[Hamp-law] Fwd: Internships Available at Solitary Watch (fwd)

[Flavio Risech]

This is local and would be a great internshp for a student interested in
prisons, solitary confinement, torture, committed journalism. Please pass
it on to anyone you can think of. Margaret

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:42:21 -0400

Subject: Internships Available at Solitary Watch

      Please forward....

Internships Available at Solitary Watch
by James Ridgeway and Jean Casella

Solitary Watch offers interns an opportunity to gain reporting,
research, and outreach skills while working on an important human rights
issue. Individuals with a background or interest in journalism, law, and
criminal justice, including formerly incarcerated persons, are
especially encouraged to apply, as are those interested in utilizing the
media and social networking to advance social justice.

We are currently seeking interns to work a flexible part-time schedule
during the remainder of 2011 and the winter/spring of 2012.

Background:

Solitary Watch is an innovative website aimed at bringing the widespread
use of solitary confinement and other forms of torture in U.S. prisons
out of the shadows and into the light of the public square. Our mission
is to provide the public---as well as practicing attorneys, legal
scholars, law enforcement and corrections officers, policymakers,
educators, advocates, and prisoners---with the first centralized,
comprehensive source of information on solitary confinement in the
United States.

The site features original reporting on solitary confinement and related
issues, the Solitary Watch news blog, an archive of information and
resources, and the "Voices from Solitary" project--firsthand stories
that give a human face to the site's facts and figures, and to a subset
of inmates that is even more invisible than the prison population at
large.  It is overseen by veteran progressive journalist James Ridgeway
and independent media editor Jean Casella, with contributions from
prisoners and other guest authors.

Internship Description:

The intern will create original content for Solitary Watch, and will
assist in building the reach and readership of the site through an
aggressive outreach program. The intern will have the opportunity to:

* Write blog posts

* Report and draft at least one original news story

* Research and draft fact sheets

* Design and implement strategies to increase readership through social
media

* Identify and contact other online and print media outlets to place
op-eds, and guest posts

* Perform outreach to law schools and professional and activist groups
to inform them about our work and explore possible partnerships

Most of the work will be performed independently and remotely, keeping
in close touch with site editors James Ridgeway (D.C.) and Jean Casella
(New York) by email and phone. We prefer interns in the New York or D.C.
metro areas to allow for face-to-face meetings, but will consider
interns in any location. The internship may involve some local travel to
conduct interviews or to visit prisons and other sites.

The minimum time commitment is 5 hours/week; more is preferred.

This is an unpaid internship, but transportation costs, Internet,
telephone, and any other expenses will be covered.

We are happy to fulfill the supervision requirements of any college
internship program.

Requirements:

* Ability to work independently and see projects through from beginning
to end

* Excellent writing and online research skills

* Basic web posting and social media skills (no coding)

* Own computer and cell phone

Contact:

Email your resume, a cover letter stating why you are interested in this
internship, and contact information for one reference from a teacher or
work supervisor to jridgew at yahoo.com.
-- 
Lois Ahrens * The Real Cost of Prisons Project *
*www.realcostofprisons.org** *www.realcostofprisons.org/blog/***