Food Policy Intern

Position Description 

Who We Are: 
Friends of the Earth (FOE) is a national not-for-profit environmental organization that strives for a healthier and more just world. We push for the reforms that are needed. It’s an approach that has worked for five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We’re part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.   
 
What We Look For:

 Are you passionate about climate justice and creating a healthier and more just and sustainable food system? Are you eager to support campaigns to reduce consumption of industrial animal foods and shift towards plant-forward, climate-conscious procurement, sustainable diets, and regenerative agriculture? Can you assist in conducting grassroots and stakeholder outreach to support our federal policy work, help with meeting and event logistics, conduct research to support public policy campaigns, and draft public outreach materials? 
  
Does this sound like you? If so, then this is the intern position for you. Friends of the Earth seeks (2) interns for its Food and Agriculture team. This is a paid, part-time internship. The interns must be able to commit to 15-20 hrs/week; (specific hours in the range of 15-20 hours per week to be negotiated) at the rate of $17/hour. The length of the internship is 5-7 months, and the ideal candidates will start in July.   
 
What the Role Needs: 
 
Strong Policy Advocate and Researcher:  Conduct outreach to community groups, allied organizations, and other stakeholders in support of our climate-friendly food policy initiatives. Engage in general campaign support and issue research. Build grassroots and grasstops support for federal legislation to incentivize plant-based school foods and a just transition away from factory farms. Support lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, including scheduling and attending meetings on the Hill, taking notes, and ensuring follow up. Expand our coalition partners and allies.  
 
Detail-Oriented Planner and Coalition Builder: Support the operation of coalitions that we lead. Provide general support for our social media and online organizing, including social media posts, public comments, infographic content, blog posts and website content.  
 
Effective Communicator:  Attend community, coalition, and policy meetings. Update and create online and offline public outreach and engagement materials and content. Draft and edit letters of support, Op-Eds, Letters to the Editors, public comments, and press releases. 
 
Required Qualifications:    

• Education and/or experience with campaigns, legislative and political work 
• Understanding of the intersection between food and climate, the connection of food justice to racial justice, and the harms of the industrial agriculture system 
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic Microsoft programs  
• A highly motivated, quick learner who is able to take initiative and work independently 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• A background in environmental issues, public health, racial justice, environmental science, and public policy 
• Experience and familiarity with collecting, analyzing, and summarizing reliable research 
• Experience with social media and design tools like Canva 
• A high school diploma or GED 

 
 
Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.