Prison and Justice Writing Intern
Internship opportunity with PEN America
This paid internship is funded by the Serving the City program and is only available to students at Fordham College at Lincoln Center and Fordham College at Rose Hill.
Prison and Justice Writing Intern
Prison and Justice Writing department
15-20 hours per week
Hybrid (in-person & virtual)
Start Date: Week of May 29, 2023
End Date: Week of August 7, 2023
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
The Prison and Justice Writing Intern will work closely with the Prison Writing Program team to provide key support to a 30+ year program that supports incarcerated writers through a robust literary mentorship program, a yearly nationwide contest for incarcerated writers, the dissemination of The Sentences that Create Us: Crafting a Writer's Life in Prison—a guide for honing literary craft and developing writing community, and more. This is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in the intersection of literature and activism, specifically pertaining to protecting and investing in creative writing resources for those subjugated to the criminal legal system. Interns will gain exposure to the wide range of PEN America’s work and receive hands-on experience in program research, development and design, project management and execution, marketing, event management and logistics. Additionally, interns are invited to attend and assist at many PEN America events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This intern will assist with a variety of work, including but not limited to:
- Administrative tasks that support the Prison Writing Program’s day-to-day function, including opening and sorting letters from incarcerated writers, mailing out program resources, sorting the specific requests we receive and responding accordingly
- Support the creation and printing of event marketing materials such as web text and flyers
- Support logistical preparation and on-site event management for public programs
- Contribute research and writing for the Works of Justice blog
- Write copy for program promotional materials pertaining to the annual prison writing contest, mentorship program, and other avenues of engagement
- If interested, support with graphic design + book design for annual publications
- Opportunities for contributions as defined by intern interest
QUALIFICATIONS
- Proof of vaccination in order to work in-office
- Must be available two days per week during regular business hours
- Has a working knowledge of issues connected to the current and historical landscape of incarceration in the US
- Works at a steady pace, is comfortable taking initiative, and thrives working independently
- Demonstrates flexibility, autonomy, and carefulness in managing work priorities
- Is comfortable producing engaging written content for diverse audiences
- Has excellent communication and research skills, and is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite
- Is interested in, and comfortable with, proofreading and editing creative writing
- Must be willing to do a wide range of administrative tasks, from research to data entry
- as familiarity with spreadsheets
- Has an interest in the intersection of literature and justice
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to cmeissner@pen.org. Writing samples include but are not limited to college papers, original essays, stories, and articles that may have been previously published, as long as they have been subject to no more than minimal editing by someone other than yourself. Please include the cycle you’re applying for, and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “Summer Fordham Internship Program – Jane Doe”). Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The deadline for applications is April 28, 2023.