Racial Justice
Adelante Student Voices
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Racial Justice, Immigrant rights
About: Adelante Student Voices supports undocumented students on their unique journeys to higher education, while developing self-advocacy skills so they can create change in their communities. Undocumented young people join Adelante as high school students by participating in a free 10-day overnight program. This program takes place at Vassar College! The Summer Program focuses on access to higher education, organizing and legislative change, and the arts. After the Summer Program members stay involved through committees such as Vision Adelante (a fellowship position focused on legislative campaigns), workshop sessions, and 1:1 college access mentorship. We are a small non-profit with only two staff and a team of volunteers.
Position Description:
This position is ideal for someone who wants to take ownership over a project that excites them. Semester interns typically choose a specific project with Adelante depending on their interests and prior experience. Possible Spring semester projects are:
– Working with the Executive Director to prepare for the Adelante Summer Program. This can include sharing the Summer Program recruitment flier with schools and community orgs; outreach to potential workshop leaders/ curricular development; planning college tours; interviewing applicants to our free program.
– Helping to mentor undocumented students in our network, in particular high school seniors with specific tasks such as helping them apply for scholarships and college.
– Mobilizing community members to our first annual Youth Advocacy Day in Albany
– Helping staff to chaperone trips (example, to a lobby day in Albany or on a college tour)
– Fundraising/ development, especially for our scholarship fund
– Assistance with social media. We are most active on Instagram @AdelanteStudents
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English or Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available:1
Are you interested in getting involved with Adelante? Visit here for your next steps.
Adelante Student Voices – Summer Camp Counselor, paid position
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Racial Justice, Immigrant rights
The mission of Adelante Student Voices is to support undocumented students and their families in New York on their unique journeys to higher education while supporting their self-advocacy so they can advance social justice in their communities. High school students join Adelante through the annual 10-day Adelante Summer Program (June 29- July 8, 2025) at a residential college in
Poughkeepsie, NY. The Summer Program offers workshop topics such as college access, financial aid, community organizing, and know your rights. We have two positions open in Summer 2025: an internship for an 8-week commitment and a counselor position for a 13-day commitment. This post is for the counselor position.
We are looking for people to join our summer team who:
- Are committed to justice and youth empowerment
- Have experience working with/in diverse group settings and young leaders
- Offer either first-hand knowledge from personal/family immigration status or experience helping others
Counselor Responsibilities:
- Independent time is necessary to complete the mandatory child safety training, review the schedule, and familiarize yourself with other materials before arriving at orientation.
- Attend at least one meeting in late June before arrival on site for introductions. Whether this introductory meeting is virtual or in-person depends on the location of the counseling staff.
- Arrive on site in Poughkeepsie, NY, by the morning of June 27 for the in-person portion of staff orientation.
- Attend trainings related to being a mentor to new Adelante members
- Organize materials within our space and create welcome signs
- Plan icebreakers and other activities for the students between workshops
- Full 10-day session with 25 undocumented high school students, including overnights in the residence hall: Sunday June 29 at 2 pm – Tuesday July 8 at 8 pm
- Mentor a group of 3-4 students with daily check-in conversations
- Assist workshop leaders and take photos and notes during the workshops
- Chaperone students as they navigate campus and during college visits
- Provide support during computer lab sessions as students work on college application materials and research
- Clean common spaces and perform other daily tasks as part of a team effort
- Final clean up/packing and evaluation on July 9
Stipend: We provide a stipend of $800 to each counselor. Meals and housing are provided in the dorms during the program.
How to Apply : Send your resume to Adelante Executive Director/ Summer Program Director Susie Ximenez. Please include either a cover letter or write in your email body which position interests you (counselor or intern) and why you are a good fit. susie@adelantestudentvoices.org Priority deadlines to apply are March 15 for the internship position and April 15 for the counselor role. Hiring is rolling and positions will stay open until filled.
Celebrating the African Spirit
https://celebratingtheafricanspirit.org/
Non-profit, 15 – 20 team members
Address: City of Poughkeepsie, P.O. Box 1189, Poughkeepsie, NY. 12602 (soon to be at the Family Partnership Center!)
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice
About: The mission of Celebrating the African Spirit is to acknowledge, articulate, research and commemorate the lives of enslaved Africans in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Our work is rooted in the reality that slavery existed in the MidHudson Region, and in Poughkeepsie from the earliest days, and enslaved adults and children were major contributors to the growth of what is now the City of Poughkeepsie and the Mid-Hudson Region. The works, language and traditions of Africans, both enslaved and free, are part of the legacy, which is American history, and should be taught to, and treasured by, all Americans. This lack of knowledge contributes to ongoing denial regarding the consequences of centuries of slavery, our violent and racist past, and the pervasiveness of racism and inequality in America today.
Our many projects are centered around memorialization, K-12 education (particularly PHS), and social justice-related collaborative city of Poughkeepsie initiatives.
Position Description:
Cultivating and fostering relations with young people and families at our Family Partnership office, supporting specific CAS initiatives (i.e., Poughkeepsie High School visits and recruiting for our summer intensive program, Black History Month events/displays, fundraising for CAS memorial marker at Waryas Park, building up online resource base)
Desired Skills: Communications, Graphic design, Previous experience working with people young and old, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Celebrating the African Spirit? Visit here for your next steps.
Arlington Parters Against Racism (ON PAR)
About: ArlingtON PAR (Partners Against Racism) is a community group committed to engaging in equity work in the Arlington Central School District. This group was founded by 4 women (3 Vassar professors and 1 corporate manager). Our group is comprised of roughly 20 members and we meet monthly via zoom. We attend Board of Education meetings and speak during the public comment period. We have our own podcast that features the experiences of families and students within the school district. We also work directly with teachers and administrators in the district on initiatives such as author visits. Moreover, we help draft policies in the district regarding equity. Interns are welcome to collaborate and support any of these efforts. Moving forward, we would like to increase and improve our media presence.
Position Description:
- Research of relevant equity related policy issues.
- Drafting of speeches to give during public meetings.
- Management of social media and outreach plans.
- Drafting of policies.
- You will track the hours you spend on the tasks you’re given. Coordinate meetings with your supervisor as well as your faculty sponsor.
- Some of the work you do will be presented during biweekly meetings for the group to discuss.
- Understand that this position requires flexibility. It’s common for us to come across. information that demands our attention and our agenda will accordingly switch for a few days.
- This is for credit and so while your supervisors will work with your schedule to the best of their abilities it’s still expected that you complete tasks you’re assigned.
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Are you interested in getting involved with ON PAR? Visit here for your next steps.
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
Based in Poughkeepsie, NY
https://www.instagram.com/prisonersbraintrust
Action Areas: Prison Abolition, Racial Justice, Voting Rights
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.
Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project
https://mhahp.vassarspaces.net/
Address: Our meeting location is First Congregational Church-UCC, 269 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice, Local History
About: The Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project is a not-for-profit organization located in the Mid-Hudson region that conducts and synthesizes research on the history of slavery and antislavery in New York’s Hudson Valley and develops programs based on this history.
Position Descriptions: If you are interested in American History, Black History, Geography, Public History, Design or related topics, we think our Internships will be of interest to you.
Below are the projects and programs that we think would be of interest to interns and supportive of our work
– Researching antebellum Free Black and Urban Black Communities that were providing shelter and support for freedom seekers and Free Black residents of the Hudson Valley – focusing on the often untold stories of Black leadership of the anti slavery movement
– Mapping locations of significance to abolition, slavery, and the Underground Railroad in the region.
– The Oh, Freedom! Quilting Project – creating community commemorative quilts on the history of slavery and antislavery and preparing them for exhibition. In the spring semester we will be designing and installing several public exhibitions.
– Design: Web and exhibition design and development, and program-related posters, newsletters and flyers https://mhahp.vassarspaces.net/
Our internship goals include working with students to help us develop our programs but also building student skills both academic and job-related. We see an internship as a two way street.
Desired Skills (some combination of the skills below including an interest in developing additional skills):
- Writing
- Graphic design
- Research on local history
- GIS/Mapping,
- Exhibition development
- Sewing and Quilting
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week, We are open to working with students based on their availability
Are you interested in getting involved with MHAHP? 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.
The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 430 Main Street Unit C Rosendale NY 12472
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice, peace, justice, climate change
About: The mission of the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley is to empower individuals and organizations to create and sustain ecologically-minded, just, and peaceful communities.
Founded by The Rev Dr Leonisa Ardizzone in 2023, the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley offers programs and dialogical space for youth, families, educators, religious professionals, and community members.
Position Description: Assist with Peace-Builder day camp for elementary and middle school kids, and grant writing and community outreach
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Writing, (Bilingual is not required, just helpful)
Additional Requirements: Driver’s license would be great if students could be on site in Rosendale for part of the time.
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Peace Education Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Mediation Center of Dutchess County
https://dutchessmediation.org/mediation-restorative-justice/restorative-justice/
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 205 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Youth and Community needs, Racial Justice, Education Policy and Equity, Mental Health Access and Support
About: The fundamental principles of a Restorative approach are that all humans:
- Wish to be in good relationship with others;
- Need to feel a sense of belonging in order to thrive;
- Need to feel seen and heard in order to feel they belong;
- Are more likely to consider the impact of their actions on others if those challenging their actions are those with whom they are in good relationship; and
- Have the capacity to be accountable for their actions when they are supported through a non-judgmental process of self-reflection and perspective-taking.
Position description: Helping structure the internship (building systems, data collection)
- facilitating/helping with circles
- write circles (restorative and community-building)
- Creating a resources and guide (for community, colleges, age groups)
- Shadowing/Observing
- Sharing insights, perspectives, and ideas
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the MCDC? Visit here for your next steps.
The Growing STEMZ Foundation
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 295 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Racial Justice, Equity in STEM Education
About: The Growing STEMz Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowerment for communities through STEM/STEAM education via consulting, program development, professional development, tutorials, parent engagement and more.
Collaboration with others and Expressive Arts meets Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, are the hallmarks of our mission. We envision community engagement through project based experiences and developing 21st Century Skills for a competitive global marketplace. We advocate for Educational and Environmental Justice, Equity in STEM Education, and Social Justice.
Our ideal customers are students, educators, and parents. Our ideal partnerships will lead to increased exposure, learning, and college/career readiness for urban, underserved and marginalized communities in STEM.
Position Description:
- Informal direct teaching (Teachers Assistant) via Science LABs, Science Club, Science Research in Elementary School Environment.
- Audit Teacher Planning Meetings
- Develop Youth Workshops (STEAM, Field Research)
- Assist in Planning and Coordinating STEM FEST Event May 2025
- Conduct and analyze surveys and questionnaires for organizational development
- Conduct Materials and Resources Inventory (develop a system)
- Enhance Organization Social Media
- Outreach
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Fact-checking, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Data collection/analysis, Familiarity with STEM ideals
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Growing STEMZ Foundation? Visit here for your next steps.