Also, here is a link to a different point of view on the matter: http://www.nptimes.com/webex/09Jan/c2-1-1-09.html. I guess in these uncertain times, and with the DOL tightening up in general on exploitation of interns, if I were a nonprofit, I would try to figure out a way to give some meaningful training to my intern and even better, to work with their academic institution to try to get them academic credit for their internship. I believe that would also help the nonprofit get a higher quality individual into their program.

Thanks again for weighing in!

* The FLSA makes a special exception under certain circumstances for individuals who volunteer to perform services for a state or local government agency and for individuals who volunteer for humanitarian purposes for private non-profit food banks. WHD also recognizes an exception for individuals who volunteer their time, freely and without anticipation of compensation for religious, charitable, civic, or humanitarian purposes to non-profit organizations. Unpaid internships in the public sector and for non-profit charitable organizations, where the intern volunteers without expectation of compensation, are generally permissible. WHD is reviewing the need for additional guidance on internships in the public and non-profit sectors.

Lisa

I also like the idea of blogging internally until executives are comfortable with the forum.