HAVERFORD, Pa. – Shannon Smith's play in the paint made an impact for the Haverford College women's basketball team as the Fords made a historic run to the program's first Centennial Conference championship in 2013-2014. This summer Smith '15 is looking to make an impact in another sphere as she interns with Voice of Witness in San Francisco, Calif., through the Center for Peace and Global Citizenship (CPGC) summer internship program.

The CPGC is an academic center at Haverford College with the mission of integrating innovative scholarship and responsible civic engagement. Through its myriad programs, the Center serves as a bridge between the classroom and the world at large around issues of peace and social justice.

CPGC's internship programs have been developed to widen and deepen Haverford's connections with social change organizations and to encourage a collaborative approach to pressing social, cultural and ethical concerns.

Smith, one of 64 Haverford students who is having his or her work funded by the CPGC this summer, is working with Voice of Witness, a nonprofit book series that illuminates the individual stories of global and domestic human rights crises. By publishing oral histories, the organization gives a voice to those who normally would not be heard. Voice of Witness also engages students and readers with these narratives through an education program, which provides free curriculum for the classroom and the larger community.

"My internship combines online outreach and communications with copyediting and educational program work," said Smith. "I have helped with book events and oral history training workshops. I also update our website and assist with proofreading, fact checking, and promoting our upcoming book, 'Palestine Speaks'."

"The CPGC offers a unique experience for students to engage in work that they otherwise may not be able to pursue as undergraduates," commented the Bethlehem, Pa. native. "I decided to do a CPGC internship as a way to support a nonprofit organization's mission while challenging myself to learn and live in a new city."

Smith, an English major and anthropology minor, has always been interested in publishing, communications, and humanitarian issues. "This particular internship aligned perfectly with my professional and academic goals and has proved to be a productive way of improving my individual skills while sharing others' meaningful stories," shared Shannon.

Reflecting on the experience, Smith is thankful for the opportunity made possible by the CPGC. "I have appreciated the chance to meet a unique group of people, both in person and through their narratives, who have incredibly revealing stories," stated last year's starting center. "The experience has allowed me to learn from the stories that we work to share."

Smith, who has been enjoying exploring a new city and meeting such interesting people every day, revealed she has "discovered an amazing network of teachers, journalists, and anthropologists in San Francisco who are pursuing incredible projects related to oral history and social justice."

A long way from Pennsylvania, Smith feels her time on the West Coast has provided a multi-faceted learning experience. "I have been able to apply my personal interest in current events to my academic interest in writing and reading about political and anthropological topics," she offered. "This internship has already informed my thesis, which will focus on the political conflict in Northern Ireland through a cultural and literary lens." Learning to recognize the complexities of oral history, which include socio-economic and moral considerations, Smith has come to see that "gathering individuals' stories is a careful process that can lead to powerful results if conducted properly."

Smith feels fortunate to be a part of the supportive community created by Voice of Witness and the CPGC. "I was lucky enough to work with another Haverford student, Kaziah White, this summer and it was wonderful to share this amazing experience with her," reflected the rising senior. "The staff here has also been incredible, as they have both entrusted us with important projects while guiding us throughout the publishing process and sharing new ways of approaching complex issues."