Our Children’s Trust would like to share a job announcement for 2 summer Government Affairs Climate internships. Interested candidates may apply online at https://oct.bamboohr.com/
Our Children’s Trust is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides strategic, campaign-based legal services to youth from diverse backgrounds to secure their legal rights to a safe climate. We work to protect the Earth’s climate system for present and future generations by representing young people in global legal efforts to secure their binding and enforceable legal rights to a healthy atmosphere and stable climate, based on the best available science.
Government affairs interns will directly support OCT’s legal efforts to address the climate crisis through federal actions, including the constitutional and public trust climate case filed against the federal government by 21 young people in Juliana v. United States, and state actions. Interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. OCT relies heavily on interns for support, placing a premium on careful, accurate, and self-directed work. We are seeking experienced interns with excellent research, writing, and communication skills, who are responsive, work independently, take initiative, flexible and think creatively to find solutions. Previous political campaign experience is a plus.
Please share this with students who might be interested, more information about the position is below. For more questions, please contact Liz Lee at #240-731-3114 or liz@ourchildrenstrust.org.
Sincerely,
Position Summary:
This is a voluntary internship that will provide general support for OCT's strategic work in Washington, DC.
Government affairs interns will directly support OCT’s legal efforts in federal actions, including the constitutional and public trust climate case filed against the federal government by 21 young people in Juliana v. United States. Interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. OCT relies heavily on interns for support, placing a premium on careful, accurate, and self-directed work. We are seeking experienced interns with excellent research, writing, and communication skills, who are responsive, work independently, take initiative, are flexible and think creatively to find solutions. Previous political campaign experience is a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist supervisor in advancing OCT’s strategic legal campaign to compel government action to implement science-based climate recovery policies at all levels of the federal government.
Correspond and educate members of Congress and their staff on the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children and the urgent demand for a climate recovery plan - a return atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations to levels below 350 ppm by the year 2100 - to stabilize the planet. Secure cosponsors for the congressional resolution recognizing Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery. Track, perform legislative profiles and analysis on members of Congress. Join supervisor in virtual meetings with members of Congress/staffers or act as team lead with youth groups. Coordinate virtual meetings with staff. Draft communications and advocacy materials. Research and perform outreach to organizations to garner endorsements.
Manage and update multiple spreadsheets. Track climate and energy legislation and analyze the political landscape. Track legislative hearings, draft submissions of materials to the hearing record, and take notes on relevant hearings. Identify opportunities for OCT to engage or share materials with members of Congress and staff.
Assist in garnering congressional and organizational support for amicus curiae briefs for the federal case. Assist in garnering organizational support for letters to the DOJ for the federal case.
Assist supervisor in identifying and making inroads with the Biden-Harris administration in support of OCT’s work. Perform extensive research on White House and agency climate and energy policy and programs. Track, perform profiles and analysis on Biden-Harris officials. Identify opportunities for OCT to share materials with the Biden-Harris administration. Track public comments, assist in drafting comments, and take notes on relevant webinars with administration officials. Speak at agency public forums.
Track multiple tasks to ensure accountability as assignments can require a short turnaround given the fast-paced nature of the work. Brief supervisor on the progress of tasks in daily to weekly conversations via Zoom, email, and phone. Attend and take notes at stakeholder meetings and weekly meetings with OCT attorneys and staff.
Create a more diverse movement by identifying and networking with diverse allies in the legislative and executive branch and young leaders in BIPOC organizations and communities.
Opportunities for career development discussions will be provided.
Time Commitment:
Positions can be full-time or part-time, and can be completed remotely. Preference will be given to students who can commit to working longer hours per week and for a longer timeframe. The majority of hours are preferred to be worked during normal business hours 9:00 - 5:00 pm EST, depending on your location. Extra hours may be requested during key events, including a congressional resolution introduction, organizational letters or youth outreach events.
Compensation:
Internships are unpaid; however, Our Children’s Trust is willing to support students in securing outside funding or academic credit for their work. OCT is an equal opportunity employer and committed to fostering diversity and inclusiveness among our staff and interns. People of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people of different faiths and national origin are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Please complete our online application including resume (include GPA) and cover letter (include estimated start and end dates and estimated available hours per week).
Application Deadlines:
OCT considers applications on a rolling basis as needed for the fall, winter, spring and summer internships. This is an unprecedented opportunity for students or recent graduates to be part of a cutting-edge strategy to address the climate crisis.