Internship: Research & Policy Intern
Hyattsville, MD, US
Requisition ID: 1504
CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS: CASA’s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in low-income immigrant communities. Our vision is a future with diverse and thriving communities living free from discrimination and fear, working together with mutual respect to achieve full human rights for all. CASA de Maryland has created a separate affiliate to expand the tools we have available to serve the immigrant community. CASA in Action is a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in the mid-Atlantic, they are separate organizations. Each is a separate nonprofit corporation with its own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.
DEPARTMENT SYNOPSIS: Communications and Policy Campaigns provides communications and advocacy support to CASA and CASA in Action to advance its programming and campaigns.
POSITION SUMMARY: The role of the Research and Policy Internship is to support the policy team in running successful campaigns to advance fundamental rights for CASA members to advance education, tenant, and worker rights and achieve racial and immigrant justice through legislative and administrative lobbying and electoral candidate campaigns.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare and develop legislative fact sheets, one-pagers, infographics, presentations, action alerts, letters, etc as needed for legislative campaigns
- Attend internal policy team meetings, strategy sessions, local and statewide legislative hearings, grassroots actions, coalition meetings, and other events as necessary.
- Prepare policy briefs and memos for legislative staff, affiliates, and coalition partners.
- Draft verbal and written testimony for local and statewide bills as needed.
- Analyze and track local and statewide legislation. Conduct research on various legislative topics.
- Assist with electoral programming as needed.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree (pending)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Deep commitment to social change and to growing CASA and CASA in Action as membership organizations in which members have decision-making authority.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Experience in research, organizing, and/or advocacy at a campaign organization.
- Excellent written and speaking skills.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to immigration policy and related policy issues.
- Familiarity with the political process, current political dynamics, citation standards, and policy issues affecting immigrants.
- Ability to maintain a database and high comfort level with basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and willingness to learn other needed computer programs including specialized communications, elections, and legislative contact programs.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must be able to work flexible hours occasionally.
- Must have a personal laptop and access to a reliable internet connection.
