Political Advocate 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 54 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.

Right now Michigan is experiencing a surge in proposed data center developments despite the protests of local residents all across the state - who have good reason to be skeptical. Data centers consistently promise economic development opportunities that dont materialize. While there are temporary job gains during construction data centers have historically created only a few low wage jobs in the long term while communities pay the price in higher energy bills and threats to water quality. A May 2026 poll found that 77% of Michigan residents support regulations requiring more transparency from data center projects. We need to pause this data center frenzy before more damage is done. Thats why were working to pass a moratorium on data center construction across the state.

From now (October) until Election Day (November 3rd) we are working on a special project combining our fight against data centers with the need to turn folks around the state out to vote all the way down the ballot. We need to ensure that strong environmental advocates who will push back on data centers are elected to local state and federal offices and that our supporters understand all of the different options for voting in Michigan.

Responsibilities of this special voter turnout focused internship include:

• Ensuring communities are aware of our issues and given the tools to achieve solutions by organizing with our field canvass team.

• Talking with community members about voting in order to elect strong environmental candidates

• Educating registered voters about options for absentee voting and making sure they know when/where to vote

• Participating in occasional press conferences lobby days virtual town halls and other events

Qualifications :

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.

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 the election as well as opportunities for future permanent positions and career development along with opportunities for travel to national conferences and to other offices across the country.

For this internship we are seeking students to work with us for the fall semester starting any time and working at least through Election Day.  Hours are from 2pm to 10:30pm in East Lansing. We are looking for students who can work these hours at least 3 days/week Mon through Fri. After a 5 day training period pay is $22/hour. This internship could potentially be used for class credit as well depending on the requirements of the school or program.

Additional Information :

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 specific plans to be located in Ann Arbor or East Lansing MI. If you dont 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 all locations we operate Clean Water Action complies with all FLSA requirements and applicable state labor requirements.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Intern