Racial Justice
Celebrating the African Spirit
https://celebratingtheafricanspirit.org/
Volunteer-run
City of Poughkeepsie, NY
10-15, 12-15 consistently active members team members
Issue 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.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
Supporting the CAS Summer Program with local high school youth
Planning and supporting the Frederick Douglass Day event
Skills:
- Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Research skills, Social media management, Web design
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week, we’d take either or both!
Are you interested in getting involved with Celebrating the African Spirit? Visit here for your next steps.
Arlington Parters Against Racism (ON PAR)
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.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
- Research of relevant equity-related policy issues.
- Assistance with drafting of short speeches to give during public meetings.
- Note-taking at Board of Education meetings 2-3 times a semester
- Management of social media and outreach plans.
- Assistance with drafting of educational policies.
- Briefly present your work during monthly meetings with On PAR’s membership .
Note: Please understand that, like most social justice-oriented positions, this internship requires flexibility. It’s common for our organization to come across information that demands our attention, and our agenda will accordingly switch for a few days.
Skills:
- Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Research skills, Social media management, Web design
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
Issue 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.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
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.
Skills:
- Research skills, Social media management, Writing
Hours: 4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with E.N.J.A.N.? 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
Issue 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 & Desired Skills:
Story Map Internship Job Description:
- Develops maps significant to the history of slavery, antislavery, and the Underground Railroad in New York State
- Works on a database of locations and sources
- Researches locations of abolition activities and resistance to enslavement in the Hudson Valley
- Participates in periodic MHAHP meetings
- Other related tasks as time and interest permit
- This internship provides an opportunity to collaborate with historians and not-for-profit organizations across New York who are addressing the history of northern slavery and abolition.
Skills:
- Familiar with ArcGIS mapping program
- Interested in researching local history
- Excellent writing skills
- Interested in data research and analysis on geographic sites
Website management internship:
- Works with MHAHP team to update and maintain website
- Helps design new website pages and features
- Monitors inquiries through the website
- Participates in MHAHP meetings on occasion
- Meets regularly with MHAHP team to coordinate work
- Other related tasks as time and interest permit
Skills:
- Familiar with WordPress and comfortable learning Vassarspaces.net, progam
- Has experience updating and maintaining a website
- Is interested in local history and social justice projects and programs
- Has excellent writing skills
- Interest in and experience with web design is a plus
Hours: 5hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with MHAHP? Visit here for your next steps.
Exodus Transitional Community
Address: 97-99 Cannon St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Issue Areas: Housing Insecurity/Justice, Mental Health Access and Support, Prison Abolition, Access to resources for formerly incarcerated individuals
About:
Exodus Transitional Community (ETC) offers reentry services to justice impacted individuals in the Dutchess County region. We partner with DCJS, DOCCS, and DCFS to offer case management, mentorship, supportive services, and parole-mandated programs to our participants. We also coordinate the Dutchess County Reentry Task Force, where we partner with the Public Defender’s Office and other local organizations to create case plans for individuals who are returning home from incarceration.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
Working directly with participants to provide case management services and completing intakes, inputting case data into CRM software, assisting with grant contracts/paperwork, assistance with filing/organization, community outreach/networking with other local organizations and resources, seeking/obtaining donations of food, clothing, and other essential goods (hygiene products, baby supplies, household goods, etc.).
Skills:
- Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Research skills, Clerical skills, emotional intelligence
Additional Requirements: One form of ID (state-issued ID, passport, etc.)
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Exodus? Visit here for your next steps.
The Brain and Body Coalition, LLC
For-profit
Poughkeepsie, NY
5-10 team members
Issue Areas:
Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Public Health, Racial Justice
About:
We are a BIPOC Mental Wellness organization. We support Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange County. Our focus is getting individuals in the community trained and educated on the connection between culture and mental health. By doing so and collaborating with organizations we work to break down the barriers of stigma. We provide culturally competent resources, Narcan training, wellness tools, and mental health workshops as a proactive approach to mental wellness and mental health literacy. We hope that by doing this we can support our community and support our youth that live within them.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
Students will engage in community events and help promote the mission of The Brain and Body Coalition. Students will receive training in Mental Health First Aid, and Narcan training as a way to support those that they interact with. Students will also help build on a directory of culturally competent providers in Dutchess and Ulster County as a means to create a diverse resource for an underserved population. Promoting events may also include social media promotions.
Skills:
- Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Data collection/analysis, Lived experience – Students living with a mental health condition or those that have supported a family member or friend with a mental health diagnosis.
- Driver’s license a plus but not preferred
Hours:
4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Brain & Body Coalition? Visit here for your next steps.
The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley
Non-profit
430 Main Street Unit C Rosendale NY 12472
1-5 team members
Issue 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
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.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project
Non-profit
51 Vassar Farm Lane Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
15-20 team members
Issue Areas:
Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Public Health, Racial Justice
About:
The mission of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project is to cultivate local leadership in sustainable farming, food access and education, and to foster an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone. Our Vision is a community that works collaboratively to provide equitable access to nutritious food via a just and resilient food system.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
- We have 3 positions available in education, farm production and administrative support (focus on communications)
Project or Position Title: Garden Education Assistant
Supervisor: Education Director
Position Description:
The main projects students will assist with are facilitating farm visits and other
garden-based education sessions. This may include gardening and culinary workshops
for students and the broader community, garden maintenance, supporting emergency
food distribution efforts, our seed saving program, and other special events. Food
Justice is a key value of our organization and our education department strives to keep
it at the center of our work with children and families.
Desired Skills:
● Interest in organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and
language justice work
● Experience or strong interest working with youth
● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in variety of weather conditions
● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of
equity, mutual respect and collaboration;
● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of
our work at PFP
Project or Position Title: Marketing and Communications Intern
Supervisor: Education Director or Director of Special Initiatives
Position Description:The Marketing and Communications Intern will work to assist
with all aspects of PFP’s communications. Responsibilities include: updating our
website, creating content for newsletters and social media, contributing to the creation
and design of marketing materials, and supporting our staff team with fundraising and
development communications and events.
Desired Skills:
● Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite needed; some experience
with Square Space and MailChimp preferred;
● Graphic Design skills required; skills in Adobe Creative Suite or Canva preferred;
● Familiarity with Facebook, Instagram and other social media; Experience using
social media on for an organization or business a plus;
● Capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
● Interest in organic gardening, farming and food justice, including social, racial and
language justice work;
● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of
equity, mutual respect and collaboration;
● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of
our work at PFP.
Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 9am – 5pm. Preferably
available in the afternoons.
Project or Position Title: Seed Library Manager
Supervisor: Education Director
Position Description:
The student will be in charge of general maintenance of the seed library located near
the community gardens at PFP. Maintenance includes but is not limited to: updated
inventory of available seeds, adding seeds when stock is low, communicating with PFP
and any other organizations about seed donations, keeping seed packets organized,
helping the education team organize and run any seed/seed saving related workshops,
seed garden upkeep, actively participate in community garden events such as volunteer
days, and be available for communication with community members who are interested
in the seed library.
Desired Skills:
● Interest in seed saving, community building, organic gardening, farming and food
justice, including social, racial and language justice work
● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in a variety of weather
conditions.
● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of
equity, mutual respect and collaboration;
● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of
our work at PFP.
Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 9am – 5pm. Preferably
available in the afternoons.
Project or Position Title: Farm Production Intern
Supervisor: Workshare Coordinator
Position Description: The student will be in a supportive role of the Poughkeepsie
Farm Project farm crew. This position includes contributing to all aspects of farm
production including but not limited to harvesting, seeding, weeding, sowing, thinning
crops, support with CSA customer relations and food distribution efforts, assisting with
volunteers and workshare members, clean up and maintenance of all tools and spaces,
and meetings with farm crew members as necessary.
Desired Skills:
● Interest in the inner workings of a full-year round production farm with a social
justice mission and ties to community partners.
● Interest in seed saving, community building, organic gardening, farming and food
justice, including social, racial and language justice work
● Ability and willingness to do physical work outside in a variety of weather
conditions. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
● Commitment to and willingness to deepen understanding of PFP’s mission and values of
equity, mutual respect and collaboration;
● Spanish language proficiency is a plus, but not required. Language justice is a part of
our work at PFP.
Hours: 4 hours per week, during normal business hours – M-F, 8am – 4pm.
Hours: 4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the PFP? Visit here for your next steps.