Spring 2023 Paid Fellowship Program
Spring 2023 Paid Fellowship Program
About Discovering Justice
Who We Are
For over two decades, Discovering Justice has provided unique civic education and engagement opportunities for students across the Commonwealth. The organization works in partnership with school systems, judges, nonprofits, and the legal community to examine the workings of the justice system, explore the ideals of justice, and help young people prepare to engage in our democracy.
This approach is rooted in the founding vision of Boston's John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, designed as a vibrant center for civic education and community activity. Our programs facilitate the development of core civic knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for students to engage meaningfully in our democracy, such as perspective-taking, critical thinking, open discourse, empathy, and advocacy.
In addition to welcoming the community into the Courthouse for tours, field trips, and public events, Discovering Justice has extended its work into schools across Massachusetts to provide civic education opportunities, including K-5 curricula, Mock Trial and Appeal Programs for middle school students, and new programs, such as the Topics Programs for middle and high school students.
What We Believe
- The justice system can and should work for everyone.
- Constructive and critical discourse builds community and a strong democracy.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core democratic values.
- Civic education and engagement strengthen our democracy.
- In the power of the next generation to sustain our democracy.
How We Work
- We have a deep belief and relentless focus on achieving our mission and our constituent centered outcomes.
- We strive for excellence and hold ourselves responsible and accountable to high standards and the team..
- We are a collaborative organization and value clear communications and transparent decision-making processes.
- We welcome young professionals onto our staff and entrust them with responsibilities to carry out our programs.
About the Fellowship
Who You Are
- You have a passion for civic education and the need to protect and promote our democracy.
- You can commit to work 40 hours a week with a dynamic and energetic staff. (At least 25 hours for a Part-Time Fellowship)
- You have excellent written and oral communications skills.
- You love to work with a team and want to learn new skills.
- You will take this experience back to your campus or to your next job.
What You Will Do
Fellows work directly with a Discovering Justice staff person to help develop and/or run a program and/or build the organization’s operational capacity. During the semester-long program from late January to June, Fellows will learn a variety of skills including how to deliver civic education programming, and how to run and manage programs for a nonprofit organization.
Discovering Justice is a cohort of hardworking and passionate people excited to welcome new people and ideas. The organization’s staff and volunteers provide an open and welcoming environment, which provides opportunities for Fellows to take on responsibilities and learn core nonprofit skills to help in their careers.
This Fellowship is a full-time hybrid/in person opportunity. Fellows will work two days a week in person at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston, and three days remotely. Limited part-time opportunities are available. Please list in your cover letter or email application if you would like to be considered for a part-time Fellowship.
Civic Education Advocacy Fellow
The Fellow will work with the Executive Director to engage civic education groups and their constituents in public education and advocacy work to increase Massachusetts’ investment in civic education programs. The Fellow will work with the Executive Director to coordinate meetings with teachers, students, civic leaders and their legislators to educate them about the civic education being done in their districts and to encourage more resources and support for these programs. Experience with managing events and recruiting and organizing volunteers is required.
Courthouse Programs Fellowship
The Fellow will work with the Courthouse Programs Associate to manage Field Trips and Tours, guiding young students to adults in exploring themes of justice at the Moakley Federal Courthouse and in our legal system. This Fellow will help coordinate and most importantly, facilitate courthouse tours and field trips with students ranging from 1st to 12th grade as well as tours for college students and adults. This Fellow may also assist in the organization and planning of Courthouse panelist events and other in-person opportunities hosted at the Courthouse by Discovering Justice. A passion for and experience working with children and/or the public is a must. Event planning, writing, and public speaking are a plus, but not a requirement.
Mock Appeal After School Programs Fellowship
The Fellow will work with Mock Trial Program Manager to run the organization’s signature program that provides opportunities for middle school students to delve deeper into the nation’s political and judicial systems. During Mock Trial, teams of students partner with volunteer attorneys to litigate cases, engage in legal analysis as they develop arguments, and prepare to make their case in front of a real judge and jury. All throughout the program, students will be analyzing our justice system with a critical lens. The Fellow will provide support to legal mentors and students, communicate directly with partners, interview volunteers in order to create a newsletter, and coordinate the culminating Mock Trial events. The Fellow will assist the Mock Trial Program Manager in the design and revision of engaging civic education curriculum for the Fall 2023 and future sessions.
Development and Event Planning Fellowship
The Fellow will work with the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director to help raise the funds needed for the organization to run its various programs. The Fellow will assist with the organization’s annual Gala in the spring, foundation outreach and proposal submission, and the support of an individual giving program. Fellows will learn the basics on how to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and institutional philanthropic donors.
Communications Fellowship
The Fellow will work with Program staff to develop and implement a social media and earned media outreach strategy. Utilizing the organization’s website, social media platforms, and access to media outlets to media outlets, the Fellow will help create and edit video and broadcast the activities of the organization and its programs. The Communications Fellow will work with staff to create graphics, flyers, videos, and social media content on behalf of the organization and for the various program areas. Adobe Premiere Pro and Canva experience preferred.
Logistics
The Fellowship will run for 14 weeks depending on position needs and applicant availability. Fellowships will have start dates in January or February and will run through June depending on position and availability. Limited part time opportunities are available. Please list in your cover letter or email application whether you would like to be considered for a part time or full time fellowship.
Fellows will receive a stipend of $4,500 for their term (a proportionate stipend with part time Fellowships).
Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and two references. Please specify your Fellowship(s) of interest. This Fellowship is ideal for a recent graduate or a college student taking a gap semester or year. Send your cover letter and resume by January 5th to Malia Brooks at careers@discoveringjustice.org with your name and Fellowship Application in the subject line.
Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, and GLBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.