I've said this many times, and I'll continue to say it: PAY YOUR INTERNS.
Period.
Organizations across all sectors claim to have a "commitment to diversity and equity" and yet continually fail to offer adequate pay for the skills, lived experiences, and knowledge that they seek out.
Let me be clear: providing housing or other benefits is NOT a supplement to affording adequate, real compensation for interns.
When we talk about equity and are working with vulnerable populations - and specifically seek to utilize their lived experiences (as Keri Hope Richmond stated: "PhD of life") for the benefit and mission of the organization - we MUST give careful attention to the ways in which we respect their expertise and contributions.
Providing resources to simply make an opportunity have potential as a possibility for vulnerable populations is NOT enough. Equity means leveling the playing field - beginning by ensuring that your internship is accessible to the populations you specifically are seeking to serve your organization and mission. THEN, in ADDITION, providing your interns with the compensation they rightfully deserve.
As a former foster youth, there have been many incredible opportunities for which I have been unable to pursue with the expectation of having an equal outcome as my peers. Often, the internships I have landed or come across have offered/provided housing - a basic need - as a SUPPLEMENT to earning an income. Therefore, at the end of each internship, I have remained well behind the many other interns I have worked alongside that do not share the hardships of being entirely independent in life.
I could go on and on and on.
There are many details missing in this thought piece, but all is to say:
Gone are the days of offering my time, body, story, experiences, and energy to organizations who will not acknowledge that housing and honorariums are NOT compensation. Unpaid internships MUST end. We must stop continually using the bodies of minoritized, under-resourced, vulnerable peoples to build our economy and achieve organizational missions without affording them equitable compensation.
🌟 **Join the Movement: Advocate for Paid Internships! 🌟**
At Pay Our Interns, we believe in the power of paid internships to create equitable opportunities for the next generation of talent. 💼✨
Internships are invaluable stepping stones, offering hands-on experience and invaluable networking opportunities. But unfortunately, too many internships remain unpaid, excluding passionate individuals who can't afford to work for free. 🚫💰
Today, we urge you to take action! It's time to start a conversation with your employers about the transformative impact of paid internships. Let's champion fair compensation for interns, ensuring access to valuable experiences regardless of socioeconomic background. 🌍💡
Paid internships not only benefit interns but also organizations by attracting diverse talent and fostering innovation. They represent a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape. 💪🤝
Let's pave the way for change together! Join us in advocating for paid internships and be the catalyst for a more equitable future. Your voice matters. Together, we can make a difference. 🔊✨ #PayOurInterns #EquitableOpportunities #PaidInternships #FutureOfWork
BSBA in Real Estate & BSBA in Finance Minoring in Global Entrepreneurship | President of the UNLV Real Estate & Business Society
1moI'm so grateful to be working alongside you and our talented cohort!!