SOAH (Speak Out Against Hate), a local Sussex 501(c)(3) non-profit, is proud to announce the creation of its first mentor-supported SOAH Youth Ambassador Leadership Internship for high school students interested in social justice, countering hate, especially in schools, youth organizations, and social media, and in creating a more inclusive society. Applicants were asked to communicate their values, interests, and experience, both in relation to social justice and leadership. The internship will expose the interns to anti-hate activities and programs locally and nationally, and support them in developing youth-oriented social justice programs during the year. A key focus of the internship is leadership development, as we train future leaders in this area.
The inaugural internship class includes three high school students. Amber Jennings is a senior at Sussex Academy, Biloxi Buffington is a junior at Sussex Academy, and Emerson Sheldon is a senior at Cape Henlopen High School. Each student intern will develop personal goals, and they all have their own mentor who will support them throughout the internship year. Internships run from October through June. Each intern will receive a stipend upon completion of the program. Mentors and SOAH members are Bonnie Tamres-Moore, Adrienne Fyock, and Jan Kliger. Steven Band, Ph.D. is the Internship Coordinator.
It is anticipated that SOAH will support at least three interns each year. Applications will be available in June with a deadline in late September and will be posted on the SOAH website at soah-de.org and on the Instagram page. Since the launch of Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH), the organization has worked to unite Delaware communities to
confront bias and build inclusion through regular meetings, public events, and cross-sector partnerships. From community statements to fundraising student initiatives, SOAH continues to turn awareness into action and make “hate has no home here” a reality across Delaware.
picture above: Emerson Sheldson, Amber Jennings and Biloxi Buffington.