The JPIC Office in Washington, D.C., represents Columban missionaries through advocacy, solidarity and education. The JPIC Office is dedicated to raising the peace, social justice and ecology concerns of Columban missionaries and the people with whom they live and serve. As people of faith, we are both challenged and called to raise the voices of the most marginalized in our world.

While not a prerequisite, the following background and skills are desirable to work in the Internship/Volunteer Program:

• Work in Latin America or Asia (course work or volunteer work)
• Activism in justice, peace and environmental issues
• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching and Mission
• Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills
• Knowledge of Spanish or Asian language (ability to translate is particularly helpful)
• Editing and website design
• Experience working with or active participation in faith communities
  
  Possible Projects for Interns and Volunteers:

• Research JPIC issues affecting Columban missionaries
• Attend and report on network meetings as a Columban representative
• Participate in the implementation of outreach educational efforts by researching and writing education and advocacy alerts, doing presentations, etc.
• Support Columban advocacy efforts directed at Congress, U.S. government agencies and multilateral financial institutions
• Assist with administrative and logistical tasks

Please send the following materials to be considered for Internship/Volunteer Program: resume, cover letter, writing sample, at least two references, and dates and hours per week of availability.

Please send application package to Amy Woolam Echeverria at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Download a PDF of our internship applications:

Volunteer Intern Application (International)

Mission Exposure Program Application

CCAO Advocacy Internship Application

Columban Volunteers USA Application

* The Internship/Volunteer Program is unpaid. Participants are responsible for their own expenses.

Here is what volunteers have said about working at the Columban JPIC Office:
Caitlin (fall 2007): “I had an absolutely great experience with the Columban JPIC Office.  I got to do things I never thought I would like lobbying a Senator’s office. I was provided with some amazing, eye-opening experiences and would definitely recommend the program."

Paula (summer 2007): “The opportunity to see social conflicts through a religious focus is something that I believe is unique to this internship. I expect to use a lot of the experiences and information I learned to become better prepared for my university classes and community service endeavors."

Christopher, Columban seminarian (summer 2007): “The meetings I’ve attended exposed me to global justice issues and the phone calls and faxes to Congress provided me a hands-on exposure of practical and effective ways of doing advocacy work."

Will (summer 2006): “I feel a great desire to keep my eyes wide open and stand up for what I know is truly right. My faith and this internship have given me confidence and shown me how to seek truth and righteousness in all aspects of life.”