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Systems Change – Technology Advocacy, Citizen Journalism and Video as Evidence Internship - Fall 2013

Systems Change – Technology Advocacy, Citizen Journalism and Video as Evidence Internship - Fall 2013
ORGANIZATION
WITNESS uses video to open the eyes of the world t0 human rights violations. WITNESS empowers people to transform personal stories of abuse into powerful tools for justice, promoting public engagement and policy change. Founded 20 years ago by musician and activist Peter Gabriel, WITNESS supports citizen activists, NGOs, community groups, and grassroots organizations around the globe. witness.org
Internships at WITNESS offer a unique, hands-on opportunity to enhance their educational objectives through practical, real-world experience under the guidance and mentoring of experienced professionals in the areas of human rights, video advocacy, communications, media operations, fundraising, IT, human resources, and nonprofit administration. Interns participate in an array of activities depending on the department and projects, which may include logging footage, translation, research, event planning, online outreach, and organizational support.
DESCRIPTION
WITNESS is looking for an intern to participate in our ‘Systems Change’ Initiative. This initiative focuses on addressing the challenges and opportunities for human rights work presented by ubiquitous video, and on identifying adjustments and modifications to the systems and infrastructure that facilitate video for human rights. Two areas of particular focus are the role that technology companies play in supporting or hindering human rights values and human rights usages of visual media technologies, and the use of citizen media as documentation and evidence in the international human rights and justice systems (for background on these challenges see our ‘Cameras Everywhere’ report)
An intern will participate in research and engagement with relevant stakeholders in technology, human rights and media; support to outreach on technology tools to address key challenges such as InformaCam and the related J3M metadata standard, as well as work supporting blogging on current issues at the intersection of technology, human rights law and practice, and the media. Currently we have a strong focus in two particular areas: pushing for more trusted, authenticable citizen media as a source for evidence of human rights violations; and looking at privacy, security and anonymity with visual media (placing a particular focus on the role of technology companies).
Program Management: The position also provides opportunities to gain experience in NGO management via work with the Program Director around areas of general program management and monitoring and evaluation.
An intern should anticipate that their time will be split roughly 70/30 between work on the ‘Systems Change’ initiative and general support to the Program Director in areas of program management. However, an intern with a strong preference to work in only one of these two areas will be also be considered.
Tasks include:
• Assisting with research into relevant issues in human rights, privacy, ethics, media practice, law, technology and social media. • Assisting with the development of relevant internal and public documents and preparation for stakeholder meetings and conference presentations • Assisting with outreach to news and technology audiences around the InformaCam and J3M projects • Preparation for outreach and engagement on social media and in press around key issues • Under supervision, drafting blog entries on the ‘Systems Change’ initiative as well as other relevant video-for-change topics for inclusion on the WITNESS blog • Providing support to the Program management functions of the Program Director including developing management plans and monitoring program performance • Providing administrative support • Attending and contributing to staff and department meetings
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the intern will learn how to: • Better understand outreach processes around technology and human rights • Better analyze and blog on current issues in technology and human rights • Better understand NGO management issues
QUALIFICATIONS
Currently we are seeking interns enrolled in a 4 year or graduate program related to human rights, news/journalism, technology, law, media, political science and/or international relations. We also review applicants of recent graduates who may be seeking the same type of mentorship and educational focus related to their career choice or educational background.
The following would be beneficial for entering our program: • A background in human rights, technology, online or mobile social justice activism or video • An understanding of current issues around the internet and civil liberties • An understanding of the contemporary news and journalism landscape • Research experience • Previous experience in NGO, journalism or technology development environments
General Information
We require a minimum commitment of 2 months, for at least 16 hours a week. Internships are unpaid. Preference is given to intern applicants receiving credit at their educational institution. All internships are based in our Brooklyn office, convenient to the Atlantic Terminal / Barclay Center (2,3,4,5,B,D,Q,N, & R trains), LIRR, and the C (Lafayette) and G (Fulton) trains.
How to apply:
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS No phone inquiries, please. We strongly prefer applications by email tointernship@witness.org including a Resume and Cover Letter with “[Name of Internship] in the Subject.