Obama says we should raise the minimum wage, but barackobama.com advertises for “unpaid” interns

In February 2013, Obama said:

“Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, and raise the federal minimum wage to $9.00 an hour. This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank; rent or eviction; scraping by or finally getting ahead. For businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money in their pockets. In fact, working folks shouldn’t have to wait year after year for the minimum wage to go up while CEO pay has never been higher. So here’s an idea that Governor Romney and I actually agreed on last year: let’s tie the minimum wage to the cost of living, so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on.”

However, barackobama.com advertises for “unpaid” interns. The bolding is mine:

https://my.barackobama.com/page/s/organizing-for-action-hq-internship—chicago

HQ Internship Opportunity:

OFA is now accepting applications for full-time and part-time HQ Interns for the Spring 2014 and Summer 2014 HQ Internship Programs in Chicago, IL. HQ Interns will have the unique opportunity to work closely with staff in advancing the President’s agenda. Departmental placements available include Grassroots Organizing, Training, Issue Campaigns, Digital, Press and Finance. Please include your departmental placement preferences in your cover letter. Accepted HQ Interns will be paired with departments based on their stated interest, qualifications and availability. This is a 14-week, unpaid internship program.

Please note that our Washington, D.C. location is not our primary location and has a limited number of staff and, accordingly, internship positions available. As a result, we are no longer considering candidates for this location.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated individual with a strong desire to learn and a deep commitment to OFA’s mission. Requirements of the candidate include:

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Strong desire to learn and work in the field of public service, grassroots organizing, and political engagement

Strong project management skills

Detail oriented, thinking critically and creatively

Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment

Strong commitment to changing the world

Spring Program Dates: January 2014 – May 2014

Summer Program Dates: May 2014 – August 2014

If you are interested in volunteering in your state, consider applying to the Organizing for Action Organizing Fellowship Program.

Organizing for Action is an equal opportunity employer.