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About: Welcome to the UFW Foundation, a501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For 19 years, the UFW Foundation has mobilized farm workers and their organizations across the country to advocate for more equitable policies, such as immigration reform, pesticide protections, heat standards, hazard pay, and other worker protections. We engage constituents in systemic change to break the cycle of poverty while also providing critical services such as food relief, worker’s rights information, personal protective equipment (PPE), and much more. In fact, the UFW Foundation is the largest federally accredited immigration legal service provider in the state of California. The organization has staff in California, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Washington state.
Design and Illustration Intern – 200 Total Hours (Approx. 12.5 Hours per Week for 16 Weeks)
The Design & Illustration Intern will deliver a portfolio of original visual assets or 2-3 designs per week with the goal of strengthening the UFW Foundation’s visual identity and supporting advocacy campaigns around key topics such as Immigrants’ Rights, Workers’ Rights, Anti-Retaliation Protections, Heat Protections, Political Advocacy, AEWR (H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates), and Fundraising. The portfolio will include a mix of:
• Social media graphics: visually appealing designs and templates with original illustrations for posts across digital platforms, incorporating messaging consistent with advocacy campaigns • Merchandise graphics: text- and illustration-based designs for items such as t-shirts, hats, and tote bags that align with the UFW Foundation’s brand identity • Print graphics: flyers, postcards, and informational packet templates that follow branding guidelines and are adaptable for different content needs • Comic strips: in partnership with the Systemic Change Department and Immigration Legal Services providers, create illustrated strips breaking down complex topics like AEWR legislation into engaging visuals for farm worker audiences • GIFs: illustrate and animate GIFs aligned with UFW Foundation branding to feature on websites such as GIPHY with relevant keywords.
This is an unpaid internship designed for educational purposes. We strongly encourage interns to pursue academic credit and/or funding through their school or another program. If academic credit is available, we are happy to complete any necessary paperwork to support that process.
Learning Outcomes: • Develop and deliver a diverse visual communications portfolio that supports advocacy campaigns for a national nonprofit organization. • Produce 32–48 original branded visual assets (including social media graphics, merchandise designs, print materials, comic strips, and GIFs) tailored to engage farmworker and immigrant communities. • Translate complex legislation and advocacy issues into accessible, visually compelling storytelling for community audiences. • Collaborate cross-functionally with communications, legal services, and systemic change teams to support and advance statewide advocacy campaigns.
Requirements: 1. Familiarity with digital illustration and animation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects) or equivalent software. 2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other basic computer skills. 3. Strong organizational and time management skills. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 5. Ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas independently. 6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment 7. Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to evolving project needs. 8. A genuine interest in immigrant, farm worker rights/workers’ rights. 9. Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer capable of performing necessary tasks.
Availability: 1. Ability to commit to a minimum of 12.5 hours per week. 2. Flexible schedule to accommodate remote work and potential meetings across different U.S. time zones.
If you do not have access to Adobe Illustrator, the organization can provide a temporary license or subscription for the duration of the internship to ensure you have the necessary tools to complete your project.