- Internships are 10 weeks.
- The stipend for 2008 is $3000.
Summer Internship Program
Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies
Organization's Mission:
The mission of IWES is to improve the physical, mental and spiritual health and quality of life for women of color and their families.
IWES is a national organization that is closely connected with the health and wellness of the local community in which we live and work. Our community-based projects in Louisiana guide our national and international initiatives, ensuring that our efforts are authentic to the experiences of the women, youth and communities that we represent and serve.
IWES has been a pioneer in developing innovative information, education and communication projects and training opportunities to promote sexual and reproductive health awareness and activism for and by women and youth of color. IWES has earned a reputation as a “think-tank” organization that cultivates community-driven approaches through mentorship, leadership and collaboration. Our programs work to deepen the international discourse regarding sexual health to encompass sexuality, disease and pregnancy prevention; gender roles; prejudice and stigma; and socio-cultural, traditional, and political influences.
IWES partners with clinicians, women’s advocates, youth groups, public health organizations, governmental agencies, and community coalitions to promote and ensure fundamental sexual and reproductive health rights for women and youth. IWES creates opportunities for dialogue and consensus-building; information sharing; skills exchange; and multi-level advocacy and organizing locally, nationally, and internationally.
IWES is recognized as the premiere public health organization in sexual health communication, education and advocacy for women and youth of color in New Orleans and has emerged as an indispensable voice for young women and communities of color across the United States.
Internship Description:
The LA Statewide Youth of Color Taskforce, a new project funded by the LA Office of Public health, was initiated with support from the HIV/AIDS Program Office. The project addresses the importance of culturally relevant programs for successfully engaging youth in HIV prevention initiatives. IWES is currently piloting the first statewide youth HIV risk reduction project – designed to work in coalition with organizations serving women and youth of color – to increase youth participation and leadership in programs, policy development and advocacy. Facilitated by IWES staff, youth engage in dialogue to identify youth-specific HIV risk behavior, barriers to effective HIV prevention programs/services and make recommendations to overcome these challenges. IWES will develop the protocol and methodology to facilitate this process across the state of Louisiana.
The intern will work closely with project staff at all levels of implementation, planning and evaluation. Responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and retention of youth, arranging project logistics, and building community support.
Skills Needed:
Experience working with youth, specifically youth of color
