available internships

Spring/Summer/Fall Availability based on organizational needs

Description: This position will work with a highly driven team to mobilize community support towards achieving the International Institute’s mission.  The intern will manage a number of community engagement programming projects including providing tours, outreach, and speaking engagements including but not limited to:

• Manage teams of volunteers
• Communicate with supporters via phone, email, and in-person
• Conduct outreach at various community events
• Assist with community events
• Give presentations about the International Institute to community groups

Skills needed:

• Excellent communication skills, especially via email and phone.
• Enjoy working with people
• Ability to use Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with other Microsoft products such as Teams and Sharepoint a plus
• Mathematical skills to manage inventory
• Organization skills
• Cross cultural communication skills and foreign language skills exceedingly helpful
• Majors to include but not limited to: business, nonprofit management, communication, foreign languages, etc.

Schedule:

• Hybrid opportunity
• There is the opportunity to be trained in giving introductory presentations to community groups; presentation times/days would vary and may include evening and/or weekend hours. Weekday hours would be adjusted.
• This position will work approximately 10-15 hours/week and can be adjusted for academic credit

When submitting your application please note that this position is unpaid. However, it will provide a phenomenal training opportunity for a student interested in learning about nonprofit management. Applicants are encouraged to come to interviews prepared with items they want to learn more about.

To apply to be a Community Engagement Intern, please email the following to cooperf@iistl.org with the subject line of the "Community Engagement Intern":

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Answering the following two questions: 1) If you oversaw organizing a large donation drive, how would you stay organized? 2) What about the International Institute's mission inspires you?

Commitment: Flexible, minimum commitment of 6months preferred

Overview: The Afghan Community Center in Saint Louis, along with the Afghan Journal, is seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to support our mission of fostering connections within the Afghan community and promoting cultural exchange. This volunteer role is a unique opportunity to contribute to our efforts in gathering stories and images for the Afghan Journal, as well as assisting with communication tasks at the community center. If you are enthusiastic about storytelling, cultural preservation, and community engagement, we welcome you to join our team. 

Responsibilities:

1. Afghan Journal Support:

• Collaborate with the Afghan Journal team to identify and gather compelling stories, articles, and photographs for publication in English, Dari, and Pashto languages. 
• Conduct interviews and engage with community members to collect personal narratives, cultural insights, and current events relevant to the Afghan community. 
• Assist in the editing and proofreading process to ensure accuracy and clarity of content. 
• Help create and maintain a database of contributors, sources, and story ideas. 

2. Communications Tasks:

• Support the communication efforts of the Afghan Community Center by assisting with social media management, email communications, and website updates. 
• Engage with community members and partners to gather information about upcoming events, programs, and initiatives. 
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional materials and outreach campaigns. 
• Assist in organizing and promoting community events, workshops, and cultural programs. 

3. General Support:

• Attend regular meetings with the Afghan Journal and Community Center teams to discuss progress, ideas, and strategies. 
• Provide assistance with administrative tasks and other duties as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the community center. 

Qualifications:

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the Afghan community in Saint Louis. 
• Gain valuable experience in journalism, community engagement, and cultural preservation. 
• Connect with diverse community members and build lasting relationships. 

• Contribute to the promotion of Afghan culture and heritage in the United States. 
• Support an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes social integration and empowerment. 

If you are passionate about preserving Afghan culture, fostering community connections, and contributing to a dynamic and inclusive space, we invite you to apply for this volunteer position. Together, we can work towards creating a vibrant and thriving Afghan Community Center in Saint Louis. 

This position is unpaid; however, it will provide a phenomenal training opportunity for a student interested in learning about nonprofit management. Applicants are encouraged to come to interviews prepared with items they want to learn more about. 

Please apply for this internship by emailing a 1) cover letter, 2) resume, to Hamdullah at: hamdardh@iistl.org

Target Start date: September (Fall/Winter 2023 & Spring 2024 opportunities available - This is a rolling supportive role)

(Internships can be extended if desired)

Time commitment: 3-5hours/week

Description:

• Provide documentation support and file reviews for Workforce Solutions programs 
• Aide in the coordination of employment supportive services, ie connection to Job Readiness Class, Job Interview Class, Job Search Meeting, etc.  

• Provide supportive case management services to clients who are enrolled in Workforce Solutions programs, utilizing a client-centered approach 
• Support Workforce Solutions clients to overcome barriers to gaining employment such as: understand how to navigate public transportation options, connecting to childcare, ESOL, etc. 
• Assist Workforce Solutions Team with the job referral process as needed 
• Support Employment Caseworkers in Job Readiness Class and Job Interview Class  

Responsibilities:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client records and information 
• Provide detailed daily case notes and documentation in client databases   
• Other duties and tasks, as assigned  
• Engage in other IISTL activities and events, as needed 

Necessary Skills/Qualifications:

• Proficiency using web-based client database programs and Microsoft Office 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English 
• Well organized and detail orientated 
• Work experience in a culturally diverse and fast-paced environment 
• Flexibility and able to maintain composure and professionalism in times of stress, able to empathize with individuals of other backgrounds and experiences 

Benefits to Intern:

• Valuable experience in working with foreign born individuals and families, most of whom are Limited English Proficient 
• Gain an understanding of the refugee experience and challenges they face in the US 
• Case management training 

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to Anna Hall, at halla@iistl.org. Interviews will be conducted via phone, in-person, and/or Zoom.