African American Religious Affairs (AARA) division of People For the American Way Foundation
Prospective Program Description:
For 2010, the African American Religious Affairs division of People For the American Way Foundation is committed to countering the Religious Right by prioritizing the capacity building of the African American Ministers Leadership Council (AAMLC) and the African American Ministers In Action (AAMIA). With a national network of over 4000 clergy members, the AARA is determined to further engage our network on these three priority issues and/or campaigns:
- LGBT Equality (particularly anti-discrimination legislation and the Homophobia in the Black Church campaign),
- Immigration Reform, and
- Public Education.
The AARA Beatitudes Fellow will have the opportunity to be an integral part in planning and hosting important advocacy events such as community leader roundtable discussions, town halls, and also media and advocacy training for our constituents. Specifically, in concert with the AARA site supervisor the Fellow will be responsible for the completion of at least one priority issue/campaign material (i.e. – toolkit, newsletter, etc). The Fellow will oversee that particular project from conception to dissemination. They will have the opportunity to work interdepartmentally to accomplish this task. The Fellow will also spend time shadowing the AARA Outreach Coordinator and will work to build relationships and further engage clergy on our three priority issues/campaigns.
Skills Required:
The AARA Beatitudes Fellow must be committed to social justice and have a proficient understanding of the intersection of religion and policy, and they must consider themselves an advocate for the underrepresented and marginalized. They should be professional, critical thinkers, creative, a team player, and self motivating. They should be familiar with most Microsoft Office applications (proficient in Word & Power Point) and have experience in event planning.
Special Opportunities:
The AARA Beatitudes Fellow will also have the opportunity to attend hearings on Capital Hill when possible, to meet other interns within Washington D.C., and attend pertinent coalition meetings with key partner organizations such as the National Black Justice Coalition, the National Education Association, National Immigration Reform, the Bayard Rustin Coalition, the Center for Progressive Leadership and many more.
Click here to learn more about the AARA.