COI Overview
The Community Organizing Internship (COI) is a leadership development program designed for, though not limited to, systems and violence impacted youth. COI integrates vocational training, political education, liberation-centered art, community organizing, and healing-centered personal transformation.
COI is rooted in the belief that young people most impacted by injustice are powerful agents of change. Interns serve as community leaders who design and implement organizing efforts that transform trauma, promote collective healing, and work to prevent and address violence. Through hands-on experience, interns build skills in facilitation, research, event planning, advocacy, and collaboration while deepening their political consciousness and understanding of systemic inequities.
COI Intern Duties:
The Community Organizing Internship (COI) is a leadership development program designed for, though not limited to, systems and violence impacted youth. COI integrates vocational training, political education, liberation-centered art, community organizing, and healing-centered personal transformation.
COI is rooted in the belief that young people most impacted by injustice are powerful agents of change. Interns serve as community leaders who design and implement organizing efforts that transform trauma, promote collective healing, and work to prevent and address violence. Through hands-on experience, interns build skills in facilitation, research, event planning, advocacy, and collaboration while deepening their political consciousness and understanding of systemic inequities.
COI Intern Duties:
- Tabling at school fairs, community events, conferences, and outreach opportunities
- Representing BAY-Peace as youth leaders in coalitions and grassroots organizing spaces
- Participating in skills-based trainings focused on advocacy, facilitation, grassroots organizing, and community-based research
- Meeting with elected officials and decision-makers to advocate for policy change and accountability related to militarization, community safety, and juvenile justice
- Co-designing and co-facilitating guest workshops that educate youth and adults on local and systemic issues
- Conducting a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project focused on the adultification of youth
- Co-hosting the Spring 2026 community event alongside BAY-Peace staff and members as part of the YPAR process
Meet our 2025 - 2026 Community Organizing Interns!
Top Row:
Jae'Shaun Estes (Very left) - Jae’Shaun Estes carries a name that honors both of his parents Janelle Fair and Shaun Estes. Born in Berkeley on September 25, 2010, he has spent most of his life in Oakland and nearby cities including Richmond, Vallejo, and Stockton. Jae’Shaun is a dedicated athlete, having played sports for nearly a decade. He began his athletic journey at six years old with football, which remained his primary sport until high school, when friends and family encouraged him to explore track as well.
Music is Jae’Shaun’s true passion. Rather than focusing on studio production, he gravitates toward classical music and has always been fascinated by instruments, especially the piano. He began playing during his freshman year and quickly developed skill and confidence, even learning the full (though unfinished) composition of Virginio’s piece.
Jiraiya (Second to the left) - Jiraiya is deeply passionate about animals and has a strong interest in veterinary care. His dream is to become a veterinarian when he’s older, a goal he’s committed to pursuing with dedication and heart. Known for his care, curiosity, and genuine love for animals, Jiraiya brings compassion and focus to everything he does as he works toward his future in veterinary medicine. (Inspiration from taking care of his dog Astro.)
Jacob (Very right) - Jacob is a Hmong teenager born and raised in the Bay Area. He is deeply passionate about literature and various forms of art. Some examples include Kim Haegyŏng's "The Wings," Cao Xueqin's "Dream of the Red Chamber," and etcetera. In his free time, he draws, writes, and plays video games. At BAY-Peace, Jacob serves as part of the communications team, where he helps manage and support the organization’s social media presence. He is also the youngest out of all of the other interns at BAY-Peace, being the only freshman.
Bottom Row:
Atticus (Very left) - Atticus Harris was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i and raised in the Bay Area. They identify as non-binary, gay, Yemeni, and Vietnamese. At BAY-Peace, their role focuses on supporting and strengthening the development of fundraisers. Atticus is deeply passionate about mental health, particularly in advocating for and uplifting the well-being of youth in the community.
Richard Seward Jr. (Second to the left) - Richard Seward Jr., known as RJ, is a creative soul whose interests span video games, music, and many forms of art. He loves crafting stories and exploring anything that allows for imaginative expression. While gentle-hearted by nature, RJ brings humor and authenticity into the spaces he’s part of.
RJ is especially passionate about music, art, and voice acting, and he hopes to one day build a career as a prominent voice actor or musician with a dedicated following. In his community, RJ sees himself as a grounding presence, someone people can talk to and rely on, so long as they’re staying true to themselves. He values connection, support, and a bit of laughter along the way.
Niyah (Very right) - Niyah proudly describes herself as the only daughter in her family, a natural princess with confidence and style. She brings a bold sense of self to everything she does. Passionate about volleyball and deeply caring toward animals, Niyah channels her energy into the things she loves most. In her community, she holds true to her simple yet powerful role: staying grounded, staying focused, and staying in her lane while shining in her own way.
Jae'Shaun Estes (Very left) - Jae’Shaun Estes carries a name that honors both of his parents Janelle Fair and Shaun Estes. Born in Berkeley on September 25, 2010, he has spent most of his life in Oakland and nearby cities including Richmond, Vallejo, and Stockton. Jae’Shaun is a dedicated athlete, having played sports for nearly a decade. He began his athletic journey at six years old with football, which remained his primary sport until high school, when friends and family encouraged him to explore track as well.
Music is Jae’Shaun’s true passion. Rather than focusing on studio production, he gravitates toward classical music and has always been fascinated by instruments, especially the piano. He began playing during his freshman year and quickly developed skill and confidence, even learning the full (though unfinished) composition of Virginio’s piece.
Jiraiya (Second to the left) - Jiraiya is deeply passionate about animals and has a strong interest in veterinary care. His dream is to become a veterinarian when he’s older, a goal he’s committed to pursuing with dedication and heart. Known for his care, curiosity, and genuine love for animals, Jiraiya brings compassion and focus to everything he does as he works toward his future in veterinary medicine. (Inspiration from taking care of his dog Astro.)
Jacob (Very right) - Jacob is a Hmong teenager born and raised in the Bay Area. He is deeply passionate about literature and various forms of art. Some examples include Kim Haegyŏng's "The Wings," Cao Xueqin's "Dream of the Red Chamber," and etcetera. In his free time, he draws, writes, and plays video games. At BAY-Peace, Jacob serves as part of the communications team, where he helps manage and support the organization’s social media presence. He is also the youngest out of all of the other interns at BAY-Peace, being the only freshman.
Bottom Row:
Atticus (Very left) - Atticus Harris was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i and raised in the Bay Area. They identify as non-binary, gay, Yemeni, and Vietnamese. At BAY-Peace, their role focuses on supporting and strengthening the development of fundraisers. Atticus is deeply passionate about mental health, particularly in advocating for and uplifting the well-being of youth in the community.
Richard Seward Jr. (Second to the left) - Richard Seward Jr., known as RJ, is a creative soul whose interests span video games, music, and many forms of art. He loves crafting stories and exploring anything that allows for imaginative expression. While gentle-hearted by nature, RJ brings humor and authenticity into the spaces he’s part of.
RJ is especially passionate about music, art, and voice acting, and he hopes to one day build a career as a prominent voice actor or musician with a dedicated following. In his community, RJ sees himself as a grounding presence, someone people can talk to and rely on, so long as they’re staying true to themselves. He values connection, support, and a bit of laughter along the way.
Niyah (Very right) - Niyah proudly describes herself as the only daughter in her family, a natural princess with confidence and style. She brings a bold sense of self to everything she does. Passionate about volleyball and deeply caring toward animals, Niyah channels her energy into the things she loves most. In her community, she holds true to her simple yet powerful role: staying grounded, staying focused, and staying in her lane while shining in her own way.
