The Justice & Peace Office (JPO) of the Archdiocese of Sydney is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for passionate people wanting to practically deepen their understanding of social justice issues and Catholic Social Teachings (CST)!
This 8-week program (8 hours per week) seeks to give you an opportunity to learn from the JPO team on how to channel your passion – and oftentimes anger with the structural issues affecting you – into dynamic social justice projects and movements. Under the framework of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), you will learn how to work in solidarity with each other and with the most vulnerable in our community to promote the dignity of all people and the greater common good.
During your time, you will be involved in one or more of JPO’s project areas where you may conduct research, draft reports and articles, contribute to policy brief writing, manage contacts and social medias, attend and partake in meetings and become an integral part of the JPO team. Projects include Mental Health, Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability, Reconciliation, Communications (Podcasting, Newsletters, and Social Media) and Housing & Homelessness.
To submit your application* to the program, please contact our Internship Coordinator, Cailey Sharp, and specify which intake you wish to be part of:
cailey.sharp@sydneycatholic.org
*Applications for April, 2024 are open!
Testimonials
“My experience at the Justice and Peace Office was truly exceptional. The work environment was not only excellent but also marked by unwavering support from my mentors and supervisors, who welcomed me with their extensive knowledge. Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of contributing to the development and organization of the “Caring for Creation Guide” for parishes, an integral part of the Justice and Peace Office’s Laudato Si’ Action Tool Kit. Additionally, I played a role in orchestrating the launch event dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and care for creation.
This experience has endowed me with a wide array of invaluable skills, encompassing networking, event planning, adeptness in public speaking, research capabilities, analytical proficiency, as well as a profound understanding of legal and policy intricacies. These skills are not only an asset in the immediate context but will undoubtedly serve me well throughout my life.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to complete my internship at the JPO and wholeheartedly endorse it to others seeking a rewarding and enriching experience.”
Emma Stenz, Past JPO Intern
SOSJ: Have your say
The Justice & Peace Office is proud to present “Speaking of Social Justice: Have your Say.”
Hosted by a JPO intern each week, SOSJ: Have your Say is a podcast by young people, for young people, informing you of all the current and breaking highlights of the week through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Join us every week for our take on the latest social justice issues affecting you. Like our sister podcast “Speaking of Social Justice,” we aim to give our audience a greater insight into Mental Health, Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Environment & Sustainability, the Housing Crisis, Equity & Discrimination, and other domestic and international and domestic affairs to keep young people informed.
Season 1
Episode 1: Disconnect to Reconnect
To debut the first ever episode of Speaking of Social Justice: Have your Say, JPO intern and Human Resources student, Isaac Zammit, discusses Australia’s new work-life balance law. While many are left cheering over no longer been obligated to respond to pesky work emails outside of working hours, some are left scratching their heads on how to manage this new balance when urgent matters hit their desk and how this might influence worker-management conflict.
Episode 2: Housing – It’s time for the Vienna Model
This week on SOSJ: Have you say, JPO intern and Business student, Hugh Neill, discusses NSW’s current housing challenges and the JPO’s pre-budget submission. In this episode, Hugh goes on to detail the viennese solution when it comes to social/public housing, what housing in Australia means for the younger generations if this problem is not addressed, and how Australia would greatly benefit from adapting to the Vienna Model. To read more, please visit our pre-budget housing submission:
Isaac Zammit is back to discuss the impact of social media on young minds. Though social media has revolutionised the way we interact, it comes with several downsides. Specifically, its highly addictive nature. In this episode, Isaac delves into the brain’s reward chemicals and their crucial role in motivating and Heightening online engagement, later explaining how social media imitates dopamine-driven reward-seeking behaviours. With 97% of teens using social media, understanding the mechanisms behind social media’s addictive qualities is paramount.
Read more here:
Episode 4: Why is Lent Important?
In this week’s episode, Sarah Khosho, JPO Intern and ACU student, sheds light on the importance of the Lent season. Sarah emphasises that Lent is a time to rekindle our spiritual connection with God and how it presents us with an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with Him. She also goes on to discuss the significance of fasting, self-control, and showing compassion for others during Lent.
This Lenten season, walk with love and rejoice through prayer and fasting.
Episode 5: Redefining Security
JPO intern Isaac Zammit is back to redefine security: The case for diplomatic engagement over military expansion in Australia. Isaac delves into The notion of a ‘just war’ and Pope Francis’ unequivocal stance against war as a means to achieve peace. The case for Australia to realign its defence strategy would not only align with the Catholic teaching regarding the rejection of war but also contribute to a more stable economy and peaceful international order. Australia has the opportunity to champion a more peaceful, stable, and just world.
