Community Advocacy Intern

CAIR Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 5,580 - 11,160; Part time

Job summary

CAIR Houston is looking for a Community Advocacy Intern who will serve as a key liaison on various projects, focusing on ensuring fair treatment for American Muslims. Responsibilities include managing advocacy initiatives, drafting communication for clients, and conducting relevant research. Ideal candidates are enrolled in or recent graduates from relevant fields and should possess strong communication skills. A stipend ranging from $500 to $1,000 is offered for this internship, which runs from May 25th, 2026 to August 25th, 2026. Part- or full-time schedules are preferred.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in college or recent graduation with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent intake and complainant interviewing skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, able to write effectively under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage advocacy intakes and casework, including documentation and client communication.
• Draft advocacy letters and public statements on behalf of clients.
• Conduct research on public agencies and civil rights issues.

Skills

Intake and complainant interviewing skills

Written and oral communication skills

Data collection and analysis

Fluency in a second language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

The Community Advocacy Intern serves as a key liaison and point of contact on a variety of projects and activities for the Advocacy Coordinator. The Advocacy Department works to ensure fair and equal treatment for all American Muslims, using advocacy techniques to provide direct services to individuals impacted by bias, discrimination, or harassment. Interns will report directly to the Advocacy Coordinator. This role requires a high level of discretion, attention to detail, and frequent handling of confidential and sensitive information.

Stipend of $500-$1,000 available
Duration of Internship: May 25th – August 25th 2026

Responsibilities

• Manage advocacy intakes and casework, including documentation, client communication, and resolution.
• Draft advocacy letters and public statements on behalf of clients and the organization. Support communication with clients regarding follow-ups, information requests, and case updates.
• Help draft advocacy letters, emails, and public statements on civil rights matters. Conduct research on public agencies, legal policies, and civil rights issues relevant to cases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Enrollment in college or recent graduation with a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, international relations, data analysis, or a related field.
  Previous government or advocacy experience preferred.
• Excellent intake and complainant interviewing skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to write quickly and effectively under deadline.
  Data collection and analysis experience preferred, specifically Excel.
• Familiarity with Houston-area Muslim communities is helpful.
• Fluency in a second language (Arabic, Urdu, etc.) is a plus.

Requirements

• Minimum commitment of one semester.
• Part- or full-time schedules preferred (approximately 20-25 hours per week).