Government Relations Intern

SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. Our Government Relations team advocates for policies and legislation that support LGBTQ+ older adults, addressing their unique needs in areas such as healthcare, housing, and economic security.


Internship Overview:

The Government Relations Internship offers undergraduate students majoring in Political Science or related fields the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy, advocacy, and government affairs. Interns will assist in legislative research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts, and they will gain insight into the legislative process at local, state, and federal levels, focusing on the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.


Duration:

• 12-16 weeks (flexible based on academic calendar)
• Part-time (10-15 hours per week)
• Hybrid or Remote

Key Responsibilities:

• Legislative Research & Monitoring: Track legislation impacting LGBTQ+ older adults and report on key developments in local, state, and federal government.
• Policy Analysis: Assist with analyzing policies that affect older adults, focusing on healthcare, housing, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Advocacy Campaign Support: Support grassroots organizing efforts, such as voter registration drives, and assist in planning advocacy days with elected officials.
• Correspondence and Outreach: Draft memos, letters of support, and emails to policymakers, legislators, and community stakeholders.
• Event Assistance: Help organize advocacy events, including legislator site visits, voter engagement activities, and community briefings.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Compile data and statistics to support the Government Relations team in advocating for policy changes.
• Attending Meetings & Hearings: Accompany SAGE Government Relations staff to city council hearings, legislative briefings, and community meetings as available.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, with a focus on issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities.
• Develop skills in policy research, legislative analysis, and nonprofit advocacy.
• Participate in networking opportunities with policymakers, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals.
• Learn about current LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns and policies at local, state, and federal levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrollment in an academic institution that grants undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Public Policy, or other related fields.
• Passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and the advocacy issues affecting older adults.
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of LGBTQ+ policy issues is a plus but not required.

Compensation:

The internship is unpaid but offers course credit if coordinated with the intern's academic institution.


Application Process:

Are you interested? (We hope so!): Please apply through our careers page:

Please include 3 documents in your application:

1. Your resume
2. A cover letter describing your interest in SAGE and government relations, as well as how this internship aligns with your academic and career goals.
3. A writing sample (1-2 pages) that showcases your research and analysis skills (can be a previous academic paper or policy brief).

Deadline to Apply: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early applications are encouraged for the fall, spring, and summer terms.


Just a reminder:

SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, citizenship status, marital or family status, family medical history or genetic information, veteran status, HIV serostatus, military or military discharge status, height, weight, disability or handicap, domestic violence victim status, employment status, socioeconomic status, criminal history or arrest record, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, natural hair or hairstyle, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SAGE is dedicated to this policy, with respect to all matters concerning employment.