The External Liaison Desk of the World Federation is launching a unique opportunity for the youth of our community in the United Kingdom, Europe, United States and Canada to work as an intern in Washington DC. Brother Zahir Janmohamed, World Federation External Liaison lead in Washington DC has been working on this exciting project. He said: “Working in the USA’s Capitol is a rewarding, challenging, and beneficial experience for students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Summer interns gain an insight into the political process and climate of Washington DC and are often empowered to continue working on civic matters in their community. Elected officials, research institutes, and media outlets gain from interacting with Shia Muslim youth because of the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents our youth offer.”
In order to help more youths from our Shia Ithna-Asheri community find internships, Brother Zahir has been working with elected officials and organisations in Washington DC to help our youth find internships for summer 2004. These internships can be completed at places as diverse as Capitol Hill, National Institute for Health and the Washington Post.
Below is some basic information about the programme and how to apply. Positions fill by early March so please apply soon.
Programme Logistics
Nearly all internships in Washington are unpaid positions. This should not discourage students from applying. Given the relative high cost of living, students are encouraged to apply to the Muslim Student Network programme to cover for their housing.
The Muslim Student Network (MSN) was started by Mr. and Mrs. Quereshi, two long-time activists and philanthropists who organise Muslim camps, retreats, and educational seminars. They started the MSN programme over 10 years ago to provide Muslim interns with a place to live and eat. The MSN programme rents two houses each summer, one for brothers, another for sisters. Accommodation at these houses is free for those in the programme and meals are prepared by MSN members each night. Speakers are invited to the house several times a week to discuss various topics of Islamic thought, political history, and social activism. Past speakers include Dr. Aslam Abdullah, Editor-in-Chief of the Minaret, Husain Haqqani, former Pakistani Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Syed Hossein Nasr. Weekends are free for students to explore Washington. Strict Islamic conduct is enforced. The MSN programme is perhaps the best way to network with Muslim civic and social activists throughout the US. For a more detailed overview of the programme, see http://www.muslimstudentnetwork.com
Basic Requirements of the Programme
- Applicants must be in good academic standing. Students must demonstrate academic strength. Students are not, however, required to send transcripts.
- Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of civic and religious devotion. The MSN programme favours students who, for example, teach in Madrassah, organise seminars at their mosques, attend teach-ins, and in general, show a commitment to Islam.
- Applicants must be in their second year of university or higher.
- Applicants do not, however, need to be US citizens. Some past MSN members have been from UK and Canada.
- While applicants do not pay for housing, they do need to pay for transportation to and from Washington DC.
- Applicants are not, however, allowed to work for a Muslim organisation while in the programme. This is to encourage students to branch out and work with organisations that are lacking a Muslim voice.
Finding a position
The programme does not, help students find an internship. This is the responsibility of the applicant to do so in advance of the programme. Students should email secretariat@world-federation.org for more information about finding a suitable position.
Applying to the Programme
To apply, students should send all relevant material to http://www.muslimstudentnetwork.com/. If you need assistance in putting together your application or writing your essay, Brother Zahir Janmohamed will be happy to help. He can be contacted through the World Federation secretariat.
Apply early
Each summer, about 15 students are accepted. There is a stiff competition for this and the number of applicants is high. For this reason, students are encouraged to apply early.
Write to secretariat@world-federation.org for more information.