Health Law Advocates (HLA) is seeking to hire a summer intern to help shape and support our efforts to advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at the individual, organizational, and systems levels. The intern will work with a DEI Committee charged with developing and implementing short- and long-term goals aimed at identifying and dismantling instances of inequity while continually monitoring the effectiveness of our work.
HLA is a dynamic non-profit, public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal services to Massachusetts residents who are income-eligible and having difficulty accessing or paying for health care. Founded in 1996, HLA provides individual representation and advice for more than 1,000 clients annually. HLA also engages in system-wide litigation, public policy advocacy and educational programming to advance its goals. Learn more about us at https://www.healthlawadvocates.org/.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this position will be remote.
Responsibilities
The DEI Intern will engage in the following work:
- Collaborate with the DEI chair, steering team, and HLA board to support HLA’s mission in advancing equity
- Attend and participate in DEI Committee and subcommittee meetings
- Help shape and support the subcommittees (Training & Capacity Building, Organizational Development, and Outreach, Community Partnerships & Policy) to design, implement, and evaluate projects and initiatives, which may include:
o Completing an environmental scan of HLA’s written and digital materials to identify gaps in the materials and for opportunities to increase inclusivity and accessibility in existing materials;
o Reviewing other legal service agency websites and public materials to note trends in language within the field;
o Researching and compiling a list of vendors to support the Committee’s commitment to purchasing supplies from businesses owners who have experienced structural inequity;
o Assisting in developing tools for collecting and interpreting demographic data;
o Researching and compiling a list of community-based organizations that HLA may consider partnering with;
o Exploring innovative models and best practices to improve outreach to communities and people who have experienced structural inequity;
o Performing outreach, community engagement, and organizing efforts with HLA’s partner organizations and/or clients; and
o Completing research as required to support the DEI Committee in compiling culturally inclusive training materials for pro bono attorneys and law students.
- Research the history and current scope of systemic racism within the realm of legal services in the United States and prepare a report on this topic for the Committee
- Report regularly to the DEI Committee chair and steering team
Qualifications
The DEI Intern will have the following skills and experience:
- An established track record of committing to advancing a socially just and equitable society
- Commitment to understanding and dismantling instances and systems of racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression and bias that lead to structural inequity, as well as a commitment to understanding intersectionality
- Ability to think creatively
Additionally, all HLA employees and interns are expected to have the following skills:
- Work both independently and as an effective team member
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Maintain confidentiality
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and openness, with the desire and ability to listen and learn
- Understand and believe in the mission of the organization
- Embody the values of the organization, including a commitment to decreasing inequity in society
Compensation
The intern will serve at HLA for a period of 10 weeks over the summer of 2021 for 15-20 hours/week and receive compensation in the amount of $2,250 – $3,000. Exact start date and hours are flexible.