Excerpts from Student Letters to Future Interns

"Through this internship you will learn what empowerment is. You will learn what it feels like to really put your all into something and then actually see concrete results. This will be one of the most rewarding summers of your life." Saqib

"What this summer is about is pure neighborhood democracy. The best part about the job is that it simply requires you to go out and talk to people. These conversations are demanding. You have to listen. You have to keep an open, critical mind. You have to put yourself in the other person's shoes. If you can do all these things, you will find yourself succeeding as an organizer, and helping to bring about real improvements in people's lives." Matt

"The great thing about organizing is that you are helping people to make changes in the world. You aren't doing it yourself, you're doing something much more valuable. The fact that you are facilitating leaders to shift power is the coolest thing ever. You will do something amazing in ten weeks." Demian

"I think that especially as a young and energetic person, this summer you will bring hope and a sense of empowerment to so many people. It's such an amazing feeling to know that your summer work will be continued by community members to improve the lives of people in their community." Maggie

"When I got here, I was the most cynical person on the planet. I had experienced a lot of things with regards to social justice work and I was fed up… So I was thinking, there's no way this will be worth it. Thank god I was wrong. This summer has been amazing. I could tell you lots of stories about how I organized with and for public housing residents on the South Side. I could tell you how I organized people in ways I never thought I could… All I can say is this: remember to take care of yourself (don't let it devour you), but also throw yourself into it. Ten weeks is nothing. Make it count. Don't ever hold back — go to all the meetings and talk to every single person you meet." Ranjit

"I am not an authoritative person. I have always worked hard at the tasks I'm assigned, but I've never been one to step up and run the show. This summer changed everything… It was a slow process, a person doesn't change overnight, but I am now a person who isn't afraid to go for what I want. I'm amazed that I, a person who couldn't even get a group of elderly women to listen to me at first, was able to not only organize a public forum, but produce a good turnout… You will discover not only amazing things about the hearts and capabilities of other people, but you will learn so much about your own heart and your own capabilities and you will do things you never thought possible." Ellie

"You don't know it yet, but you're really in for an experience. I'm sure the wonderful Midwest Academy trainers have done their best to prepare you, but nothing can prepare you for how incredible it is to help people struggle for justice and power… The energy I brought was important, but what really inspired me was the energy and ideas of our volunteer leaders. That's who it's all about, and if you constantly remember that, you'll have tons of fun and change the world." Will