Citizen Engagement – Grassroots Organizing Intern in Washington, District of Columbia at Issue One

Citizen Engagement – Grassroots Organizing Intern

Semester: Spring (January-May 2027)

Status: Part-time Temporary (20-25 hours per week)
Reports to: Citizen Engagement Associate

Stipend: $18.40 per hour

Location: Washington, DC Preferred

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a cross-partisan 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization fighting to protect American democracy. We don't just sound the alarm when democracy is under threat. We mobilize action to fight back. Since 2014, we've worked to pass game-changing reforms that increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and secure our elections. When threats emerge, we move fast to educate the public, pressure Congress, and organize citizens to defend the democratic systems that make self-government possible. Our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires constant vigilance and that protecting it demands both policy reform and grassroots action.

The Citizen Engagement (CE) team leads Issue One’s grassroots and grasstops movement‑building efforts by growing, mobilizing, and activating a nationwide community of democracy advocates.

POSITION

Issue One seeks a spring intern to support the CE team in its work to build and mobilize a broad, diverse movement for democracy reform. This internship is ideal for someone who is curious, adaptable, and excited about grassroots organizing, digital engagement, and civic participation.

Like all Issue One interns, the CE – Grassroots Organizing Intern will be treated as an integral member of the team. You will gain hands-on experience in community mobilization, digital engagement, supporter communications, event planning, and movement‑building strategy. You will also have opportunities to collaborate across teams and observe how national advocacy organizations engage both everyday Americans and high‑influence stakeholders.

This role is intentionally broad to allow interns to explore different aspects of citizen engagement and contribute where their interests and strengths align.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Support & Coordination

• Provide administrative, research, and logistical support to the CE team.
• Assist with maintaining internal systems, trackers, and databases to ensure accurate supporter and member information.
• Support coordination across the CE team’s activities, including meeting preparation, action-oriented follow‑up, and documentation.

Grassroots Engagement & Digital Support

• Help draft and edit supporters‑facing communications, including emails, action alerts, and social content.
• Assist with digital engagement efforts, including list growth, supporter activation, and online mobilization tactics.
• Conduct research to inform grassroots strategies, digital campaigns, and movement‑building initiatives.

Event & Program Support

• Support planning and execution of virtual and in‑person events, including webinars, briefings, and community gatherings.
• Assist with preparing materials, agendas, and follow‑up communications.

Movement‑Building & Special Projects

• Contribute to projects that strengthen Issue One’s grassroots and grasstops networks.
• Help identify opportunities for supporter engagement, volunteer leadership development, and community‑building.
• Take on additional tasks as assigned to advance Issue One’s mission and the CE team’s evolving strategic objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated interest in democracy reform, civic engagement, grassroots organizing, or political advocacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and comfort working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability and openness to taking on new projects as priorities evolve.
• A “yes mentality”: proactive, flexible, and solution-oriented
• Creative thinker with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities
• Collaborative and eager to work in a team environment
• Experience with digital tools, organizing platforms, or communications software is a plus but not required.
• Quick learner who is comfortable in a fast-paced setting

LOCATION

This is a part‑time internship of 20–25 hours per week. DC‑based interns must join us on‑site for a hybrid schedule, including working in our office on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. Remote candidates may be considered depending on team needs and project assignments. If remote, they must reside in a state where Issue One is formally established. These states include California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia. Remote opportunities outside of these states are not available.

We anticipate this being a roughly 18-week internship, with a start date on or about January 12 through May 28, 2027. The internship duration is flexible and may be extended if both the intern and their supervisor agree.

Intern Selection Timeline

• October 8-23: Position is posted, and resumes are collected.
• October 26-November 6: Resumes are screened and interviews are scheduled.
• November 9-13: Finalist selected and internship offered.
• January 12, 2027: Internship begins.

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after October 23, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do at Issue One. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences with our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply by clicking here. Please include how you heard about the position.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.