Website abetterbalance A Better Balance
Using the power of the law to advance justice for workers.
Dates: August 2023-May 2024
Location: Primarily remote, with the possibility of some in-person travel or meetings
Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (We may provide some flexibility, depending on your program requirements)
Compensation: $15 per hour, and course credit, if applicable
Overview:
A Better Balance’s regional Southern Office, based in Nashville, TN, is seeking a policy intern to assist with our policy advocacy work at the state & local levels across the South. The ideal candidate is a current graduate student studying political science, public policy, sociology, social work, or a related field. A Better Balance will work with the intern to ensure that they receive any applicable course credit for completing the internship.
A Better Balance is a national nonprofit advocacy organization that uses the power of the law to advance justice for workers, so they can care for themselves and their loved ones without jeopardizing their economic security. Through policy work, strategic litigation and direct legal services, and public education, our expert team combats discrimination against pregnant workers and caregivers, and advances fair and supportive workplace policies like paid sick time, paid family and medical leave, predictable and flexible scheduling, and more.
When we value the work of providing care, which has long been marginalized due to sexism and racism, our communities and our nation are healthier and stronger. Ensuring families of color have access to strong work-family policies—especially BIPOC workers who are currently the least likely to have access to these policies due to centuries of institutionalized racism, systemic barriers to economic mobility, and pervasive discrimination—is a core principle of ABB’s work.
Our regional Southern Office is based in Nashville, TN, and advocates for stronger policies to support working parents and caregivers across the South, including paid family & medical leave, paid sick days, pay equity, and flexible scheduling.
Intern Qualifications:
· A current graduate student studying political science, public policy, sociology, social work, or a related field
· A demonstrated commitment to advancing justice for working families in the South and to improving gender, racial, and economic equity in Southern states
· A baseline understanding of the legislative process at the state and local levels.
o Previous experience with policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, or working with a state or local government—including a state legislature, state agency, governor’s office, city council, county commission, or mayor’s office—is a plus.
· Excellent written and oral communication, research, and organizational skills
· Self-motivated with demonstrated problem-solving, time management, and team-building skills
· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Intern responsibilities may include:
· Helping track relevant legislation across several Southern states and providing regular updates on the progress of these bills
· Assisting with event planning and programmatic support for partnership-building, including potentially in-person convenings
· Providing support to the Southern Office policy team with drafting fact sheets, talking points, legislative testimony, blog posts, and other written materials
· Conducting research on specific policy issues and compiling relevant data
· Scheduling and attending meetings with ABB staff and external stakeholders, including lawmakers, and taking detailed notes
· Observing and attending relevant legislative committee hearings on key bills
· Other tasks as needed to support the Southern Office’s advocacy efforts
How to Apply:
Please email a resume and a tailored letter of interest to Feroza Freeland, Policy Manager of the Southern Office, at [email protected]. The subject line should read: “[FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME] Southern Policy Internship Application 2023.”
All applications must be received by July 14th.