Citizen Engagement Intern

Semester: Summer (June-August 2026)

Status: Part-time Temporary (15-25 hours per week)
Reports to: VP, Citizen Engagement

Stipend: $18.00 per hour

Location: Washington, DC Required

Apply Here

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game‑changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Issue One educates the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

The Citizen Engagement (CE) team leads Issue One’s grassroots and grasstops movement‑building efforts through The Council for American Democracy (TCAD) and Citizens for American Democracy (CAD). The team works to grow, mobilize, and activate a nationwide community of democracy advocates.

POSITION

Issue One seeks a summer intern to support the Citizen Engagement 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 Citizen Engagement Intern will be treated as an integral member of the team. You will gain hands‑on experience in grassroots 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 Citizen Engagement team.
• Assist with maintaining internal systems, trackers, and databases to ensure accurate supporter and member information.
• Support coordination across TCAD and CAD activities, including meeting preparation, follow‑up, and documentation.

Grassroots Engagement & Digital Support

• Help draft and edit supporter‑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 for TCAD and CAD events.

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 Citizen Engagement team’s evolving strategic objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated interest in democracy reform, civic engagement, grassroots organizing, or political advocacy.
• Strong written and verbal communication 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.
• Experience with digital tools, organizing platforms, or communications software is a plus but not required.

LOCATION.

This is a part‑time internship of 15–25 hours per week. DC‑based interns will join us on‑site for a hybrid schedule, including working in our office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (if class schedules allow). Remote candidates may be considered depending on team needs and project assignments.

We anticipate this being a roughly 12-week internship, with a start date on or about June 1 through August 28, 2026. The internship duration is flexible and may be extended if both the intern and their supervisor agree.

Intern Selection Timeline

• March 2-13: Position is posted, and resumes are collected
• March 16-April 17: Interviews occur and a preferred candidate is selected.
• June 1: 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 March 13, 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.