About the role#
This internship provides students and recent graduates the chance to build professional skills while gaining insight into the daily operations of a non-profit civil rights organization. Interns work across various departments to support the mission of CAIR-CA, gaining hands-on experience in one of several focus areas. This is an unpaid internship opportunity.
What you'll do#
Interns are placed in departments based on their qualifications and organizational needs. Responsibilities vary by focus area:
- Civic Engagement: Organize meetings with local elected officials, assist with voter registration, and act as a liaison between CAIR and public officials.
- Communications: Monitor local media, write editorials, assist with the CAIR-California newsletter, and manage social media content, including posts and tweets. You will also develop press releases and media packets.
- Event Planning and Outreach: Organize sponsored events, prepare exhibits, handle guest inquiries, and coordinate outreach programs with Islamic centers to attract new members.
- Operations: Work with the Operations Manager to maintain office productivity, coordinate staff meetings, greet guests, and assist with general office organization and donor outreach.
- Youth Development: Research issues affecting the Muslim community to develop curriculum and program content. You will manage all aspects of program planning, from marketing and recruitment to execution and evaluation.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's or advanced degree program, or recent graduation (must be 17 or older).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office platforms.
- Excellent organizational and multi-tasking abilities.
- A clear interest in and familiarity with the work CAIR performs.
Location & details#
- Location: Santa Clara, California.
- Modality: Hybrid. Interns must work in-office at least two days per week, with Friday as a mandatory on-site day.
- Terms: Winter 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027.
- Commitment: Internships typically last 10 to 12 weeks. Fall and Spring terms require 15 hours per week, while Summer terms require 20 hours per week.
About CAIR-CA
CAIR-CA operates as a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Founded in 1994, the organization focuses on civil liberties and advocacy for American Muslims. It maintains headquarters in Anaheim, California. The staff consists of 107 employees who work to protect rights and encourage dialogue.
How to get in at CAIR-CA
Applying early to CAIR-CA gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications before the pile grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can be among the first to submit your materials. You save time by knowing exactly when a position opens instead of checking manually. Securing a spot at the front of the line is a practical way to ensure your resume gets seen. Reach out to the recruiters behind CAIR-CA roles directly to ask about the position or a referral, as this approach materially improves response rates. Intern Insider surfaces these contacts so you can bypass the general queue. Connecting with a human recruiter shows you are serious about the work, which is a better strategy than waiting for a system to process your application.
