Yakima County Field Organizing Intern
Paid Yakima Field Organizing Internship
Position Summary:
Want to be part of a team of passionate and resourceful organizers who are building power to tackle our state’s biggest environmental issues? Does the idea of working for clean air, clean water, and equitable environmental legislation for all Washingtonians excite you? Come join our team!
Washington Conservation Action (WCA) is seeking talented individuals who believe in the power of the people to elect environmental champions to office and make a difference in local communities. Our Community Engagement and Legislative Interns will work as a team with our Field Organizers on targeted voter contact and volunteer recruitment. Interns will engage in WCA’s efforts to elect environmental champions and support programs such as voter recruitment, community outreach in King, Yakima and Clark and Cowlitz Counties, bills from the Environmental Priorities Coalition, the removal of the Lower Snake River Dams and more! This internship will be largely online with a few recommended in-person events, in key geographies during legislative session season. Applicants must be based in Washington and we encourage people in the following counties to apply: King, Cowlitz, Clark, and Yakima.
This internship will be predominantly online and remote, with opportunities for recommended, but not required in-person events and meetups. This internship will start the week of February 24, 2025 and run through May 9, 2025. Interns will have weekly supervisory meetings, trainings related to organizing, legislative, and professional work beyond WCA, professional development, and networking opportunities. Interns will receive grounding in racial justice principles and gain skills to successfully organize activists.
About Our Organization:
Washington Conservation Action (WCA) is a statewide environmental advocacy organization that advances environmental policies and pushes for actions that equitably address climate pollution, restore Puget Sound, sustain our state’s forests, and protect our democracy. For Washington to remain a national leader on environmental issues, we need environmental champions in elected office and to hold our leaders accountable. To keep our environment protected, healthy, and vibrant, we are committed to supporting Native candidates, candidates of color, and environmental leaders seeking election.
We are committed to a representative, socially just, and welcoming work environment – young people, people of color, people with varying abilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are especially encouraged to apply. We continue to advance the application of a racial equity lens to our work and are led by a CEO who is a citizen of the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs, Oregon.
Internship Hours, Timeframe, and Stipend:
The Field Organizing Intern will work approximately 15 hours per week, with some variability due to field events and opportunities. The internship is expected to start the week of February 24, 2025 and conclude May 9, 2025. Interns will work remotely, with possible in person meetings or events as scheduled with your supervisor. Interns will join three to five meetings per week via phone or video, including a weekly check in with their supervisor. Interns should be available for occasional evening shifts. Schedule is flexible and may vary weekly based on our field opportunities. This internship can count as course credit if approved by your institution. A $2,790 stipend will be provided and disbursed in three segments throughout the internship. We offer a $100 wellness stipend for items and services that promote mental and physical health, and reimbursement for any work-related travel. We will also provide work-from-home technology such as a laptop, headset, etc. if needed.
Primary Responsibilities
Build power for the environmental movement by supporting our legislative work, including collaboration with the Environmental Priorities Coalition
Recruit, train, and mobilize activists to lobby their elected officials through legislative hearings, lobby days, and town halls
Represent WCA at events as needed
Engage volunteers from existing member lists and implement innovative outreach techniques to engage our activist base
Provide digital support by tracking local candidate events to share with our activists
Maintain and organize data in various databases
Voter registration and outreach efforts
Other tasks to support WCA’s field activities
Qualifications and Required Skills
Previous organizing experience is not required. Candidates should have:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in person, by phone, and over video conference
Ability to work well individually and as part of a team
Comfort with Microsoft Office applications, web searches, documents, and email
Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and make it to remote meetings in a timely manner
Enjoys talking with others, can shrug off cold responses easily while maintaining a professional and considerate demeanor
Positive attitude and able to have fun while working efficiently
Discretion and integrity to work with and maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information
A passion for environmental and racial justice, voting rights, and legislative advocacy
Desirable Skills
Experience with community organizing, including school/student organizing
Knowledge of Washington state environmental policy and politics
Bilingual English & Spanish
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume and your typical availability here. Please submit applications by January 26, 2025.
WCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to dismantling structural racism and creating a welcoming work environment. WCA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to live in Washington state?
Yes, but you can work virtually from anywhere within the state. We ask that candidates live in-state so that we are in the same time zone and so that we are rooted in the communities and issues we are working with.
Do I need to have experience lobbying or working for a political campaign?
No! You do not need previous experience as an intern or volunteer for a legislator or political campaign. You will be a strong candidate if you have demonstrated interest through your actions in racial justice or politics previously, but this can look like student group involvement, attending rallies or demonstrations, and more.
What kinds of candidates benefit most from this internship?
While we don’t have any age or education restrictions with this position, typically candidates who get the most out of this internship are getting their associate’s/undergraduate degree. We find that individuals who are later in their career and/or obtaining their master’s degree already have a lot of the knowledge and skills that we teach in this internship (ex. Political background on the state legislature, learning how to recruit volunteers or facilitate a large meeting). This internship is a strong foundation for people who want to dive deeper into the field of advocacy at environmental nonprofits and state politics.