When was the last time your term paper saved a national treasure?
Internships with Meaning
We all care deeply about our environment. We also know that, as a state, we need to be taking more action to ensure that our environment is preserved, especially when powerful interests stand in the way.
Environment California acts as a strong advocate on a broad range of environmental issues, including promoting clean energy, protecting our open spaces, cleaning up our air and water, and advancing global warming solutions. We speak out and take action at the local, state, and national levels to protect our precious natural resources.
Our approach works; we have been a part of many important victories for the environment. In 2006, Environment California helped pass two of the nation’s strongest pieces of legislation to fight global warming. In 2006, Environment California passed SB 1, establishing the nation's largest solar program committing $3.2 billion in consumer rebates to build a million solar roofs over the next 11 years. Also in 2006, California made history when Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law the nation’s first source-wide cap on global warming pollution, an Environment California-backed measure that will reduce emissions by 25 percent in the next 14 years. Recently, Environment California passed a critical piece of legislation in California to comprehensively reform chemical policy. With the passage of AB 1879, California’s Green Chemistry Law, California once again became the nation’s leader in limiting the public’s exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Internship Description
Internships with Environment California offer students a unique, mentored experience. Our interns work one-on-one with Environment California advocates or campaign organizers at the state capitol. Interns acquire the basic skills to analyze issues and put together solutions to problems that threaten our environment. At Environment California, interns learn that activism and participation in the democratic process yield real results. Though responsibilities vary, most internships include:
- Conducting research into critical environmental issues and preparing investigative reports
- Coordinating media events, assisting in the preparation of news releases and opinion pieces
- Attending meetings with lawmakers and other decision makers
Working with coalition partners and other environment groups on the state and federal levels - Monitoring the progress of legislation in the State Assembly and the actions of state agencies
Interns may also have the opportunity to attend local, regional, and national program briefings and trainings where they learn more about environmental issues and gain political skills.
Although Environment California internships are unpaid, students may receive academic credit from their college or university. Environment California will also participate in college work-study programs.
Qualifications
- A strong commitment to Environment California’s issues
- Strong writing and analytical skills
- The ability to debate and speak persuasively
- An enthusiasm for the work
- 20+hour weekly commitment
Available Internships
Field Internship: Work with Environment California’s campaign and advocacy staff to demonstrate support for Environment California’s issues at the state and national level. Over the course of the internship, you will learn the basics of a variety of issues, and then reach out to individuals, media outlets, organizations, and decision-makers to build visibility and gain their support.
Legislative Internship: Over the course of the internship you will work with Environment California’s advocacy staff gaining in-depth knowledge on one or two specific issues. You may help to research and write reports, organize media events, build statewide coalitions, and lobby governmental or corporate decision-makers in support of specific policy proposals.
*All fall internships are based in Sacramento, CA.
How To Apply
Interested students should submit a compelling cover letter and resume to cclair@environmentcalifornia.org. Also, for more information, please call or email Christopher Clair at 916-446-8062 x101 or cclair@environmentcalifornia.org.
Fall applications due by
September 18, 2009.