Current student Anthony Davis-Paitt shared the following about being an Intern at Black and Pink Massachusetts …
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
I primarily worked under the Communications and Outreach Coordinator – Elijah Patterson. I designed social media posts, created a social media and graphic design guide, wrote memos, wrote a grant proposal, updated member information.
How did you find this internship?
I had casually been involved with Black and Pink MA in the past, going to a couple of meetings, and I reached out to see if they had any internship opportunities and they said yes!
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I loved the values of the organization, the mission, the people, and the environment. It was so nice working with a queer and trans team, as a queer and trans person, and working with people who shared my political alignment, analysis of the world, and care for others. Working at Black and Pink MA made me feel so hopeful that we truly can build a better world.
What did you find challenging?
I struggled with pacing sometimes and keeping up with self-regulated deadlines. I also felt like there was sometimes too much work I wanted to do and not enough time to do it and still have free time. I also found it challenging when I learned about racism, classism, and transmisogyny that was directed at one staff member in particular. This is now being addressed and I am hopeful to see a culture shift that the work will go on because it is so powerful and important.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
Don’t be afraid to be creative. Come up with ways your interests and skills can advance the work of the organization. I was constantly dreaming up creative ways to expand our donor base or engage our volunteers more, just because I cared about the work so much and wanted to put my skills and know-how to work. And work with other interns, if there are others, on projects- collaborate on things, co-work together, or dream up an idea together.
About the Organization
lack and Pink Massachusetts is an independent organization and open family working for abolition of the criminal punishment system, which disproportionately impacts lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people, as well as those living with HIV.
