Internships at PolicyLink provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn how to advance social and economic equity through policy change. Over the past years, PolicyLink has had interns from 14 different universities and colleges, in programs such as urban planning, public policy, public health, community development, and information management. Interns play an integral role in helping our organization further policy impact through research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy.
Available Internships:
Equitable Development Toolkit Internship - (Paid internship, Oakland office)
Project Description:
PolicyLink is seeking one or more interns to help update and improve the Equitable Development Toolkit (http://www.policylink.org/EDTK/default.html), which was launched seven years ago to help communities promote development without displacement and ensure that neighborhood change and investment brings tangible benefits to current residents and results in healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. The toolkit includes over 25 tools on innovative strategies such as community land trusts, housing trust funds, and employer-assisted housing. Four new tools are in development and we are in the process of redesigning the PolicyLink website and Toolkit to better meet the growing needs of the field, with a relaunch to occur in January 2009 coinciding with the 10th anniversary of PolicyLink.
The intern(s) will work closely with PolicyLink staff (and possibly outside subject experts) to update a number of the current tools that focus on land use and zoning, affordable housing preservation, tenant protections, economic opportunity, and community development financing. Each tool follows a structure that includes basic information about the strategy, key lessons derived from practitioners who have used the tools in their communities, supportive policies, and case studies of how the tool is being implemented.
We are looking for interns who can work at least 15 hours per week, beginning as soon as possible and through December 2008. The specific internship hours and employment period would be flexible depending on the schedule of the intern.
Research and writing tasks would include the following:
Qualifications/skills:
Applicants should possess or be pursuing an advanced degree in urban planning, public policy, or a related area, and possess excellent research and writing skills. A background in housing or community development and experience with creating curricula and materials geared toward practitioners, advocates, and organizers is desirable. The intern should be self-directed as well as able to work collaboratively with PolicyLink staff.
To Apply:
Please email or fax cover letter and résumé to:
“[your name]” EDTK Internship, jobs@policylink.org, or fax to 510-663-9684
Deadline:
Position open until filled.
PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse,
multi-cultural working environment.
updated August 2008