Supporting the MIA Mission
MIA is appreciative of those who have opened their hearts to our mission, and we welcome those who want to lend their time and talent or treasure to join MIA in defending the diverse immigrant communities in the Mid-South. It takes all hands to hold up our organization and its programs.
Ways to Give:
Time & Talent
Due to the nature of our work, MIA does not typically provide volunteer opportunities to the general public. However, if you have special experience or skills (social work, counseling, professional interpretation/translation capabilities, etc.), we would be happy to discuss ways we can work together to assist our clients.
Interning with MIA is a rewarding way to serve immigrant families in the Mid-South while learning about our complex immigration system. Specific assignments depend on experience and interest, but intern responsibilities typically involve the following:
- Assist attorneys in opening, closing, and maintaining files as needed, including filing.
- Assist in client interviews with interpretation or other assistance as needed.
- Conduct legal or country conditions research under supervision of staff attorneys.
- Update and maintain list of social services for major regions of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
- Complete data sheets with sponsors at Legal Orientation Program for Custodian presentations at the Memphis Immigration Court; assist with changes of address and refer to social services.
- Complete immigration forms or applications under supervision of staff attorneys.
- Attend court hearings for observation.
- Participate in outreach/community events with staff.
- All interns are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
College Internships
MIA generally offers internships to 1 – 2 college students per semester. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of college coursework. No specific experience is required; basic computer skills are mandatory and Spanish language fluency is preferred. All internships are unpaid, and scheduling is flexible, including weekly hours and internship start/end dates. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume.
Summer
DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 15, 2020
Selections will be made by April 1, 2020.
Fall
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 15, 2020
Selections will be made by August 1, 2020.
Spring
DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 15, 2020
Selections will be made by December 1, 2020.
Law School Externships
MIA is an externship field placement option for law students attending the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Please visit the U of M Externship Program website to learn more about applying for an externship with MIA for course credit. Law student externships involve regular intern activities in addition to significant research, writing, and advocacy.
If you are an attorney seeking to provide free legal services, please contact Memphis’s Joint Immigration Pro Bono Coordinator, Lauren Prater, at 901-529-4596 or complete the online request form. Ms. Prater coordinates pro bono training and referrals for MIA and Community Legal Center. We truly appreciate the valuable work of pro bono attorneys who volunteer their time, experience, and resources to help our community.
If you have special experience or skills you would like to share to assist our clients (social work, counseling, professional interpretation/translation capabilities, trauma assessments, etc.), we would be happy to discuss ways we can work together. Contact us for more information