Youth Civic Engagement and Activism Internship

Job Description

About Company

TurnUp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to fostering a more just, fair, and equitable world by significantly increasing youth civic engagement and activism to strengthen democracy in the United States. They operate under the belief that everyone should have access to their full civic and activist potential. Since 2019, TurnUp has successfully registered and mobilized over 500,000 young voters.

Job Description

This is an unpaid, remote internship or volunteer opportunity designed for mission-driven young people across the United States. It offers a flexible commitment with a range of 5 to 30+ hours per week, and both start and end dates are adaptable to the intern’s schedule.

Key Responsibilities & Curriculum:

• Grassroots Activism & Advocacy: Work in teams to participate in grassroots activism and advocacy on a variety of progressive and social justice issues. These include, but are not limited to, climate change, racial justice, reproductive rights, ending gun violence, and combating voter suppression in the United States.
• Research & Education: Conduct research to become better educated and more aware of civic and social justice topics.
• Voter Registration Drives: All interns are expected to join and assist with existing voter registration drives at their schools. If a drive does not exist, interns will be supported in initiating and performing their own registration efforts, whether through peer-to-peer outreach or running a formal drive (with school permission).
• Civic Actions & Voter Turnout: Participate in civic actions, work on voter turnout projects, and perform targeted outreach to boost youth voter participation.
• Collaboration & Communication: Collaborate on a variety of tasks, communicate regularly with team members, and meet virtually on a weekly basis.
• Advocacy & Activism: Engage in advocacy and activism efforts, and find and participate in volunteer opportunities collectively.
• Speaker Series: Attend the TurnUp Speaker Series, hearing from world-renowned speakers.
• Civic & Activism Research/Writing: Perform research and writing related to civic engagement and activism.
• Fighting Voter Suppression: Work collectively to advocate for issues important to young people and actively fight voter suppression.

Skills Developed:

Interns will have the opportunity to develop and refine crucial skills, including:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Democratic Competency

Benefits of Participation:

• Community Service Hours: Eligible to receive verifiable community service hours.
• Course Credit: Potential to earn course credit (requires coordination with the intern’s school).
• Resume Enhancement: Bolster your resume with valuable experience in civic engagement and non-profit work.
• Letters of Recommendation: Earn valuable letters of recommendation upon completion.
• Flexible Schedule: Choose your desired hours per week (5-30+) and enjoy flexible start and end dates.
• Awards & Prizes: Eligible to win awards and prizes, including the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award.
• Networking Opportunities: Broaden your networking scope by connecting with like-minded young people and experienced speakers.
• Impactful Change: Directly impact change in your community and strengthen democracy in the United States.
• Activist Refinement: Refine your activist efforts and gain practical experience in advocacy.

Application Process:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round until all team positions are filled. TurnUp commits to being in touch within a few days of the application form being completed.