Environmental Advocacy Fellowship
Environmental Advocacy Fellowship
Internship Timeframes
Intern is expected to work for a period of 14 weeks.
Winter/Spring Summer Fall
Compensation
The Environmental Advocacy Fellow will not be paid on an hourly basis. Fellow will receive a $4,500
stipend at the conclusion of the fellowship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be
taking this internship for credit.
Position Summary
The Environmental Advocacy fellowship opportunity was established in partnership between Hope
College and West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) to develop advocacy, education,
and sustainability leadership skills related to water protection, climate change, and other environmental
issues in West Michigan. The Environmental Advocacy Fellow will report primarily to WMEAC’s Deputy
Director, but will also provide support as needed to other staff members.
Fellow will work closely with staff and WMEAC’s IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environmental
Allies and Leaders) and ACT (Action, Coordination & Transformation) committees. Although specific
tasks will depend on environmental policy issues that arise during the course of the fellowship, fellow is
expected to:
Research and summarize policy issues and environmental questions
Program development and administrative activities to support WMEAC’s programs team
Identify, track, and analyze important environmental legislation
Additional duties include serving the community by delivering presentations and interactive
activities to interested student, faith based, and/or civic groups about environmental issues
Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected when the fellow’s schedule permits.
Qualifications
Required:
Rising senior at Hope College pursuing a degree in environmental studies and/or environmental
science.
Knowledge of and a strong interest in federal, state, and local political systems; environmental
issues, especially water, energy, and climate resilience
Successful academic coursework in government and political science or environmental policy
Excellent communication and writing skills, including public speaking, with a mastery of
environmental science vocabulary
Strong research skills, experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
Willingness to represent WMEAC and its committees and programs and to intelligently discuss
environmental issues with a variety of community and professional audiences
Good organizational skills, self-starter; leadership experience a plus
Demonstrated dedication to protecting the environment and a willingness to try new tasks and
outreach opportunities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher)
Reliable personal transportation, and flexible availability
Successfully clear a background and felony records check
Organization Background
West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization working to
protect and enhance West Michigan’s environment by translating the concerns of people into positive
action. WMEAC has been delivering environmental education and advocacy to the West Michigan
community for over 50 years.
Work Location
Intern will work out of the WMEAC office to the extent possible. However, our staff is currently working
a hybrid schedule where staff members work 2-3 days per week in the office and 2-3 days per week at
home. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will
be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will
primarily be Tuesday - Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to
accomplish the internship goals and tasks.
To Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and application to wmeac.org/internships
by January 22, 2024. WMEAC is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be discriminated against on
the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.