WESLEYAN AFFILIATED: Sue Guiney ’77, Founder/Executive Director of Writing Through. Sue is a dynamic Wes alum (published author, among other things) with a vision for helping disadvantaged people around the world. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your creativity, to learn how an international NGO is run, and for nonprofit mentorship. Learn about Writing Through’s creative mission.
For additional information, email Sue at: sue@writingthrough.org
APPLY THROUGH HANDSHAKE with your approved resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample (either creative or academic).
NOTE: Sue reviews applications on a rolling basis. Offers could be made prior to deadline.
Writing Through
Writing Through was founded and is run by Sue Guiney ’77. It is an NGO which uses the creative writing — poems and stories — to develop thinking skills and language fluency in English, and, along with these, self-esteem, in at-risk populations throughout the world, notably the US, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore.
Logistics:
Start Date: early June 2025 (flexible)
Completion Date: mid to late August 2025 (flexible) for a total of 8 weeks
Host City: At home, or if travel is possible, Siem Reap Cambodia or within the U.S.
Visa Requirement: Tourist visa to Cambodia, if applicable
Accommodation: At home if remote. If travel to Cambodia is possible, we can help find inexpensive accommodation.
Required Skills: The ability to work both independently and with others, flexibility, strong communications and writing skills, strong skills in general use of computer programs such as Word, Canva, Excel, PowerPoint. Exhibited interest in global education, creative writing, NGO work.
Timeline:
1. Reading from home, early June: At home, reading of list provided by Writing Through – about Pedagogical theory: literature search and PowerPoint about the neurobiological and economic research that endorses what we do. About Cambodia: history of region, present economic and political situations, analyses of various educational systems. About U.S. – Research about the US educational system. About Writing Through – background, history, and philosophy; administrative aspects of running an international Non-Governmental Organization (ie, NGO, charity); reports from previous interns.
2. Workshops: Writing Through workshops are held both via Zoom and in-person, as required by Partner organizations in our various host countries. The intern will be trained in the Writing Through methodology, and will then act as a Shadow, assisting the Facilitator with workshop logistics and teaching during workshops run throughout the internship period. If impossible to take part in an actual workshop, an alternative experience will be found.
3. Remote work from home: If travel is not feasible or desired, the intern will work from home under the supervision of the Executive Director, Sue Guiney, and the Deputy Director, Kristin Schuster. Programs will be developed according to the specific needs of the organization and interests of the intern at the time. Some possible projects include, but are not limited to, those listed below.
4. Work abroad: If logistically and economically feasible, interns will be given the opportunity to spend one month in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which is the home of the Angkor temples. You will meet with key Partners to learn about the culture and needs of our students there. The intern will also learn about the on-the-ground workings of small non-profits and NGO’s. Other in-country projects will be overseen by the Deputy Director and Operations Coordinator, both of whom reside in Siem Reap. Travel beyond Siem Reap is also possible. Domestic travel: If feasible, interns will have the opportunity to travel within the US in order to shadow a workshop or assist in administrative or communications activities.
Potential Projects: By combining these efforts, the interns will learn the basics of NGO work, from programming to administration to fundraising and pr.
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Branding and PR Strategy: Writing Through already has used a variety of media outlets such as social media, videos, and magazine articles. With an eye towards how our brand can grow in each country where we work, a strategy for additional public information outlets will be developed, including finding specific venues and pitching possible articles/interviews etc. At least one article will be written for publication in a targeted magazine or news outlet.
As 2024 saw the year-long celebration of our 10th Anniversary, it will be especially important to find ways to build on the pr efforts made during those celebrations.
- Training Scheme: As new chapters are beginning worldwide, Writing Through has developed an intensive online training program. Interns will help with potential changes to the course and administrative requirements. It is also anticipated that the interns will participate in the course as offered.
- Other Projects: To be developed according to the interests and needs of the organization and the interns at the time. This may include impact studies, research into supporting neurobiology, etc.
Supervision:
It is assumed that the interns will have a certain amount of autonomy in their work, although they will work closely with each other and be supervised during the week by members of the SE Asian-based staff, or Sue Guiney, the Writing Through Founder and Executive Director. Final reports and projects will be completed and turned into the Writing Through staff before the start of the new academic year.
Budget per intern:
Each intern will receive a one-time payment of US $1,000.
If you are hired and are seeking additional funding for things such as travel, accommodations, and food, you might be eligible to apply for funding through the Wesleyan Summer Grants Program.
