The ProtectYouth.org Initiative is currently seeking two interns during the Spring 2011. Ideal candidates will have an interest in drug/marijuana policy reform, public policy, criminal justice, electoral/legislative politics, and social movements.  Though many internship applicants are college students, it is certainly not a requirement to apply for these positions.

Interns will gain meaningful experience in the fields of public policy, state and local politics and legislative processes, issue advocacy, non-profit organization, and campaign coordination.

About Us

The ProtectYouth.org Initiative is a coalition of parents, educators, students and other concerned citizens working in Texas to promote evidence-based solutions to reducing the harmful influence of the marijuana market ban, the root to many of the licit and illicit drug problems afflicting our youth and communities.  The initiative consists of two federally recognized nonprofits: ProtectYouth.org, our political action arm that advocates for policy change, and the ProtectYouth.org Foundation, our educational outreach initiative.

We recently launched the Safer Texas Campaign to educate the public on the relative harms of alcohol and marijuana and address increasing public safety concerns that our laws prohibiting the marijuana market are sending a dangerous message to the public that alcohol is more acceptable.

Internship candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our campaign.

We are currently seeking interns to fulfill one or more of the following responsibilities:

* Legislative Intern – Assists with proofreading Web text and e-mail alerts; monitoring news for marijuana policy-related articles; and assisting in research for our state and federal policies department.

* Communications Intern – Assists with maintaining and expanding online social networking outreach; researching other potential resources to expand campaign visibility; drafting and editing press releases, blog posts, and op-eds; and planning/coordination of meetings, press conferences and other special events.

* Membership Development and Fundraising Intern – Assists with writing persuasive, inspirational appeals. This position requires an ear for language and the ability to write clearly and compellingly about complicated issues and programs. Fundraising experience is a plus but not required.

All interns will assist with miscellaneous projects and research as assigned.

Requirements

Scheduling is somewhat flexible and involves a commitment of +/-10 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, but candidates are strongly encouraged to seek college credit through their respective department or institution.

Candidates should be comfortable using e-mail and conducting Web-based research, and they should be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel (or similar software). Consistent access to the internet and these software programs is required and having a laptop is a big plus.

Strong candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills, a professional demeanor, and the ability to work independently and telecommute.

How to Apply

E-mail a brief cover letter (pasted in the body of the e-mail is fine) and a resume (if you have one) to resumes@protectyouth.org . Your letter should specify (1) why you are interested in working with our initiative, (2) which internship responsibilities you are applying for (feel free to say all), (3) a brief description of your long-term view of marijuana policy, and (4) whether you have any volunteer or employment experience in drug policy advocacy or other social work (none required). Feel free to include any other information you deem relevant, not to exceed one page. Your email should also include your name, e-mail address and phone number, as well as your school, year in school, and your academic major.

Thank you for your interest.