Internship for Leader Development
SEIU Local 1021’s Internship for Leader Development is looking for energetic and motivated members who are committed to working for social and racial justice, believe in the value of work, the democratic process, and the importance of public services. This program will train and mobilize members who want to unleash their leadership potential.
The goal of our internship program is to (1) create a key path to develop and increase member leadership, (2) provide training and firsthand learning opportunities in leadership development, mobilization, and organizing skills, and (3) to gain a new perspective on our union’s purpose and values.
If you share these values and want to have an active role in your union, this internship is for you. Apply Now
How it Works
The program is a temporary internship open to members who have release-from-work language in their union contract or believe they can be released from work for a defined period of time (a minimum of one month to a maximum of three months). The length of the member internship will depend on the availability of release time approved by the employer. If agreed to by the employer, regular compensation and benefits will remain intact. If the employer does not have a system in place to accommodate release time, interns will receive lost-time compensation from the local, in which case proof of regular pay rate must be provided by the member, as payment will be based on the standard work week.
Members are required to complete and submit the application form, along with a sponsorship letter from a chapter leader or field representative who has reviewed the application. The sponsorship letter must explain why the applicant is being sponsored for the internship program. Applications will be reviewed and approved by a committee of staff and elected members.
Interns will receive support and training in leadership development, mobilization, and organizing skills. Participants will engage with members in a variety of settings: contract negotiations and enforcement, issue-focused organizing, building workplace leadership structure, expanding our political strength, and organizing new workers into our union. The program is intended to assist active campaigns throughout the local, which may include travel to various regions throughout 1021’s Northern California jurisdiction.
The member internship will conclude by laying out a plan on how the member will implement their newly acquired skills into practice, followed by a graduation ceremony where the intern will receive a program Certificate of Completion.
Compensation
- Interns will be reimbursed for their loss of regular wages, based on their standard work week. No overtime or comp time will be covered.
- Interns will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses, including benefit costs, if not provided by the employer during their internship.
- Interns will not be enrolled in any of 1021’s fringe benefit plans and will not accrue vacation or sick leave unless there is an agreement with the employer.
- Interns will observe 1021 recognized holidays (unless campaign needs dictate otherwise).
- Interns will be covered by 1021’s worker’s comp policy while on 1021 premises.
- Mileage at the current IRS rate will be paid for all miles driven over 25 round-trip miles.
Requirements
- Must be a member in good standing for a minimum of one year.
- Must be able to be released from work for a minimum of three months.
- Must have completed at least two (2) SEIU Local 1021 trainings.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable car, and auto insurance.
- Must have a flexible schedule, as evening and weekend work may be required.
- Must be able to work independently and part of a team.
- Must be reliable, show up on time, be present.
- Must join scheduled conference calls or video meetings.
How to Apply
Complete the online application here. Remember to upload a sponsorship letter from a chapter leader or field representative who has reviewed the application. The sponsorship letter must explain why the applicant is being recommended for the internship program.
If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Nuñez-Babb, Member Development Coordinator, at Jonathan.Nuñez-Babb@seiu1021.org or call the Member Resource Center at 1-877-687-1021.
Women, people of color, bilingual and next generation, and LGBTQIA identified members are encouraged to apply.
Back to Top
Frequently Asked Questions
About the program
• What is an internship? An internship is a leadership development program offered by our organization that provides members with practical skills and workplace experience in a field of interest for a set period of time.
• How do I apply for the internship? Complete the online application at www.seiu1021.org/memberinternship, scan the QR code on the brochure, or mail the form to SEIU Local 1021, Attn: Member Development Program, 5450 Power Inn Road, Suite F Sacramento, CA 95820 along with a sponsorship letter from a chapter leader or field representative.
• How long is the internship? The program is a temporary internship open to members who have release-from-work language in their union contract or believe they can be released from work for a defined period of time (a minimum of three months). The length of the member internship will depend on the availability of release time approved by the employer.
• What is a sponsorship letter? An endorsement statement from a chapter leader or field representative who has reviewed the application. The sponsorship statement must explain why the applicant is being sponsored for the internship program.
• What will happen upon the completion of my internship? The program concludes by laying out a plan on how the member will implement their newly acquired skills into practice, followed by a graduation ceremony where interns will receive a program Certificate of Completion.
• What if I don’t complete my internship? We will do everything possible to ensure members can complete the program. However, if that’s not possible, the intern will return to their regular employment without receiving the Certificate of Completion. Members can continue their development by attending trainings held by the local and practicing their leadership skills.
• What if I am unable to get released from work after being accepted into the program? The start day of the internship can be changed to accommodate the release date from work. The applicant will not be able to participate in the program if a release date cannot be agreed to by the employer.
• Do SEIU Local 1021’s policies and procedures apply to the internship program? Interns will comply with all applicable policies and procedures of 1021, including SEIU’s ethics policies. Interns will maintain in confidence, and will not disclose or use, any proprietary or confidential information belonging to 1021 or its members at the expiration of the internship.
Compensation
• Will I be an employee of the union? No, the internship is a temporary position aimed at developing union member leaders. Interns do not replace or displace any employee of 1021, nor do they fill any vacant staff position.
• How will I get paid during the internship? If agreed to by the employer, interns will continue to receive a paycheck from the employer. If the employer does not have a system in place to accommodate release time, interns will receive a bi-weekly paycheck from the local and will receive at 1099 form at the end of the year.
• How much will I get paid? Interns will receive lost-time compensation, in which proof of regular pay rate must be provided, such as a copy of recent pay stub. Payment will be based on the standard workweek unless there’s an agreement with the employer to remain on payroll.
• What if I’m retired or on employer-paid leave, can I apply for the program? If a member is retired, on paid leave, or otherwise not working (for example, working a 10-month schedule), there will not be any lost-time to compensate for. The program is not a paid internship – this program will reimburse members for out-of-pocket loss of income. The program is designed for members who are returning to employment with a new set of union leadership skills.
Benefits
• Will I lose my health care coverage? The local will pay or reimburse the interns health insurance or other benefits costs if not provided by the employer during their internship.
• Will SEIU invest in my retirement plan? No, if the employer agrees to keep you on payroll, there will be no impact on the pension.
• Will I accrue vacation or sick leave during the length of the program? Interns are not employees and will not be enrolled in any of 1021’s fringe benefit plans, and thus, will not accrue vacation or sick leave. However, interns will observe 1021 recognized holidays (unless campaign needs dictate otherwise,) and will be covered by 1021’s worker’s comp policy while on 1021 premises.
General
• Is this a 9 to 5 internship? No, hours may vary depending on campaign needs. Interns must have a flexible schedule, as evening and weekend work may be required, in addition to their regular workweek. It will not result in additional compensation, such as overtime or comp time.
• What sort of reporting requirements will there be? Interns are expected to do daily debriefs, attend weekly meetings, and assess progress with appropriate 1021 staff and elected leaders. Weekly work plans and practice labs will be required to ensure the success of the intern.
• Will I be provided a union cell phone and a union laptop? Interns will be provided with a union tablet and 1021 e-mail address to be used solely for work. The local may provide a union cell phone, if necessary.
• What type of campaigns will I be working on? Participants will engage with members in a variety of settings: contract negotiations and enforcement, issue-focused organizing, building a workplace leadership structure, expanding our political strength, and organizing new workers into our union.
• Do I have to travel? Interns will be placed on assignments based on campaign needs and where they can best practice leadership and organizing skills. The program is intended to assist active campaigns throughout the local, which will include travel to various regions throughout 1021’s Northern California jurisdiction.
• Do I need to have a driver’s license? Interns must have a valid driver’s license and up to date car insurance.
• What if I do not have a car? A reliable vehicle is required, as the interns will be responsible for transportation to and from all assignments.