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The Hindu American Foundation
(HAF) is currently accepting applications for participation
in its third annual summer internship program.
Review
of 2006 Summer Internship Program
Last year, HAF hosted three interns from various parts of the
nation who were mentored by members of the HAF Executive
Council on projects relevant to the Hindu-American community.
Chetan Surpur (Cupertino, CA), who previously interned in
2005, worked on web development projects. Angana Homchaudhuri
(Westbury, NY) and Rathi Srinivas (Howell, NJ) documented
human rights violations against Hindus. The interns also
presented their work to members of the Executive Council. All
of the interns plan to continue working on their projects
during the academic year on a volunteer basis.
"Interning with HAF this summer has really opened my eyes
regarding the intensity and frequency of human rights violations
that happen all over the world directed towards Hindus," said
Rathi Srinivas. "Working with HAF on the annual Hindu human
rights report has been one of the best summer experiences that
I've ever had."
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 2007. 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
11th,
2007 will receive a higher priority. Returning applicants
and interns are welcome to apply.
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