Ruby Ecker-Wylie
Unpaid Internship Grant
Company: Jailhouse Lawyers Initiative
Type of work: Internship
Where did you find the internship? I learned about the JLI from the founding director Jhody Polk when she came to speak at one of my classes at The New School.
Would you recommend it for other Lang students? Yes!
Internship Description:
During the spring semester of 2024 I worked as an administrative intern at the Jailhouse Lawyers Initiative. A legal empowerment organization that works with and supports jailhouse lawyers across the country. As an intern I organized and filed all incoming communications received from our members in and outside of prisons across the country. I worked closely with the team at JLI to assess where the needs of our members were and in which ways we could best support our community of jailhouse lawyers. I learned the intricacies and nuances of managing direct outreach and community building. My time at the JLI was inspiring and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to work with the dedicated group of activists, research and advocates that make up the JLI.
How has this project been impactful or transformative — for you personally or for those this work has impacted:
This opportunity showed me what it means to be an advocate of change and has taught me the skills needed to practice justice and care.
What would you do differently? How would you advise a student who is going to do something similar?
It’s hard not to be intimidated by new spaces but I would always advise another student to put themselves out there and ask questions. To get to know the people your working with and not be afraid to connect.
How is this experience connected to your academic work?
Working at the JLI has taught me a lot about what it means to practice care within organizations and institutions. As well as what it means to shape change and create justice for other people, particularly impacted by injustice and the carceral system.