The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation is accepting applications for its 2023 Summer Internship Program. Up to three (3) undergraduate or graduate students will be selected for the program, which will provide a unique opportunity to be part of a small team that is developing the first national memorial to commemorate America’s commitment to press freedom and those who died advancing it around the world.
The Foundation’s mission is laid out in the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act (Public Law 116-253), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2020. It specifically authorizes the Foundation to “establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to commemorate America’s commitment to a free press by honoring journalists who sacrificed their lives in service to that cause.”
The Memorial will educate, engage, and inspire visitors around the importance of a free press as a pillar of a vibrant democracy. It will serve as a lasting signal of our commitment, setting an example for the world, galvanizing future generations of advocates, and honoring fallen journalists throughout history.
In 2022, the Foundation received additional approval from the Secretary of the Interior and from Congress to locate the memorial in an area adjacent to the National Mall known as Area I, and in direct line of sight of the U.S. Capitol. This will reinforce what the First Amendment makes clear – that the press is independent of the government and serves as a watchdog to hold government accountable to the people.
In 2023, the Foundation is collaborating with Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic Paul Goldberger tol develop a process to determine the design of the Memorial and the selection process for the design team.
The Foundation’s Summer 2023 interns will help to develop educational programming and digital resources for a wide range of stakeholders and diverse audiences to amplify the history of the First Amendment and the free press, and to portray the courage of individual journalists who sacrificed their lives. The work can take the form of database reporting, long-form stories, podcasts, video essays or other projects. The internship is intended as a complement to each intern’s educational program. The internship program will consist primarily of virtual projects and activities, although some in-person functions may be included.
The Foundation will provide a $2,500 stipend toward the educational pursuits of each student selected. The Foundation anticipates that the start and end dates of the internship will be coordinated with the intern’s academic schedule, if one exists over the summer. The internship is a temporary, time-limited position, and the Foundation does not anticipate offering a full-time position following conclusion of the internship.
Requirements and Responsibilities
Applicants must be a rising college junior or senior or a graduate student in a journalism, media-related or other degree program. The Foundation intends for this internship to be closely coordinated with the intern’s educational program, and the specific responsibilities and schedule for the internship will be dependent on the requirements of the intern’s educational institution. Applicants who will receive degree credit for their internship are preferred, though receipt of credit is not required.
Potential Projects and activities
Create written, podcast or video content for use on the website and social media channels. Potential subject matter could include:
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- Interviews with journalists about the importance of the memorial and the memorials work.
- Interviews with journalists reflecting on inspiring journalists/legacies of journalists.
- Content for students and others who want to learn the basics of what press freedom entails and why it’s important to a successful democracy.
- Research on different threats that photojournalists face in the field.
- Findings can be used for the Foundation’s social media channels.
- A database of individuals and organizations that could serve as validators to help amplify the importance of this memorial.
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Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities
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- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Interest in journalism and press freedom.
- Ability to think both strategically and creatively.
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
- Proficient in social media platforms and Microsoft Office.
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To apply for the internship program, please submit a proposal for a project that can be completed within the eight-week internship by March 31, a resume and cover letter of no more than 600 words describing what a memorial honoring fallen journalists means to you and how it can serve as an educational resource. Submissions should be sent to Rick.Hutzell@fallenjournalists.org.
The Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and students from communities traditionally underrepresented in the field of journalism are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
For more information about the Fallen Journalist Memorial Foundation, go to www.fallenjouralists.org