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Civil Rights Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NATURE OF INTERNSHIP Legal interns will be exposed to and participate in the process of developing and litigating impact cases to advance civil rights and liberties. The legal intern's primary duties ...

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Civil Rights Intern information

What does a civil rights intern do?

A Civil Rights Intern typically assists attorneys and advocates in researching legal issues, preparing case materials, and supporting investigations related to civil rights violations. Their tasks may include reviewing documents, conducting outreach, summarizing depositions, and helping organize events or educational programs. Interns gain exposure to laws and policies aimed at preventing discrimination and protecting individual rights, while also learning about the workings of organizations dedicated to civil rights. The role provides valuable experience for those interested in legal careers or social justice advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil rights intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Rights Intern, you typically need a background in political science, law, or related fields, strong research and writing abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is often required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are important soft skills for this position. These skills enable interns to effectively support legal teams, advocate for civil rights issues, and contribute meaningfully to casework and policy initiatives.

What is the difference between Civil Rights Intern vs Civil Rights Advocate?

AspectCivil Rights InternCivil Rights Advocate
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in law, social sciences, or related fieldsUsually experienced professionals with relevant education or background
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in nonprofit, government, or legal organizationsFull-time or part-time roles in advocacy groups, legal firms, or NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, government agencies, nonprofitsAdvocacy organizations, legal firms, community groups
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and internships in civil rightsLearning about professional roles in civil rights advocacy

The main difference is that a Civil Rights Intern is an entry-level position, often held by students or recent graduates gaining experience, while a Civil Rights Advocate is a more experienced professional actively working to promote and defend civil rights through legal, policy, or community work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Rights jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Civil Rights jobs in Washington are:

NEA Fall 2026 Internship - Human and Civil Rights (Center for Racial and Social Justice)

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

National Education Association (NEA)
501 - 1,000 employees

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.
Posting Period:
August 17, 2026 - Until Filled
Employee Type:
OO130 Center for Racial & Social Justice (CRSJ), SHORTTERM Short-term Temps
Position Type:
Intern (Fixed Term)
Position Details:
Position Details:
NEA is accepting applications for individuals interested in participating as a NEA Counter Disinformation Intern in the NEA Internship Program, Center for Racial and Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights Department, for the Fall 2026 session, September 14, 2026, and end on or before December 14, 2026. The internships may range from six weeks to a full semester. Interns will receive a stipend of twenty dollars ($20) per hour and may intern up to a maximum of twenty (20) hours a week. This internship is based at NEA Headquarters in Washington, DC. .
The NEA Internship Program provides interns with training, learning opportunities, educational activities, and exposure to a variety of rich and substantive programmatic experiences that support quality public education. These experiences may include conducting research, data analysis, writing and editing memos and materials, curating disinformation reports, participating in and assisting with partnership events, meetings, and forums, and other appropriate program-related activities.
NEA Internship Position Summary:
The NEA partners with institutions of higher education, intern programs, and other organizations to identify interns, generally, but not limited to, juniors, seniors, recent college graduates (up to 18 months), or graduate students, who are interested in public education policy and education issues. Students pursuing degrees in Education, Political Science, Government, Human Resources, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Business, Finance, Economics, Management, Communications, Computer Science, Journalism, Mass Media, Graphic Design, Digital Communications, and other disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Position Emphasis: This position supports NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by participating in internship opportunities and assignments in the Center for Racial and Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights Department, of the National Education Association. The focus of the internship will be on advancing racial and social justice issues, with a particular focus on anti-racism resources and curriculum, LGBTQ+ rights, restorative practices, school-to-prison pipeline, voting rights, gender equity, women's rights, culturally responsive & sustaining education, and immigration advocacy.
Racial and Social Justice Intern assignments include:
  • Supporting racial and social justice data collection & resource dissemination.
  • Conduct research on racial and social justice topics.
  • Brainstorm ideas for digital content across NEA's owned online platforms.
  • Research social media and online resources for new issues/trends in racial and social justice advocacy

Additional Proposed Intern Activities: NEA interns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with NEA staff and participate in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, projects, and opportunities during the internship. In addition to participating in assigned Center/department activities, based on their skills and interests, interns will also have opportunities to participate in relevant NEA-sponsored and/or approved group activities that may occur at NEA or in the Washington Metropolitan area. The group activities may include participation in interviews with the NEA President and Executive Director, and organizational leadership and staff, observing NEA events such as Representative Assembly events, Board meetings or cross Center/department events, and participating in policy forums, organizing or lobbying activities or organized partner or Intern events in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, such as Washington DC Intern Week.
Expected skills and opportunities for development that the intern may obtain from this educational experience.
Racial and Social Justice Intern will have the opportunity to develop/obtain:
  • Organization skills
  • Experience working under deadline pressure
  • Keyboarding
  • Experience Using Social Media
  • Conducting Online Research
  • Interviewing skills
  • Writing and editing skills

Additionally, NEA Interns will learn about the NEA, its role in public education, issues affecting NEA members at the national, state and local level and advocacy strategies to support members and the students they serve. In addition to obtaining experience in their area of interest, interns may develop skills in collaboration, communication, writing, research, analysis, preparing reports, interviewing, and use of organizing tools and strategies.
TO APPLY:
Please upload the following documents to your Workday application:
1) Resume
2) Cover letter - indicating preferred department or area(s) of interest
3) Letter of recommendation
4) Writing sample
Individuals selected for an interview will be contacted by the Center or department and additional samples may be required at the time of the interview.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.
NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.
NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.
NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.