AST Internship Program – Call for Participation (CFP) Summer 2026

About the Organization

Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, committed to promoting and defending human and civil rights.

Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) is dedicated to defending human rights, promoting democracy, and amplifying the voices of those silenced by oppression. We advocate for victims of political persecution, religious discrimination, and unjust imprisonment—particularly in Turkey—through education, documentation, international advocacy, and community engagement. Our mission is to raise global awareness, foster solidarity, and inspire action to ensure justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

About the Internship Program (Unpaid)

The AST Internship Program invites passionate college students to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary work at the intersection of human rights, social justice, research, and storytelling.

This program is designed for students who want to move beyond theory and actively contribute to projects that amplify underrepresented voices, document lived experiences, and support global dialogue on justice, migration, and equity.

Location: Hybrid

Duration: 12 weeks

Start and Finish Date: June 1, 2026 – August 28, 2026

Time Commitment: 15 hours per week

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students
  • Demonstrated interest in human rights, forced migration, or social justice
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • English proficiency required (additional languages are a plus)

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • Resume
  • Short statement of interest (maximum 500 words), including your preferred track and the reason for your selection
  • a list of 3 professional references

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Apply via: Submit all required documents as a single PDF via email, clearly indicating the program you are applying for.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Hands-on experience in human rights research, storytelling, and advocacy
  • Mentorship from professionals in social impact and related fields
  • The opportunity to contribute to projects with meaningful, real-world impact
  • A portfolio of published writing, reports, or media content
  • A certificate of completion and the potential for a recommendation letter
  • The possibility of internship renewal (with potential transition to a paid role) or consideration for professional hiring upon successful completion of the program

Program Tracks

  1. AST Research Intern (2 positions, remote)

Work closely with the Research Coordinator to support projects related to human rights violations in Turkey.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and draft reports on human rights issues, migration trends, and social justice topics
  • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize complex academic and field data
  • Proofread reports for clarity, accessibility, and accuracy
  • Translate research findings into policy briefs or public-facing summaries
  • Support documentation for grants, publications, and advocacy efforts
  • Collaborate with researchers to highlight real-world implications of findings

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Students in political science, sociology, international relations, law, or related fields
  • Strong writing and critical thinking skills
  • Interest in advocacy, policy, or social impact research
  1. AST Book Project Intern (1 position, remote)

Help document and share real-life stories of migration, displacement, resilience, and identity, with a focus on social justice narratives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Edit, write, and develop compelling human-centered stories
  • Conduct interviews with individuals sharing migration or human rights experiences
  • Translate content (Turkish–English preferred; other languages welcome)
  • Assist with publishing workflows (formatting, layout, cover design)
  • Create social media content to amplify stories and campaigns
  • Support multimedia storytelling (podcasts, video, audiobooks)
  • Organize book clubs and community discussions on social justice themes
  • Contribute to outreach, advocacy campaigns, and partnerships

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Students in communications, journalism, literature, media, or related fields
  • Strong interest in storytelling as a tool for social change
  • Cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness when working with personal narratives
  1. AST Conference & Panel Program Intern (1 position, remote; preference given to New York–based applicants)

Support the design and execution of events focused on human rights, migration, and global justice issues.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and develop themes for panels, workshops, and conferences
  • Identify and engage speakers, activists, and experts
  • Coordinate logistics and communications for events
  • Assist in preparing briefing materials
  • Support event promotion and post-event reporting
  • Help create accessible summaries of discussions for broader audiences

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Students interested in advocacy, public policy, or global affairs
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Interest in creating spaces for dialogue and impact
  1. AST Exhibition Outreach & Coordination Intern (2 positions, with at least one based in New Jersey)
    Support the expansion of the Exhibition of Silent Screams across museums and cultural institutions in the United States by contributing to research, outreach, and partnership coordination.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and identify museums, galleries, and relevant institutions across the United States with a focus on human rights themes
  • Compile and categorize a database of potential partner institutions
  • Initiate and manage professional email outreach to prospective institutions
    Communicate clearly and effectively about the exhibition’s purpose, content, and impact
  • Track and organize all outgoing communications and responses
    Send follow-up emails and maintain consistent engagement with contacts
  • Conduct detailed correspondence with high-potential partner institutions
    Share information regarding exhibition content, logistics, and scheduling
  • Coordinate meetings between prospective institutions and the Advocates of Silenced Turkey Board of Directors
  • Assist with scheduling and preparation for meetings

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Students in communications, international relations, arts administration, or related fields
  • Strong written communication and organizational skills
  • Interest in human rights, advocacy, and cultural programming
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow through on outreach efforts
Apply