Internships at ASMA

The American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA) has various internships available.

The Media and Communications internship "involves the use of social media tools, including Twitter and Facebook, and will be responsible for monitoring the occurrence of key terms and individuals in the media for updating and promotional purposes." Among other things, the intern will be expected to write "op-ed’s and opinion pieces on contemporary social issues, relating to Islam and America."

The Office of the Development and Fundraising internship, on the other hand, "involves research, writing, database maintenance, and general administrative duties."  Specific writing duties include:

• Creating and updating donor and prospect profiles. 
• Drafting inquiry letters, acknowledgement letters, newsletter copy, and other donor correspondence. 

Visit the links contained within this post for more details on each internship.

Research Intern Needed at the AIC

The American Islamic Congress (AIC) seeks an intern to assist in researching the current political climate in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the events of the "Arab Spring", as well as editing and helping to write a chapter for an upcoming anthology on current Middle East issues.

Candidates should have experience in research and an interest in writing/journalism.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Arabic preferable
• Knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, politics, and religion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Background in Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, History or related field

Note: This internship is unpaid.

If interested, continue reading here.

Light of Islam Summer Kids Club

Starting in June, Sister Ruth Nasrullah, Director of Light of Islam Bookstore in Webster, Texas, will be running a Summer Kids Club for children in grades 2-12. At the elementary and junior levels, children select an age-appropriate book to read and write a brief review of.  For high school level students, Sr. Ruth (who holds a master's degree in journalism) teaches a six-week writing improvement class.

Learn more about the club and how to register here.

Journalism Student Wants to Discuss the Veil

A journalism student wishes to speak to "both those who feeling strongly FOR and AGAINST the practice of veiling -- whether you are a Muslim women who wears the niqab daily or a feminist who views the veil solely as an institution of control (or somewhere in between)."

See this Craigslist Ad for more information.

Lilly Scholarships in Religion for Journalists

Journalists interested in taking college courses in religion or spirituality may apply for a scholarship program offered by the Religion Newswriters Association.

Journalists will receive scholarships for up to $5,000 each to study religion at any accredited college, university or seminary. Scholarships cover expenses including tuition, registration fees and books.

Continue reading here.

Discuss the Burqa with a Journalism Student

This NYU Journalism student is writing about the burqa from "historical, religious, cultural, and social perspectives" and is interested in "talking to Muslims (male or female) who feel strongly about this issue."

Journalism Scholarships Available for Muslim Students

The TMO Foundation is pleased to announce five scholarships to students in journalism and communications.

The first prize carries $1500, the second $1,000 and the third $750. Additionally, two more scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to students in need of financial subsidy to pursue education.

Students can choose any of the following essay topics:

1) Why do I want to be a journalist?

2) What does it mean to be a Muslim journalist?

3) What are some of the most serious issues that the Muslim American community faces in the USA?

4) What is the most effective way to counter “Islamophobia”?

5) How should Muslim American youth be involved in debates about policy?

6) How should Muslim Americans relate with the rest of the Muslim world?

7) How can Muslim Americans become an effective and dynamic part of the American pluralism?

Deadline: March 15, 2010

Click here for more information about the scholarships.

Media Coordinator for Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief seeks a Media Coordinator:

Media Coordinator
Salary: £25,030
Location: Birmingham
Contract: 6 month fixed term
Ref: MC/CD/1109

Requirements: 
The purpose for this post is to proactively engage with the media to promote a positive image of Islamic Relief Worldwide and its work and raise awareness of issues affecting the communities in the developing world. The job holder will work within the media team to cover a variety of press office duties and provide media, marketing and communications support, in addition write and edit content for the web, print and other media especially during emergencies and campaigns.

The successful candidate will have excellent journalistic skills with a proven track record of working in a press office or media role, and demonstrate being a good team player with a good proactive approach to work. S/He would have the ability to write clear and creative content and to articulate clearly with an excellent command of the English language.

Closing Date: 14 December 2009

See this page for details on how to apply. 

Business Writers Needed in Egypt

This ad is seeking Cairo-based business writers and journalists.

Compensation: $1000 per month + transportation + bonus + mobile allowance + medical insurance

Videojournalist Needed for Syrian Documentary

The author of this ad is in need of a videojournalist to travel to Syria to conduct and film some interviews with local Syrian artists. Pay for the chosen candidate includes airfare, expenses and a daily stipend.

Read the whole ad here.

Arabic Editor Needed

A N.Y.-based bilingual Arab American community newspaper seeks a freelance Arabic editor.

Click here to learn more about this job.

Communications Writer for Islamic Relief

According to this ad at WorkHalal.com, Islamic Relief is seeking a communications writer:

Responsibilities-
• Develop and edit content for communications materials, including but not limited to official publications (newsletters, annual reports, and brochures), reports, presentations, marketing videos, and the web.
• Collaborate with Communications Department staff on related projects
• Manage and produce website content in a timely manner.
• Determine proper writing style for each medium; select effective accompanying graphics such as photos and video footage.
• Contribute to the establishment of creative direction for projects by analyzing project objectives and providing creative recommendations which define the scope of the project.
• Manage communication projects from start to finish, developing and maintaining adequate controls and checklists for project scheduling and follow-ups, client presentation, reviews and approvals.
• Ensure that client marketing and communications needs are sharply defined and fulfilled.
• Continuously question every project to determine how it will help achieve organizational messaging and business objectives to maximize value.
• Perform other related duties as requested.
Requirements
• Three plus years of related work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• Strong Command of AP Style.
• Competent in editorial principles and techniques of communicating information.
• Strong editing, summary writing, and proofreading skills.
• Fluent in the English language, including grammar, structure, punctuation and spelling.
• Ability to work on highly technical material with strong attention to detail.
• Posses strong organizational and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.
• Must have a strong sense of ownership over projects and tasks, be able to identify new opportunities, and have the initiative to pursue them.
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and layout experience a plus.
• Ability to travel to Field Offices overseas to conduct interviews and compose original piece of work a plus.

Click here for more information.

Rates and Info. Listed for Arab American Newspaper

A couple of days ago, I posted information about an Arab American newspaper that is seeking writers based in California. In that ad, there was no mention of the newspaper's name or compensation structure. Now, there is a new ad containing this information.

The newspaper is Aramica, and compensation for articles is as follows:

For social and community event coverage : blurb 250 words + photos (w/ captions) - approx 2 hours of work - we pay $50/event.

Feature articles : human interest stories, interviews with (2-3 photos) - +/- 1100 words - we pay between $125- $150.

For Cover stories: investigative reporting and high profile interviews - +/- 2000 words - we pay up to $250.

Remember, this is not a newspaper just for Muslims, but a general publication geared towards Arabs of different backgrounds and faiths. I would imagine, however, that there are opportunities to cover Islamic issues in a way that is relevant to the mission of the newspaper.

Read the whole ad here.

Writers needed for Arab American newspaper

According to this ad:

An established Arab American newspaper is planning on launching its West Coast version and is looking for experienced writers able to cover community events and do investigative reporting in Arabic and/or in English.

must have extensive knowledge in Middle Eastern and specifically Arabic culture and must have ties with the Arab American communities living in California State.
we are looking ONLY for experienced writers in both languages (Arabic and/or English).

Investigative Writer for South Asian Magazine in Canada

This sounds like it has the potential to be of interest to Muslim writers (depending, of course, on what the magazine is actually about):

We need an investigative write who can contribute one or two investigative article for our magazine every month. Magazine is south asian so we will prefer individual who can research on south asian issues here in canada .

Read the whole ad here.

Arabic Speaking Reporter

An Arabic speaking reporter is temporarily needed in New York this summer. He/she will do two on-air financial reports each morning. The successful candidate must know how to write and speak Classical Arabic.

Click here for more information about this job.

Job Openings at Karamah

There are several job openings at Karamah.org. According to the website, Karamah is:

"a Muslim human rights organization dedicated to promoting human dignity through education and legal outreach."

Of special interest to writers/editors are the following positions:

Web Editor

Director of Publications and Research

Writers and Editors for Islamic Finance News Website

Here is another Islamic finance writing/editing from Malaysia (most opportunities of this type seem to be in Malaysia, which has a thriving Shariah-based economy):

Experienced Business Editor and also Sub-editors/writers/freelancers wanted by Furqan Research Sdn Bhd to handle its up and coming Islamic finance news website.

Islamic Finance Writer Wanted

This Malaysia-based ad asks for:

"a journalist/writer with exposure to Islamic Finance (Shariah Finance) for a reputed publication. Editing knowledge would be added advantge. "

This is a paying opportunity.

BBC Ramadan Writing Activities for Kids

As part of its school section, the BBC has a couple of writing worksheets that may be of interest to Muslim families:

Writing a Newspaper Article on Ramadan

Using the Five Senses to Write about Eid Al-Fitr