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JAINA AJC Legislative Internship Program
The application process is now closed for 2014. 
Stay tuned for next year's program details by March 2015


SUMMER 2014

JAINA and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) are looking for enthusiastic, public service-minded future leaders for our JALI 2013 summer internship program.

The JALI Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of JAINA & AJC and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

 

Here you will find information for the JAINA / AJC Legislative Internship Application Details:

 

JAINA/AJC Legislative Internship (JALI) Program

JAINA/AJC Legislation Internship Application Details:

Logistics:

All applicants are required to submit the following materials to be considered for the internship:

  • 500 word essay describing your interest in politics, social issues, ethics, or faith based topics that impact the Jain community
  • Undergraduate and Graduate degree transcripts (unofficial electronic).
  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member, community leader or relevant previous employer.

Application must be submitted electronically to mayha.parikh@yja.org. Please follow the following file name format – First nameLastname_Application Material (ex. MayhaParikh_Essay).

 

JAINA/AJC Legislation Internship Program

Applications for the Summer 2014 Internship are now closed.
​
Upon submission, if you do not receive a confirmation email within one week, please contact the program coordinator who is TBD.

For further questions, e-mail: jainahq@jaina.org.

Internship Details:

This is also a unique opportunity for hardworking; passionate future leaders to gain real life, hands-on experience in bipartisan faith-based advocacy, strengthen their understanding of the political process and prepare for future political opportunities. It's also a great way to form lasting connections and memories.
 
In addition to typical intern duties, you will have the chance to volunteer in community outreach projects and grassroots organizing, assist at JAINA/AJC functions, take tours across the city and attend weekly lunches and dinners hosted by our partner organizations.
 
JALI internship program is designed to develop future leaders in the areas of international and domestic politics, diplomacy, public relations, and management. This competitive internship gives undergraduate and graduate students the unique opportunity to work in Washington, DC.
 
Interns work closely with supervisors in a mentor relationship with senior JAINA & AJC personnel to learn about strategy, advocacy, and the development and implementation of programming. Interns may also spend part of their time developing an independent project with the AJC office to which they are assigned.
 
Research and policy work span the range of JAINA/AJC's interests - from international affairs and diplomacy to interethnic relations and non-profit management. Applicants are asked to select their preferred field(s) of interest. JAINA/ AJC seek to match applicant's preferences with the agency's needs.


Duties and Responsibilities:

This select group of young men and women from across the country dedicate their time, talents, energy, and service to better the JAINA and AJC, the community, and the nation. These committed citizens become a part of the AJC team. The assignments given to an intern on any given day could include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing legislative events.
 
While the interns’ responsibilities and tasks vary, all interns are united through weekly events including a weekly speaker series with senior staff members and small group meetings exploring different policy aspects of the JAINA/ AJC Executive Office through speakers, discussion and off-site field trips.
 
Interns usually do not provide administrative support by answering phones, writing letters, filing, and running errands. The legislative intern might be placed on for Capitol Hill, assigned to research issues or pending bills assist at press releases or asked to compile information for Congressional education.

In addition to working in the AJC office, JALI interns also complete projects assigned by JAINA. These projects are assigned by the JAINA mentor and focus on the hot topic, relevant issues for the duration of the internship. Writing projects such as press releases and opinion articles have previously been assigned. Also, interns are encouraged/expected to participate in and attend various events organized by think tanks and institutions around the city as a means of rounding out the internship experience.



Details and Planning:

Dates:




JALI Program has been designed to last 8 weeks. In 2015, the internship will begin on Monday, June 1st and last until Friday July 31st. A mandatory debriefing session will take place at the end of the internship. Debriefing sessions take place in joint JAINA/AJC/YJA teleconference.
Stipend: Legislative interns will receive a $2,500 stipend.
Housing:





Interns are responsible for finding housing.  Local colleges and universities do offer summer housing options to interns. Additionally, some out of state colleges and universities also have housing options available in Washington, D.C. as well so check if your school or any others have housing for summer interns. The stipend should cover housing costs as well as certain living costs. Program coordinators can also provide guidance.

 

Who Should Apply?

JALI Program is open to undergraduates in their junior or senior years, and students in graduate and professional schools. Students can come from a broad range of academic backgrounds. Important is excitement to engage the world through a Jain lens, passion for making a difference, an interest in exploring American Jain identity, good ideas, and willingness to work hard.

FAQ’s:

General Questions About the Application
Do you have to be in college to apply?What are program selection criteria?
My school is on the quarter system. Can I still participate?Can I mail a hard copy of my application?
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
How do I submit my application correctly?
Is faith or political ideology a deciding factor in the application review process?


 About the Internship
Documents - Essay, Resume, Recommendation

 How many people apply for the internship program?
What do I write about in my essay?

 Is the JAINA/AJC Internship Program a full-time internship?
How long should my resume be and what should it include? As a JALI intern, where will I work?
How do I submit my letter of recommendation? Is this a good fit for you?
Who should write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? Is the JALI Internship a paid position?
To whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed? Is housing provided?
 
 

The following individuals are eligible:
  • Graduating high school seniors who have enrolled and anticipate attending a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution)
  • Current undergraduate students
  • Current graduate-level students.
  • College graduates who graduated within two years from an undergraduate or graduate school

Yes. You are welcome to apply, as long as you can commit to the full term of the internship program.
No. In order to be eligible for Internship Program you must be either a United States citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder).
No. It is essential, however, that applicants are dedicated to the ideals and mission of JAINA - a Federation of Jain Associations in North America - an umbrella organizations to preserve, practice, and promote Jain Dharma and Jain Way of Life.
 
 
Selection as a JALI Intern is based on the following criteria:
  • Commitment to public service
  • Demonstrated leadership in the community
  • Commitment to the mission of JAINA and advocating for Jains
The selection process is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to submit a thorough application that illustrates qualifications, character, and commitment to public service. A completed application includes one essay question, a letter of recommendation, and a resume.
 

No. Please submit everything to the program coordinator who is TBD.
 
 
If your application fulfills all of the below items, then you will know that your application is now complete and ready for submission.
  • All application materials must be submitted online via the application form.
  • All application materials, including the recommendation, must be submitted on or before the application deadline.
  • When a letter of recommendation has been successfully submitted, both the applicant and the recommender will receive an email confirmation with the name of the recommender who has submitted a letter on the applicant’s behalf.
 
The essay should be at most 500 words describing your interest in politics, social issues, ethics, or faith based topics that impact the Jain community.  Do not exceed the word limit.
 

Your resume should be no longer than two pages and should include at least your education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service experiences.
 

If you have access to your letter of recommendation and the consent of your recommenders, you may submit/forward your letter of recommendation via e-mail. Make sure to include your correct unique identifier number (date of birth, last four digits of your social security number.) You should also include the contact information of your recommender. You should only do this if you have the permission of your recommender.
 
If you do not have access to your letters of recommendation, please have your recommender forward letters to the program coordinator at the time. Please make sure the recommender includes the contact information required. We may follow up with additional questions.
 

 
The JALI Program cannot recommend who should write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. However, we encourage you to find individuals who can illustrate your qualifications, character, and commitment to public service.
 

Please kindly request that your recommender address their letters of recommendation to "JAINA/AJC Internship Selection Committee."
 
 
The JALI Program is highly competitive and has experienced great enthusiasm due to the program's unique collaboration with the AJC and its many offerings.
 
Yes. Applicants should expect to work at least Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
 

Is the JALI Internship a paid position?
Our JALI Legislative interns will receive a $2,500 stipend. The stipend should cover housing costs as well as certain living costs.
 

As a JALI intern you will work at American Jewish Committee Head Quarters in Washington, DC. No remote working opportunities are available at this time.
 

All Interns are expected to intern full-time for the entire term of the program. Please consider the following before applying:
  • Interns will be expected to work from approximately 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday
  • Hours may vary depending upon participating and/or organizing an events or activities.
  • Please see Internship Timeline and FAQs for questions regarding the definition of "full-time."

Program coordinators will help interns find housing near the AJC offices. The stipend should cover housing costs as well as certain living costs.
 

We thank you for your interest in the JALI Program. If you have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions about other internships we can create for our community, please contact JAINA Head Quarters at 510-730-0204 or send us an email at jainahq@jaina.org.
 

JAINA is an umbrella organization of 70 Jain Centers, in North America, with a mission to preserve, practice, and promote Jain Dharma and Jain Way of Life.
Please reach us at info@jaina.org.

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