by Jillian Mcallister | Apr 8, 2013 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
I began at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) New York Resettlement Office as a volunteer ESL teacher in September 2012. I taught beginner ESL to newly arrived refugees, predominantly from Myanmar, but a few were from other countries including China, Cuba, and Iraq. I had no prior experience teaching, nor studied to be a teacher, and was the only one in the group who lacked this experience. This led me to learn on my feet-literally! I never planned on being a teacher-and this experience in a way confirmed that-but I would not trade the experience and I have some great stories from it. But this entry is not about my volunteer teaching experience, it is about my current position-Continuing Education Intern.
I started in this position at the beginning of the semester, January 2013. In this position I advise and assist clients in locating ESL, GED, and college courses closer to their home. Many of our clients live in the Bronx and even though we offer free ESL classes, in addition to other classes such as computer classes and civics and citizenship classes, the commute to Midtown Manhattan for many of them is far and expensive. There are a number of fabulous resources throughout New York City such as libraries and community colleges, that there are often a variety of options and locations closer to their home-and I help them find them.
by Sthelyn Romero | Apr 5, 2013 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
One Billion Rising Rally in Time Square, New York, NY
One of the coolest activities I have done so far, was participating in Amnesty International USA’s rally to support the One Billion Rising movement. About 30 of us marched down the streets of Times Square, NYC decked out in AIUSA gear and armed with signs, ready to spark attention to our cause.
We gathered at the center of Times Square, chanting and dancing to stop the violence against women. The rally was led by Thenjiwe McHarris, Senior Campaigner at Amnesty International, who gave a motivating speech that caught the attention of many passer-byes. The purpose of the rally was to promote awareness about the issue of violence against women and inform people about the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). We hoped that with this rally people would take action, especially on the 10 IAR cases of gender-based violence. This Campaign is a movement that spanned throughout many cities in the US (Washington, D.C, San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta) and throughout the globe.
Being a part of this campaign was a unique experience that brought to life the type of grass-root campaigning AIUSA is known for. I was able to learn more about campaigning and organizing during this experience which is valuable in my chosen career path. It was also a chance to be a part of the process to end violence against women and promote equality.
Who can say that they danced around NYC for an hour as part of their internship? I had a great time; but more importantly, as a woman, it was empowering to rise for women’s rights, something I strongly believe in.
by Laurel Stone | Apr 5, 2013 | Graduate Students, Internship Experiences
The past two weeks were a little stressful and hectic as I planned a luncheon for a VIP
discussion about Afghanistan Beyond 2014. After finding a venue and figuring out the
other logistics for the event, I was tasked with compiling a limited guest list and then
contacting each person individually. The most incredible aspect of this responsibility was
having the opportunity to contact the heads of several Permanent UN missions and
Departments. Ultimately, we had a full guest list and attendance for the luncheon. Three
Afghan civil society leaders came to NYC for the event, and the countries having
significant involvement in Afghanistan were all represented. Additionally, the UN
Department of Political Affairs, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNDP,
UNICEF, and Secretariat were all represented as well. I was able to attend the
luncheon, and the discussion between these 30 policy makers and practitioners was
truly incredible. I was able to meet and network with several of those that attended, and
I also now have the opportunity to write an article for World Policy Institute about the
event. This was definitely an amazing opportunity to see people in the field finding
solutions to a very complex situation which will have great impact in the next couple
years.
Read the article Laurel published here: http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2013/02/22/afghanistan-beyond-2014
