Prison Abolition
End the New Jim Crow Action Network (ENJAN)
https://endthenewjimcrow.blogspot.com/
Volunteer-run, City of Poughkeepsie
Action Areas: Prison Abolition, Racial Justice
About: End the New Jim Crow Action Network (ENJAN, pronounced “engine”) advocates locally and statewide to end mass incarceration, including both unjust imprisonment and the larger web of laws, rules, policies, and customs that control people labeled as criminals outside of prison walls. Because people of color are unfairly and disproportionately targeted by all levels of the criminal justice system, we focus on opposing practices driven by institutional racism to build a powerful movement (or “ENJAN”) for change. One of our focuses is court watch in which we train students to attend city or county court to observe and report on what is happening “”in the name of the people.
Position Descriptions: Students can be either ENJAN interns or Court Watchers.
1) The ENJAN intern is responsible for attending bi-monthly meetings, taking and distributing meeting notes, completing research for current projects, assisting with events and outreach efforts (including attending city council, criminal justice council, and county legislature meetings), helping to liaise with other local groups and organizations, and supporting ongoing operations and projects. Current projects include police reform in the City of Poughkeepsie, election forums on criminal justice issues, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Must be available to attend meetings on Wednesday evenings.
2) Court Watchers are responsible for supporting the court watch project. Duties include preparing forms for court watching, attending court and recording data, attending weekly meetings to process what is happening in light of readings on criminal legal issues, and for writing or editing court watcher blog posts for the website, and contributing to social media (including Instagram0. In addition, court watch interns may also be asked to conduct outside research on matters related to the courts, criminal justice, etc. Must have availability to attend court at least one day per week. Poughkeepsie city and county courts are typically in session from 9 am to 12 noon, M-F.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Research skills, Social media management, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 4hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with E.N.J.A.N.? Visit here for your next steps.
Prisoners’ Brain Trust
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Mid-Hudson Valley
https://www.instagram.com/prisonersbraintrust
Action Areas: Prison Abolition
About: The Prisoners’ Brain Trust (“PBT’) embodies people directly impacted
by the prison industrial complex’s many harms. Our members are a combination of queer/trans, cis-hetero, Black, Brown Indigenous People of Color, and white anti-racist/anti-authoritarian partners. Each member brings their full carceral and personal experiences into our work to dissect ow policies impact and intersect our lives and communities. Prisoners’ Brain Trust addresses toxicity associated with the patriarchal structure; provides gender & sexuality training, political education, and leadership development; hones public speaking/debate skills; and offers moral/emotional support through the community.
Position description: Spring 2025 Internship Opportunity: Prisoners’ Brain Trust – Felony Murder Law Campaign
The Prisoners’ Brain Trust (PBT) is seeking five dedicated interns from Vassar College for the spring semester to work on dismantling New York State’s felony murder law. Interns will collaborate with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated community members to amplify the voices of those impacted by this legislation. This internship offers hands-on experience in social justice advocacy, communication, and community engagement.
Campaign Focus: “The Five Faces of Felony Murder”
The interns will be integral to The Five Faces of Felony Murder campaign, which is dedicated to humanizing those affected by felony murder laws and advocating for reform.
Key Responsibilities:
- Uplift Voices – Work with impacted individuals to share their stories and contributions to the campaign.
- Graphic Design and Presentation – Design visual materials for campaign outreach and create engaging presentations to be used in advocacy efforts.
- Communication and Advocacy – Coordinate with community members to ensure their voices are heard and accurately represented in campaign materials.
- Meeting Attendance – Participate in virtual campaign strategy meetings and prepare summaries or action points for the PBT team.
- Site Visits – Visit Eastern Correctional Facility and participate in advocacy trips to Albany (travel support provided).
Requirements:
- Strong skills in graphic design, public presentation, and community engagement.
- Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Availability to attend remote meetings and commit to site visits as required.
- Passion for criminal justice reform and sensitivity to issues impacting incarcerated communities.
- This internship is a unique chance to engage in meaningful advocacy work and contribute to a transformative cause. Interested applicants should demonstrate a commitment to justice reform, empathy, and strong organizational skills.
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Research skills, Social media management, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with PBT? Visit here for your next steps.
Family Services of the Hudson Valley
Address: 29 N. Hamilton St, Poughkeepsie, NY
About: Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley.
Position Description: The Children’s Center Intern assists the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher at the Children’s Center at the Dutchess County Family Court in compliance with all NYS Office of Court Administration Children’s Center Program agreements. The Intern provides a safe and creative curriculum for children while their families attend to court business and offers consultation to families for resources within the community. The position enthusiastically supports, practices, and communicates the agency’s Mission and Statement of Values. Under the supervision of program staff, interns may facilitate activities with children and offer supportive counseling to parents. In addition to direct-services, interns will assist with administrative and clerical duties. Intern responsibilities will be inclusive of areas identified in their respective college/university learning plan. Children Center Interns enthusiastically support, practice, and communicate the agency’s mission and statement of values.
Role/Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assisting with the direct care and safety of the children left in the center
under the supervision of program staff. Implements and maintains the health and safety protocol/procedures and maintains visible instructive printouts of these procedures.Will assure center is in compliance with all program safety and confidentiality guidelines. - Under the supervision of program staff, assisting with required intakes and reports.
- Prepares and submits information for monthly reports to appropriate entities.
- Secures the intake paperwork in proper location.
- Maintains statistical records necessary for reports and research.
- Planning, development and evaluation of program activities.
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
development of children in center at any given time. - Develops and implements monthly/seasonal themes and constructive activities in
a long-range plan - Will implement the established curriculum guidelines
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
- Assisting with the distribution of referral and resource information to caregivers based on their and their children’s needs.
- Remains informed on current local resources and services.
- Assesses the needs of the caregiver and will respond to them through referrals to
appropriate agency/program.
- Assisting the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the planning and coordinating the Children’s Center/Supervised Visitation Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Associate Director and Director of Family Support Services
- Completion of all required training for staff.
- Providing appropriate, creative, supportive interactions with the children in the center in group and individual activities.
- Develop creative “in-class” programs based on age and present teachable
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Children’s Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Exodus Transitional Community
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 97-99 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Housing Insecurity/Justice, LGBTQAI+ Rights, Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, Racial Justice, Reproductive Rights, Voting Rights, Legal Access
About: With a firm belief in human resilience, Exodus Transitional Community delivers innovative programming tailored to adults and youth affected by the justice system, and advocates for a society in which all can achieve social economic, and spiritual well-being.
Position description: Students will play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing our mission to reintegrate individuals affected by the justice system into society. The intern will contribute by assisting our case managers with client intakes assessments and follow-ups to ensure that each individual receives personalized support tailored to their needs. helping connect participants with essential resources such as housing, employment opportunities, educational programs and mental health services.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Web design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Positions Available: 3
Are you interested in getting involved with Exodus? Visit here for your next steps.