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.
What you'll do!
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.
What you'll do!
- Learn grassroots organizing, advocacy, and leadership skills
- Conduct a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)
- Lead workshops and community conversations
- Participate in public comment and civic engagement
- Support community outreach, events, and campaigns
- Build communications and fundraising skills
- Use art, theater, storytelling, and performance for social change
- Help plan and produce a youth-led 2027 ARTS & Culture Showcase
Choose your working group
Interns will have opportunities to contribute to different areas based on their interests:
- Organizing: Get hands-on experience with community organizing, advocacy, workshops, and public speaking. Help turn youth ideas into action.
- Media & Communications: Help tell the BAY-Peace story through social media, storytelling, event promotion, and creative content. Build real-world communications skills.
- Fundraising: Learn how fundraising helps make youth programs possible. Help connect with donors and build support for BAY-Peace Outside and other programs.
DEADLINE to apply: SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
