[nabs-l] National Federation of the Blind 2015 Summer Internship Program

[Lewis, Anil]

National Federation of the Blind 2015 Summer Internship Program

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.  Since 1940, the members of the National Federation of the Blind have come together in state affiliates and local chapters to share the real life experiences, practical techniques, and innovative strategies we use to transform our dreams into reality. In 2004, we established the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute as the first research and training facility developed and directed by blind people. Fueled by the dreams of the blind of America, the Jernigan Institute is now a leader in creating innovative education programs, accessible technologies, pioneering research projects, and collaborative partnerships that empower the blind to live the lives we want.
As we continue to raise expectations of and for the blind, we realize that we must actively work to empower the next generation of dynamic leaders and innovative thinkers who will dream, develop, and implement the next ground-breaking project or program that changes the lives of all blind people. To that end, we must share our acquired knowledge and life experience with young motivated blind students as they travel their individual paths toward full participation. We seek to accomplish this goal through our National Federation of the Blind Summer Internship program, a unique learning experience that can only be directed by the National Federation of the Blind.
Our National Federation of the Blind 2015 Summer Internship Program will provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the programs of the Federation, while gaining valuable experience at the center of innovation in the blindness field.  Our 2015 summer interns will be hosted at the NFB headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. Internship placements are currently available for the summer of 2015. NFB internships will begin on June 1 and end on August 7, 2015 (ten weeks). The internship experience includes a stipend and can include sleeping accommodations at the NFB Jernigan Institute, if necessary. One of the requirements of the internship is participation in program activities at the 2015 NFB National Convention to be held in Orlando, Florida, from July 5-10.
2015 summer interns will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of program areas including:
*         Access technology
*         Civil rights-especially advocacy around voting rights and educational accessibility
*         Data management
*         Education programs
*         Governmental affairs
*         Information technology
*         Jacobus tenBroek Library
*         Membership building
*         NFB NEWSLINE(r) for the Blind
*         Outreach and fundraising
*         Public relations & social media
The National Federation of the Blind Summer Internship Program is like no other.  It is filled with unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. The following are some brief comments from our 2014 Summer Interns:
"I learned during my internship at our national headquarters the true value of personal relationships. It is an emotional understanding rather than an intellectual one, and I now look at our movement in an entirely different way." Justin
"Interning at the NFB National Headquarters was certainly the most challenging but yet, rewarding experience. I cannot think of a project that hasn't challenged me, a way in which I haven't changed. During my time in Baltimore, my introverted self has found her voice. I learned to share my opinion, especially when I was in disagreement. Every project that I took on forced me to accept uncertainty, to acknowledge that not everything will go according to plan, and to go with the flow. As someone who often feels like I need to be totally prepared and completely in control, these situations have allowed me to gain confidence in my knowledge, leadership skills, and ability to think on my feet." Sarah
"During the ten-week internship at the Institute I had the opportunity to work with the Advocacy and Policy team, public relations department, IBTC, education initiatives, and so much more. One of the activities that I am most proud of was the visit of the West Virginia School for the Blind. We prepared a full schedule in which they toured the institute, met our leaders, had fun, and even broke some miss-conceptions about blindness. And all of that in about a day." Yadiel
"This entire experience has been amazing. I didn't really know what to expect when coming to Baltimore, but I wouldn't have changed it.  I've definitely grown as a person this summer. I have made amazing friendships and connections. Ten weeks go by very fast. I've always known about this organization and I have kind of been forced to be a member of it by my parents, but after this internship I am sure that the National Federation of the Blind is going to be a big part of my life. Although I am very excited to go home and enjoy my little bit of summer freedom before moving back on campus, I'm really going to miss it here." Catherine
If you are interested in applying for an internship with the National Federation of the Blind, you should prepare the following materials and submit them in an accessible electronic format no later than March 13, 2015:
1.    A cover letter expressing why you are uniquely qualified for an NFB internship, listing the program area(s) in which you are most interested in gaining experience, and describing the projects that drive your passion in those program area(s). Be sure to include a description of any previous involvement you have had with the Federation.  Please feel free to include any innovative new projects that you might want to help initiate during your internship.  Also note any scheduling conflicts that would prevent you from being available from June 1 through August 7.
2.    A resume including current contact information.
3.    Two or three references with complete contact information.
Send all of your materials, preferably via email, to:
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
Attn: Anil Lewis
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland   21230
Email: jerniganinstitute at nfb.org<mailto:jerniganinstitute at nfb.org?subject=National%20Federation%20of%20the%20Blind%202015%20Summer%20Internship%20Program>
Questions regarding NFB internships can be directed to Anil Lewis at 410-659-9314, extension 2357, or jerniganinstitute at nfb.org<mailto:jerniganinstitute at nfb.org?subject=National%20Federation%20of%20the%20Blind%202015%20Internship%20Program>. We anticipate selecting our 2015 internship class by April 14, 2015.