JANUARY 20, 2021 – The Global Thought Experience (GTE), an initiative by the Committee on Global Thought, aims to connect Columbia undergraduate students with non-profit groups in New York and the surrounding area, enabling students to use knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to address pressing issues for global communities in New York.
Thirteen undergraduate students will complete internships with four non-profits in Global New York during the Spring 2021 semester: Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, the Fortune Society, the Children’s Defense Fund, and the African Services Committee. Click here to learn more about this semester’s participants.
Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson is a grassroots organization that got its start in immigrant rights activism, but which also leads campaigns around healthcare, housing, and climate change. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with community organizing and outreach, fundraising, and administration.
The Fortune Society endeavors to support ex-convicts as they re-enter society after incarceration. Interns assist with everything from processing new participants in the program to performing wellness checks, helping the formerly incarcerated find stable jobs and housing.
The Children’s Defense Fund is a national organization that lobbies to provide state and federal governments to enact policy reforms prioritizing the well-being of America’s youth. Interns with the Children’s Defense Fund conduct policy research, help fundraise, and support students as they strive to achieve their full academic potential.
The African Services Committee aims to help recent African immigrants in New York by providing healthcare, food, ESL classes, and legal services. The Committee also lobbies for African immigrants on city and state levels. Students will help with language classes, advocacy, and know-your-rights trainings.
The Committee on Global Thought is excited to provide undergraduates with these opportunities, despite the barriers presented by remote learning and working. Follow the Committee’s work on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.