Policy & Programming Internship

Offered By: 
Common Cause Texas
Job Location: 
Austin
Salary: 
Unpaid
Job Description: 
Essential Functions Common Cause Texas is seeking Summer Interns to assist with advocacy campaigns, grassroots engagement, research, communications, member outreach, and events. Common Cause works on a number of issues in Texas, such as campaign finance reform, first vote registration, and modern elections infrastructure. We also work on local and national issues, ranging from Election Protection poll monitoring to redistricting and gerrymandering. Working at Common Cause is a chance to see how good governments operate, learning what is working, what isn’t, and how to change it. You will get to work with volunteers and staff to advocate to the legislature and to local municipal governments. You will work on Common Cause Texas’ core issue areas, as well as focus on: research and report writing, grassroots organizing, campaign planning and execution, and communications. Specific projects may vary as-needed and will be designed to benefit your internship experience with substantive work. Responsibilities Some different responsibilities of Common Cause interns include: Grassroots Organizing • Recruit new volunteers and organize existing volunteers to lobby, participate in community events, petitioning, canvassing, phone banking, and fundraising. • Collaborate with new and innovative organizations or businesses. • Organize and participate in speaking opportunities (panels, rallies, film screenings, etc.) on Common Cause issues. Communications • Draft press releases, training materials, fact sheets, editorials, letters-to-the-editor, website material, including blog posts. • Recruit and draft profiles of members and advocates in the good government and democracy movements. • Maintain social media pages by creating content, including graphics, video production, member profiles, and assist in development of social media outreach. Research & Writing • Analyze current and past legislation before the Texas Legislature on Common Cause issues. • Develop materials (fact sheets, research reports, etc.) for issue campaigns to be used by legislators, staff, and volunteers for advocacy work. • Substantive reports on the state of our democracy. Qualifications Individuals with a keen interest in government affairs, a can-do attitude, and commitment to a fair and transparent democracy are highly encouraged to apply. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Familiarity with Common Cause issues is preferred. Knowledge of the Texas political field is also preferred. Other skills include proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), prior office or organizing experience, detail-oriented. Strong written and oral communication skills are also advantageous.
Application Instructions: 
To Apply We are looking for summer interns both part-time and full-time to work in the Austin office with the possibility to work remotely. Part-time interns will be expected to commit at least 10-15 hours per week. We are happy to work with your school to provide academic credit. Please submit resume and cover letter to agnaedinger@commoncause.org and include INTERN and your LAST NAME in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though you are encouraged to apply soon.
Experience Required: 
Preferred
Contact Information: 
Amanda Gnaedinger Southwest Organizer agnaedinger@commoncause.org (she/her)
Type of Internship: 
Non-Profit
Comments: 
Benefits In addition to on-the-job training in grassroots organizing, communications, legislative advocacy, and drafting, interns will have the opportunity to attend planned weekly lunches with local and state leaders, as well as advocates and legislators. In this speaker series, interns will have face-to-face conversations about Texas politics, elections, voting, and our democracy. Interns will also have several opportunities to attend conferences and events related to our work, both as a Common Cause representative, and as an event participant. This is an unpaid position; however, the position may qualify for college credit.
Posted By: 
Common Cause Texas
Expiration Date: 
Friday, May 25, 2018