Services Spotlight: 2015 summer internship program

Sometimes, you just have to brag. We at STAR are doing amazing things, and we want to share our progress and positive experiences with you.

STAR envisions a healthy community free from oppression and sexual trauma. Our mission is to support survivors of sexual trauma, improve systems response, and create social change to end sexual violence.

We can’t do this alone.

Collaboration with outside organizations, institutions, and individuals is vital to creating positive change in our community. We value and actively seek to create these mutually beneficial relationships, including through internship opportunities.

This summer, five incredible young women interned with our survivor services and social change divisions. Endya Hash, Lindsey Miller, Katelan Janik, Joyce Sigler, and Sydney Kennerson accomplished a lot during their 12 weeks at STAR—both professionally and personally.

They not only learned hands-on skills, but also became empowered to take ownership of the issue at large.

“Before this experience, I did not think much about sexual assault. It was something I knew was wrong, but it did not directly affect me. So, I assumed it was not that important of an issue. After going through the eye-opening training program at STAR, I realized how terribly wrong I was. Sexual assault is a problem for every single person, regardless of gender or age.”- Katelan Janik

All five interns were asked to create a short web series that could be used as an educational tool to inform community members about sexual trauma and STAR’s services. In their series, Endya Hash and Lindsey Miller focused on the harmful social norms that create a culture in which survivors are left unsupported and offenders are not held accountable. Through a series of interviews, “Before the Veil was Lifted” explores ways in which STAR staff members once contributed to this culture and how we came to change our perspective.

“This internship has given me much more than just another entry on my resume. I have learned skills that will help me with advocacy as well as personal work ethic. I have learned invaluable lessons, and hope to remain close with the organization.” – Endya Hash

Joyce and Sydney, who worked primarily with our Social Change division, also felt that their experience at STAR far exceeded their expectations for a summer internship. In fact, all of our interns expressed the desire to stay involved with STAR in some way. A few of them will be returning in the fall as volunteer advocates.

We are thankful to our interns for their hard work and bringing such positive energy to our office! We look forward to seeing the positive impacts they make on the community with all they have learned and experienced at STAR.

If you are interested in getting involved in either our internship or volunteer program, email advocacy@brstar.org.