WATER Internship Program

Become a part of an inspiring community of feminists in religion.

WATER welcomes students from seminaries, universities, and colleges both national and international to intern.

The WATER Internship Program offers an opportunity to learn how a small non-profit operates and see what it takes to nurture and maintain a wide network of feminists and activists across the country and worldwide. Interns engage in a full range of activities, from fundraising to planning programs, initiating independent projects to reviewing books and films. Those who wish to do their own research have a chance to utilize WATER’s extensive library of more than 6,000 books on feminist theology and its related fields, as well as consult with our experienced colleagues through monthly WATERtalks and periodic in-house seminars. Oh, and they also have fun!

Kennedy Thedford, Melissa Feito, Claire Coker, Kali Lo-Ng, and Emily Neufeld in the WATER office in 2019.

Here are just some of the opportunities WATER interns have:

Program and event planning
Assistance with writing and editing projects such as WATERtalks, WATERrituals, WATERcast, WATERwheel newsletters, journal and web articles, books, and presentations
Non-profit fundraising
WATER community outreach via phone, email, and listserv to our broad network of colleagues
Hosting Visiting Scholars, ministers and guests
Maintenance of social media platforms including the website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and more
Read and review the latest feminist books and films
Attend social justice events and rallies in the DMV area
Join or initiate conversations with prominent feminist scholars, activists, religious leaders, and more

Interns must commit to a minimum of six weeks, but have the opportunity to stay for a year or more. Internships are unpaid. Some interns are placed through established programs of their universities, seminaries, or religious organizations, such as Mennonite Voluntary Service. All participants are encouraged to apply for academic credit from their home institutions for their work at WATER.

Summer internships typically begin after Memorial Day and finish at the end of July. There is flexibility given the applicant’s schedule.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, and interns are invited to come at any time. Give us a call if you have any questions about the program: (301) 589-2509, or email us at waterstaff@hers.com.

Download the 2021 Intern Application below. Send your completed application to waterstaff@hers.com.

PDF via Google Drive

Word Doc: WATER-Intern-App-2021

PDF: WATER-Intern-App-2021

Application Deadlines:

April 30 for Summer Internships
July 15 for Fall Internships
November 15 for Spring Internships (beginning January 2022)

For more information about the program, contact the office at (301) 589-2509 or send an email to waterstaff@hers.com.

Recent Intern Reflections

WATER Interns 2014: Cathy Jaskey (2013-2015 with Loretto Volunteers), Melody Stanford, Ciara Chivers, and Jacquelyn Small.
WATER Interns 2012-2013: Molly Bolton, Rebekah Renfro, Elizabeth Lancaster, and Wendy Mallette
WATER Interns 2011-2012: Heather Smith, Clarafrancie Cromer, Anne Lacher
WATER Interns, 2010-2011: Mary Ann Kaiser, Emily Cohen and Joy Harris
Anna Beth Roeschley (Mennonite Volunteer 2007-2009), Emily Derstine (2009 Intern) and Sophie Kanter (2008 Intern)