Internship Opportunities
2018-2019 Fall and Spring Semester Internships
Additional internships and summer programs may be available upon request. Contact Marc Cryer, Director of the Bureau of Labor Education, at marc.cryer@maine.edu or call 207.581.4126 if you are interested in a posted internship or in exploring internships with labor organizations and labor-side law firms.
MSEA-SEIU Labor Organizing Internship
Hours:
- 8 -16 per week for a 15-weeks during the Fall or Spring Semesters
- $15 an hour
Location:
MSEA-SEUI offices in Augusta and other locations are possible depending on available projects and student interests.
Description:
We are an organization representing more than 12,000 people who, by joining together, are achieving what we cannot accomplish alone. By standing together, we have a voice in our contracts and our daily work lives. We provide valuable services to our communities, doing hundreds of different jobs in state and local government, community colleges, non-profit agencies, and care facilities. The services we provide include helping deaf people get access to education, testing new drivers, collecting tax revenue, helping veterans, assisting at-risk youth, repairing bridges, maintaining Maine’s parks, and caring for seniors and people with disabilities — just to name a few.
As an organizing intern, you would gain practical work experience in the labor movement at a time of dynamic change. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about and gain field experience in internal organizing and contract campaigns as well as gain an understanding of contracts, contract enforcement, and collective action-based methods for solving worksite issues. Depending on interest and skills, there may also be an opportunity to assist with specific research or communications projects related to active campaigns.
Qualifications for an Organizing Intern:
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice
- Ability to communicate respectfully and comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to multi-task and work efficiently
- Ability to learn quickly and work independently
- Thorough attention to details
- Reliability and a cooperative attitude
- Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, and persuasively
Not necessary to have prior labor union experience.
Project areas may include (but are not limited to):
- Member outreach and mobilization
- Information management and tracking that provides the department with valuable tools for organizing
- Preparation of written communications to rank-and-file leaders, members, and the public
- General support for field operations and campaigns
- Logistical support for a wide variety of union events
- Campaign research
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).