ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

One Common Unity (OCU) breaks cycles of violence and builds compassionate, healthy communities through the transformative power of music, arts, and peace education. Founded in 2000 following a string of school shootings in Washington, DC, OCU is a collaborative effort between educators, artists, and health practitioners dedicated to preventing violence and improving life outcomes for youth and families. Currently based in 23 schools throughout Washington, DC, we train the next generation of youth leaders in social-emotional literacy, arts expression, and conflict transformation and support them to create positive social change and healing in their communities. Over the past 20 years, we have impacted over 32,500 youth and families, trained over 11,500 teachers, hosted over 81 public concerts and performances, and recently were awarded the Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in the Humanities.

THE FLY BY LIGHT PROGRAM

Fly By Light is OCU's flagship program that brings performing arts, poetry, song, dance, and visual art to at-risk youth. The goal of Fly By Light is to encourage students to find their inner voices, identify the light they bring to the world, and share their talents with their peers to build safer, more peaceful communities.

The Fly By Light Youth Ambassador Program is an innovative youth program that emphasizes leadership, compassionate communication, effective conflict resolution, and self-love as pathways to personal growth, health and wellness. Youth are engaged in activities that strengthen skills that equip them with the abilities to bring their "light" to their own communities, building peaceable environments that promote overall wellness. Music therapy and artistic expression are at the core of instruction.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE FLY BY LIGHT PROGRAM ARE TO HELP YOUTH

• Build an appreciation and love for nature

• Build an ability and desire to handle conflicts peacefully

• Gain an understanding of music and art as tools for self-expression and cultural change

• Hone their ability to critically engage with their environment and people of different racial, ethnic, socio-economic and cultural perspectives

• Feel an increased feeling of self-confidence, value, worth, and empowerment

• Develop a personal set of life goals

• Engage in social justice projects in their communities

• Establish positive relationships with peers, artists, educators, counselors and community members that last a lifetime
  
  

ABOUT THE POSITION

One Common Unity (OCU) is looking for interns to assist with our programs. We are searching for interns that are able to commit approximately 15-20 hours a week. OCU is registered to provide academic credit through all major universities in Washington, D.C. Our internships are reserved for undergraduate students. Interns are unpaid and fellows receive a monthly stipend.

INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in coordination of special events, programs, and field trips related to the Fly By Light Program

• Research and development of program design, feasibility and implementation

• Assist in the development of community partnerships, particularly with parents and educators

• Support in program logistics and documentation

• Support facilitators and OCU staff in daily operations for programs, camps, trainings and other special events

• Complete administrative tasks including data entry of student surveys and helping maintain program databases including CitySpan and Apricot

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNSHIP

The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-25 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to be in one position for long periods of screen use, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear both in person and over devices. The employee interacts in close spaces and frequently with other workers, vendors, and clients. The position works in a school or office environment with artificial light and air.

One Common Unity is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from people of color, women, differently-abled, LGBTQIA, and other groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.

TO APPLY

Submit a CV or resume, bio, 3 references, and thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in this position. __________________

Applications are due by Jun 15, 2022.