Environmental Justice Advocacy - Paid Internship

As an advocacy intern at Clean Water Action, you will be working with our organizing team. Our grassroots organizing team speaks to Michigan residents every day about local issues, informing and educating the public, building support and channeling that support into action. Over the past 53 years, we have worked on a wide variety of issues connected to water quality, water access and environmental justice. Our recent victories include passing a drinking water standard for PFAs in Michigan, setting the highest standard for lead in drinking water in the country, and funding lead pipe replacement across the state.

Currently, we are working with the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics coalition to pass a Michigan state law that comprehensively prohibits monopoly utilities like DTE and Consumers Energy from making state or local political contributions. From issues like holding polluters accountable to taking the big, bold steps that we need to address the climate crisis, political money from major corporations has been a consistent roadblock to passing people-centered policy. We can no longer allow monopoly corporations and corporations seeking state contracts to buy their way out of accountability and drown out the voice of the people.  And we can't rely on our lawmakers to do the right thing, so we're putting this issue on the ballot for November of 2026!

Responsibilities of this internship include:

• Identifying volunteers who will work with us to collect petition signatures and assist with signature validation
• Ensuring, by grassroots organizing and fundraising in the community, that communities are made aware of these issues and given the tools to participate in the solutions
• Aiding community members in signing petitions
• Participating in occasional press conferences, lobby days, and other events.

We look for candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills, and who possess good attention to detail. Candidates must possess cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice and equity, and should have an interest in non-profit work, policy, or politics. Candidates must enjoy working directly with people and be comfortable engaging with community members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Multilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

These are in person positions. Employees are expected to be masked in indoor spaces, and we clean and sanitize the office and our vehicles multiple times per day. We provide masks and sanitizer to all staff. 

From this opportunity, you will receive training on environmental issues including regular seminars, training in the legislative process and the political arena, and you will develop strong communication and organizational skills. You will be working as part of a highly motivated and dedicated team who are interested in your personal development. There will be opportunities to continue to work with us beyond this internship, as well as opportunities for future permanent positions and career development. We also provide opportunities for travel to national conferences, and to other offices across the country.

For this internship, we are seeking students to work with us in the fall of 2025 or for the winter semester beginning January 2026.  Hours are from 2pm to 10:30pm in Ann Arbor or East Lansing. We are looking for students who can work these hours at least 2 days/week, Mon through Fri. Pay is $20/hr plus performance bonuses. This internship could potentially be used for class credit as well, depending on the requirements of the school or program.

Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund values a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Clean Water Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, terminations, pay, and the work environment. 

* Unfortunately, we do not provide any housing assistance. We welcome applicants from around the country, but please only apply if you have a specific plans to be located in Ann Arbor or East Lansing, MI. If you don't already have plans to be in Michigan please consider applying for one of our positions listed in a region that is closer to your home or school base.

* Clean Water Action adheres to all the principles of professional practice set forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. This is a paid internship. In all locations we operate, Clean Water Action complies with all FLSA requirements and applicable state labor requirements.