The Drug Policy Alliance is seeking an intern for our DC Metro Project. Interns will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of public policy and education projects, work behind the scenes at a policy non-profit, and attend coalition meetings, community events, and some conferences. Interns will have the chance to assist in initiatives designed to advance drug policy reform in DC, including research, media outreach, issue advocacy, and general public and stakeholder education. We hope to provide a challenging, collaborative, and most-of-all fun learning environment in which to work!
 
Background Information

The Drug Policy Alliance is the nation's leading non-profit organization working to reform our nation's failed drug policies. DPA's mission is to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug misuse and drug prohibition. Our work is grounded in the principles of harm reduction, an approach that seeks to minimize the negative consequences of both drug use and drug policies.

The DC office is home to our Office of National Affairs, DC Metro Project and Internet Communications team. In the last 12 years, DPA has expanded from its New York headquarters to include seven offices, 40+ staff, 26,000 dues-paying members and over 50,000 online subscribers.

The Drug Policy Alliance DC Metro Project's main areas of focus are: expanding access to drug treatment; preventing job discrimination against formerly incarcerated people; and increasing access to sterile syringes. DPA DC Metro achieves results through its main functions of research, education, and advocacy.

Candidates should be committed to promoting drug policy reform and the principles of harm reduction. Drug Policy Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and people with criminal convictions are encouraged to apply.

Position Description

Position: Intern
Compensation: Unpaid; Course credit available
Hours: Part-time; 3 mornings/week, 10am-2pm
          *Some weekends may be required depending on scheduling of events
Location: Washington, DC
Reports to: Policy Associate, Drug Policy Alliance DC Metro

Responsibilities

While specific duties may vary each week according to priorities of the office, we will strive to create a meaningful internship with substantive work. This includes:

• Conducting research on one or more of DPA's target drug policy issue areas
• Tracking media updates on drug policy issues and DC criminal justice
• Developing a media presence through letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, and blogs
• Performing outreach through planning community events and donor acknowledgments
• Other administrative assignments as they arise

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a hard-working, energetic, and self-motivated advocate. Specific qualifications include:

• Strong research skills and analytic ability
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, organize and prioritize, with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to problem solve and meet deadlines
• Must adapt to working on a team and independently without constant supervision
• High degree of proficiency with standard office applications such as Excel, Word, and Outlook

Deadlines/Available Positions

Summer 2009 Internship: June 15 - August 14, 2009
May 29, 2009 is the deadline for applying.

Fall 2009 Internship: September 14 - December 4, 2009
July 20, 2009 is the deadline for applying.

Winter 2010 Internship: January 25 - April 16, 2010
January 6, 2009 is the deadline for applying.

To apply: Please send a cover and current resume to: dhutchins@drugpolicy.org

Cover letter should include the dates you are interested in, why you are seeking this particular position, and how this internship will benefit you as well as the organization.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants normally receive a response after the application deadline has passed.