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The Hindu American Foundation
(HAF) is currently accepting applications for participation
in its second annual summer internship program.
Review
of 2005 Summer Internship Program
Last year thirteen interns from across the country completed
various internship projects. Among the highlights of the summer,
California-based interns also met Mata Amritanandamayi (Ammachi)
and attended a separate intern dinner event. Other interns
presented their projects to members of the Board of Directors
and the Executive Council over conference calls. A summary
of the 2005 internship program and projects is available here.
“Before my summer
internship, I did not know how students of my age could do
something about the challenges facing the Hindu community,”
said Preetom Sikder, a Hindu American Foundation intern who
documented over 90 human rights violations against Hindus
in Bangladesh. “My internship with HAF provided me with
an opportunity to proactively make an impact at an international
level. I encourage other Hindu Americans to take advantage
of this wonderful opportunity. Everyone has the ability to
make a difference.”
Organization
Description
The HAF is a human rights group whose purpose is to provide
a voice for the 2 million strong Hindu American community.
HAF interacts with and educates government, media, think tanks,
academia, interfaith groups and public forums about Hinduism
and issues of concern to Hindus locally and globally. Promoting
the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance
and pluralism, HAF stands strong against hate, discrimination,
defamation and terror. The Hindu American Foundation is not
affiliated with any religious or political organizations or
entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas
(Hindu religious traditions).
Some of HAF’s past
achievements include:
• Releasing the first
ever Hindu human rights report documenting abuses against
Hindus in South Asia
• Attending US Supreme Court hearing regarding the public
display of the Ten Commandments.
• Conducting an Annual Government Outreach program in
Washington D.C.
• Interacting with media at the annual Religion Newswriters
Association meeting.
• Organizing Hindu Awareness Campaigns across the country.
Further information on
the Hindu American Foundation can be found at www.hinduamericanfoundation.org.
Duties
& Responsibilities
Motivated interns will work with members of the Hindu American
Foundation Executive Council to complete self-contained projects
over the course of the summer. Internships are designed for
20 hours of work per week and will last for 8-12 weeks during
the summer of 2006. Possible summer projects include web marketing,
website development, drafting of press releases and position
papers, preparation of Hindu educations materials, graphic
design and various research projects. Possible research projects
include, but are not limited to, the study of Hindu human
rights, analyses of Hinduphobic websites and media coverage
of Hinduism, and textbook portrayals of Hinduism.
Applicant
Requirements
Interns should be in high school or college and residing in
the United States. They will work from home, and must have
access to a personal computer with internet connection. They
should have strong computer skills including, but not limited
to, conducting web searches and using Microsoft Word, Excel
and PowerPoint. Those interested in graphic design should
have working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or other software
programs. Programming, writing and graphic design skills are
not required but are preferred for some internship projects.
Ability to do research under the guidance of an Executive
Council member, enthusiasm, and creativity are necessary.
Stipend & Benefits
Interns will be able to contribute to a nationally recognized
organization representing Hindu Americans. They will receive
a stipend dependent on the level of work.
Applications
To apply for an internship, please send a 300-500 word essay
on “What is the greatest challenge facing Hindu
Americans?” a resume and the contact information
of two references to:
Please also indicate dates of summer availability
and personal contact information. All other inquiries regarding
the information internship program can be sent to the above
email address as well. Internship offers will be made on a
rolling basis. However, applications received before May 22nd,
2006 will receive a higher priority. Returning applicants
and interns are welcome to apply.
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