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Diane Bernstein Fellowship in Child and Youth Advocacy
Dupont Circle, Washington, DC: Majority virtual, occasionally in-person
Part-time: 20 hours per week
ABOUT DC ACTION
At DC Action, we know the District’s young people can accomplish anything when they have a fair chance.
And we also know how much stands in their way -- particularly our young people most affected by poverty and racism. These are powerful injustices, and they must be met with an equally powerful response.
We’re uniting all those fighting on behalf of DC’s children and youth to pursue a single, shared vision for what it looks like to grow up in our city. Because, while childhood exists on a continuum from birth to adulthood, the systems, programs and organizations designed to support our children and youth are too often fragmented by age.
Together with our young people, parents and community partners, we’re advocating with one voice for public policies that support kids at every step from early childhood to early adulthood. We are stronger, louder and more effective together. And, whether we are focused on helping a toddler learn her letters or a young man pursue his professional passion, we share one goal: that all of DC’s children and youth grow up safe, resilient, powerful, and heard.
Please visit Our Policy Priorities to learn more about our work, values and impact.
The Fellowship
DC Action is committed to supporting the next generation of young people who wish to address structural racism through public interest advocacy. That is why we are proud to offer a paid fellowship that will provide a hands-on experiential learning opportunity for rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students, who are interested in the intersection of racial justice and public policy with a focus on children and youth.
We are seeking fellows who are interested in gaining real world experience conducting original research and data and policy analysis, supporting public education and community engagement efforts, and working directly with young people and their families to help drive these efforts.
YOU’LL GAIN EXPERIENCE IN…
- Advocating for anti-racist policy
- Managing a project from start to finish
- Meaningful work under the direct supervision of an experienced DC Action leader
- Working with highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Conducting original policy and budget analysis and research
- Writing for policy and advocacy
YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES…
- Contribute to information gathering, research, and analysis in relation to child well-being.
- Assist in conducting research on priorities and interests of key decision-makers, such as members of the DC Council and their staff, and agency directors.
- Work with DC Action teams to write data snapshots, talking points, fact sheets, policy briefs, and communications materials, including social media content.
- Assist in the preparation and execution of strategic events, including internal and external workshops and meetings, related to DC Action’s public policy and advocacy priorities
- Attend both internal and external meetings and events and assist in note-taking and follow up of action points
- Support fundraising events
- Provide administrative support as needed (scanning, mailing, copying, etc.)
WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO…
- Has a passion for economic, racial, and social justice
- Is a current or recent undergraduate or graduate student; or older adult looking for an encore career in public policy
- Has demonstrated interest, experience, or academic training in one or more of the following areas: health or education policy, economic security, race equity, child psychology, child development
- Has, though not required, strong research, writing, and analytical skills, particularly in one or more of the following areas:
- experience with data visualization software like Tableau, MSBI, RShiny, etc.
- proficient with R programming language
- experience accessing and analyzing ACS Census data
- Has, though not required, experience in organizing and executing events, including logistics and promotion
- Is a quick learner, able to multitask, switch gears easily, and able to prioritize to meet deadlines
- Has excellent project management and organizational skills, creativity, flexibility, and self-motivation; able to work both independently and part of a team
- Displays a positive, can-do attitude and good judgment
- Is proficient with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office suite
- Is currently eligible to work in the U.S.
- Values and contributes to a culture of diversity and inclusion
- Thrives in working in a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization committed to the well-being of children and youth
FELLOWSHIP PERIOD AND COMPENSATION
DC Action is recruiting for two (2) fellows. Fellows will receive a $3,500 stipend.
Our fall fellowship will run September 18 through November 17, 2023.
The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023. Fellows who have been accepted into the program will be notified by the end of June.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP
To apply, please complete the Diane Bernstein Fellowship in Child and Youth Advocacy Application and upload your resume along with two professional writing samples.
Please note, a Google account is needed to upload and submit application materials.
No phone calls please.
DC Action recognizes and honors diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, age, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, and places where people live. We seek to reflect this diversity in all aspects of our work, including the composition of our board, staff, and volunteers. Further, DC Action seeks to be a multicultural and culturally competent organization that works for equity among all people. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this fellowship will be considered applicants and will receive responses from DC Action.