ILR High Road Ithaca Fellowship
Migrant Advocacy and Support (MAS)

ILR High Road New York is statewide program that aims to teach ILR students practical methods for civic & community engagement and leadership. The High Road Ithaca Program offers students paid community engaged internships with partner organizations committed to social and environmental justice, diversity and equity, access and education in Ithaca and surrounding areas during the fall or spring semesters. Students work 5-10 hours a week and participate in critical reflection activities throughout the semester.

Mission
Migrant Advocacy and Support (MAS) promotes justice, dignity, and equity by partnering with migrants to address migrant-identified health, legal, and educational needs.
Overview
Migrant Advocacy and Support (MAS) partners with migrants to better understand and respond to shifting legal conditions while accessing needed services. With trained volunteers, we offer "Know Your Rights" workshops, emergency family planning, and culturally appropriate information through hotlines, texts, and community trainings. By engaging directly with migrants, MAS promotes empowerment, self-sufficiency, and well-being.

Internship opportunity:

As intensified immigration enforcement increasingly places migrants at risk of detention and family separation, MAS works alongside migrant communities to plan, prepare, and respond.
Fellows at MAS will work closely with the MAS Director and other volunteers to work on a variety of projects. These projects will vary week to week, but likely will include assisting with further development of MAS workshops, facilitating MAS volunteer activities, and general administrative support. Further specifics will be developed in partnership between the fellow and MAS to best address MAS needs and utilize fellows skills and interests. The ideal candidate should be informed on immigration policy and advocacy work, practice consistent quality communication, and have the ability to work independently.

Specific projects and timelines will be determined according to migrant identified priorities at the time the fellow begins. Depending on the fellows’ time availability and mobility, we may engage the fellow in ongoing organizing and training of neighborhood groups around ICE Watch and material support for migrants that are fearful of leaving their homes. Also the candidate should be open to learning about the constantly evolving immigration enforcement environment , and be willing to assist in the development of materials to share with impacted community members.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of immigration policy and advocacy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team of community volunteers. Spanish language proficiency is preferred. All MAS volunteers are required to adhere to strict confidentiality standards and communication safety protocols to protect the privacy and well-being of the individuals and communities we serve.