collective, all members have an equal vote and are part of the decision-making process. We have a very active understanding of the IDC community culture of collaboration, non-hierarchy, etc. As a support organization, IDC has great capacity for networking with diverse dance artists and arts leaders in the Madison area.

Supervisor: Erica Pinigis, isthmusdancecollective@gmail.com

Application instructions: Submit a resume and cover letter to Erica Pinigis atisthmusdancecollective@gmail.com.

Note on modality/pay: hybrid

Organization description: Legal Action of Wisconsin is the state’s largest non-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to Wisconsin clients at the most vulnerable times in their lives. For more than 50 years, we’ve changed and improved lives by making sure the civil legal system works for everyone. The Eviction Defense Project provides free eviction defense representation to low-income tenants facing eviction in Milwaukee County. We represent tenants in court to prevent eviction and help seal old eviction records.

Job description: During the internship, a student would work with Legal Action staff to assist client’s facing eviction as well as conduct research as to policy issues and help prepare materials to help tenants know their rights and responsibilities related to renting, dealing with serious housing conditions issues, sealing eviction records, and preventing eviction. Legal Action has extensive on-line training materials for volunteers to learn more Evictions, Housing Conditions Issues, Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, and other legal issues impacting low-income individuals and families. There will be on-line webinars during the semester as well as training videos.

Supervisor: Jill Kastner – jxk@legalaction.org; (414) 274-3080

Application instructions:  Send your resumé and a cover letter (this can be framed in an email) to Jill Kastner at jxk@legalaction.org.

Note on modality/pay: Flexible work site options based on the needs of the student.

Organization description: Girls Inc. empower nonbinary youth and youth who identify as girls to be smart, strong, and bold. Our program strives to offer activities that support academic enrichment and leadership development as well as the right to career exploration and health and wellness. At Girls Inc., we believe that every student has the power within them to succeed and we want to do our part in helping them to recognize their own power and potential. Girls Inc of Greater Madison is the local chapter of Girls Inc. and our programs primarily welcome BIPOC youth of Madison.

Waiting to hear back from Girls Inc. Stay tuned!

Organization description: Disability Pride Madison has a mission to help people with disabilities take pride in themselves and to show the able-bodied community what the disability community has to offer. We host disability focused events and spaces in Madison, WI.

Job description:  We would agree together what the responsibilities would be. At a minimum, this job would focus on implementation of core components of digital accessibility such as web accessibility, image description, anti–ableist language, and the incorporation of these elements into social media and digital marketing work, event planning, tabling at events, research, writing and publishing short articles or press releases.

Supervisor: Kate Moran, disabilitypridemadison@gmail.com, 608-906-3150

Application instructions: Send Kate Moran an email or cover letter outlining interest in the position.

Note on modality/pay: Hybrid

Organization description: OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center is a social services agency focused on providing direct services, advocacy, and information and referral to LGBTQ+ adults in Dane County. Our mission is a commitment to equity and quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and human services, and economic, social, and racial justice advocacy. Our vision is to create a community where the presence and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender people are welcomed and celebrated; where intolerance is challenged and defeated; where justice prevails; and where civil rights of all people are valued and respected.

Job description: Interns at OutReach all receive training on staffing our Front Desk and serving as a front line for interacting with and supporting community members who engage with services via dropping into the Center, reaching out by phone, or connecting online. Interns may choose to engage more specifically within certain program areas, such as LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity/humility trainings, housing assistance, OutReach’s Community Pantry, harm reduction, transgender services, or LGBTQ+ elder/older adult services. A typical day for an intern would look like spending some time working at the front desk balanced with work on a specific project, if they have expressed interest in doing so.

Supervisor: AJ Hardie, 608-255-8582, ajh@lgbtoutreach.org

Application instructions: Submit a resume and brief statement outlining why they would like to intern with our organization and which program areas they are interested in learning more about to AJ Hardie at ajh@lgbtoutreach.org.

Note on pay/modality: In-person

Organization description: Midwest Mujeres (Midwest Women) is a mentorship collective for multicultural women entrepreneurs. We educate multicultral women on storytelling, networking, mentoring, and marketing. We empower women to build their businesses to close the wage gap for all women. Our members gain exclusive coaching calls and mentoring to help them reach their dreams. In our community cohorts, we work with organizations to empower Latinas to free their voice in community event planning and invite them to participate in our annual event, “Yo Quiero Dinero!” We create a culture of belonging for everyone who wants to celebrate equity, unity, and empowerment for women.

Job description: Interns could support intake assessments (in Spanish or English) to support organizational growth, and support programming related to interviewing skills, creating mission statements, financial planning, sponsorship development, networking, and building a strategic online presence. This role could also support event planning for our monthly enrichment sessions. This could include a focus on storytelling, a cornerstone of our organization, and a critical component of our grant work.

Supervisor: Araceli Esparza, info@midwestmujeres.com

Application instructions: Send a video or cover letter to Araceli Esparza at info@midwestmujeres.com.

Note on pay/modality: Hybrid

Organization description: REAP Food Group’s mission is to transform communities, economies and lives through the power of good food. We provide a voice for the movement working to grow a food system that is environmental and economically sustainable. Our commitment to connect eaters, producers, buyers, community members, and policy makers – to nourish the links between land and table – is as strong as ever.

Job description: REAP will adjust internships to the strength and interests of the interns, but interns will generally do work related to a project to create a food action plan. These tasks can range from data analysis, to community engagement and data collection, to communications. The project is a collaboration between nine community organizations in Dane County, and these organizations would have people and tools that could share their knowledge and skills with an intern.

Supervisor: Dr. Phil Kauth, philk@reapfoodgroup.org

Application instructions: Send a resume or cover letter to Dr. Phil Kauth (philk@reapfoodgroup.org) Noah Bloedorn (noahb@reapfoodgroup.org). An email outlining interest in REAP would also suffice.

Organization description: The mission of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is to empower all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health through patient services, education and advocacy.

Job Description: Student Ambassadors (SAs) are hired Interns from colleges across the state. Their main objective is to increase awareness of their local Planned Parenthood and to provide education, resources, and outreach to the campus community. SAs have an expectation to complete trainings, outreach (tabling, safer sex supplies, events), projects and create campus connections. This is a hands-on, people-facing, paid position ($300/monthly stipend.)

Supervisor: Kelli Cornett – kelli.cornett@ppwi.org

Application instructions: Please send a resume and cover letter to Kelli Cornett atkelli.cornett@ppwi.org.

Note on modality/pay: Hybrid/paid.

Organization description: PATH Clinic provides gender-affirming care for transgender and gender diverse youth. We educate your family about medical care options and resources for your child. Our team offers a full range of care and support based on the needs of the child and family. This ranges from observation, advocacy, and guidance to puberty suppression and gender-affirming hormone therapy. We are proud to be named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Job description: Potential areas of focus include assisting the nurse and medical assistant team in transitioning paper resources to electronic with QR codes for easier access for patients;  updating and reviewing community resources, and establishing research consent protocols. The intern would be welcome to join our PATH Case Conference and shadow in our clinic 2-3 times if they are able to complete the appropriate volunteer paperwork.

Supervisor(s): Amy Groener, Ellen Selkie, and Britt Allen

Application instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. Allen at bjallen@pediatrics.wisc.edu. In your cover letter, please specifically address your goals for working with PATH clinic and skills related to independent project management.

Note on pay/modality: hybrid

Organization description: The Women’s Medical Fund (WMF) supports Wisconsin residents who have an abortion (either in or outside of Wisconsin) and people from neighboring states who have an abortion at a Wisconsin clinic. WMF Wisconsin aims to shift the culture around abortion from stigma, isolation, and shame to love, community, and compassion. We know that the right to choose is not enough if people do not have access to that choice. We know that abortion access is one vital component of reproductive justice, so we are mobilizing folks on the ground to create the future we deserve.

Job description: Flexible based on needs of the organization and intern interests.

Application instructions: Please send a letter of interest to Megin McDonell atmeginm@wiabortionfund.org.

Note on pay/modality: Hybrid.

Organization description: The Dane County Public Health Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic provides sexual and reproductive health education and community engagement for Dane County.

Job description: An intern would support the community engagement coordinator and supervisor develop materials for Sexual Health Campaigns such as Get yourself Tested month (GYT). Materials include, flyers for printing, digital social media post templates, checklists for supplies, mapping out set ups for events and putting together supplies to create “community engagement kits” for testing and treatment events. There will also be an opportunity to attend events in the community as well. There are opportunities for the student to take on as much leadership in this project as they would like. These projects feed into our larger strategic plan for the program and the intern is also able to contribute to the strategic plan measures and tracking if that is of interest to them. All interns will have an opportunity to train with Sexual and Reproductive Health staff and attend any virtual webinar offered internally including the Pubic Health Equity café monthly, and connect with staff members through weekly team meetings, quarterly division meetings and other informal gatherings.

Supervisor: Stephanie West swest@publichealthmdc.com

Application instructions: Students should submit a resume and a cover letter describing why they are interested in working in this topic area to Stephanie West atswest@publichealthmdc.com.

Note on modality/pay: hybrid

Waiting to hear back from DHS Reproductive Health and Family Planning. Stay tuned!

Waiting to hear back from UW Health Gender Health Services Clinic. Stay tuned! 

Organization description: End Domestic Abuse WI envisions communities fully engaged to provide safety and to give a voice to all affected by domestic abuse, while creating the social change necessary to address its root causes. We honor the wisdom and strength of domestic abuse survivors across the lifespan. Our mission is achievable through survivor-centered work that includes strategic partnerships and collaboration. As advocates for social justice, we embrace the voices of diverse communities.

Waiting to hear back on possibilities for 2025. Stay tuned!

Waiting to hear back from this organization. Stay tuned, and look elsewhere.