Michigan Peace Team Internship

Michigan Peace Team is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. It was founded in 1993. Its offices are located in Lansing, Michigan within biking distance of Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. Interns are invited to be an active, engaged part of Michigan Peace Team’s peaceful presence to the world. They will participate in the work of a grassroots, nonprofit international peace organization that is connected to a global network of peace organizations.

Interns work with staff and consultants to carry out work in the various standing committees (Publications, Team Deployment, Technology, and Nonviolence Training) as well as any potential ad-hoc committees. They receive daily supervision and ongoing mentoring. Their schedules can be flexible, although most work is done during normal office hours. However, since nonviolence trainings, events, and presentations often happen on weekends and evenings, schedules may vary.

It is our hope that interns will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on skills during their internship in various areas: nonviolence peacemaking; organizational skills; familiarity with working in nonprofit grassroots organizations; and a better understanding of the larger peace community and work being done worldwide for peace. Interns may also find resources for post-graduation work opportunities or service opportunities in the international peace community.

MPT makes every effort to customize each internship to meet the needs of the intern and the course of studies he/she is pursuing. For example, students in the Public Relations field spend more time focused on helping with press releases and newsletter article development; students studying Theology have focused on the spirituality of nonviolence; Pre-law students spend more time looking at International Law aspects of what we’re doing and why; etc.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Tasks and duties may include (but are not limited to):
1. Attend committee meetings and take minutes
2. Gather information and write items for our newsletter and/or blogs
3. Assist with fundraising events, as directed
4. Assist with website, blog, and social networking design and upkeep, as directed
5. Access and use resources such as books, newsletters, audiotapes and videotapes on the work and theory of nonviolent peacemaking to research various issues as assigned
6. Attend an MPT-sponsored presentation
7. Participate in a basic 8-hour nonviolence training
8. Help with general office duties such as answering the telephone, making photocopies, and assisting with the recycling program.

Optional involvement:
1. Observe MPT associates as they participate in local/Domestic peace teams
2. Attend demonstrations, protests, fundraisers, or informational presentations with which MPT is involved
3. Attend workshops/lectures connected with MPT

Expectations:
1. Interns are expected to maintain the schedule they initially set up in dialogue with the Internship Supervisor. They will notify the Supervisor as soon as possible if they are going to be absent or if they will need to amend the original schedule they’ve worked out for their internship.
2. Interns are encouraged to be open-minded, ask questions, seek clarification when necessary, and be vocal about their needs and interests as an intern in order to make this a mutually successful partnership.
3. Interns must consistently maintain a philosophical stance of nonviolence, in keeping with MPT’s vision and mission.
**Internships are generally 3 months/one Semester in length, although exceptions can be made.
Application instructions:

Interested students can apply for internship by contacting MPT via letter or email. After initial contact, an interview will be set up. Prospective interns will be asked to reflect on why they are interested in the work of MPT, and write a list of their skills and interests.
If this seems like a good fit for you, email or send a letter of inquiry to:
Michigan Peace Team
Attention: Mary L. Hanna
808 W. Barnes Avenue
Lansing, MI 48910
Or email: MaryHanna.MPT@gmail.com and use subject line: Interested in MPT Internship