DPA’s summer internship program is designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy, and regulatory and governmental practices first-hand. Our organizational ethos is to tackle racism directly and work to address the harms of the drug war that are overwhelmingly affecting low-income communities and people of color.
Over the course of 9 weeks, our interns will join our passionate, diverse, and creative staff in an engaging on-the-job learning experience at a critical time for the drug policy reform movement. In addition, they will spend time with leaders from across the organization to learn about their careers and DPA’s programmatic and institutional work.
Below is an overview of the intern opportunities in our in our policy, legal, development, communications, research & academic engagement, and finance & administration departments.
Development – Interns work closely with experienced development professionals on database management, funding research opportunities, and assist in donor correspondence.
Communications: Digital – Interns will get hands-on experience with building out communications programs and advocacy campaigns, developing messaging, and assisting with multimedia projects.
Communications: Media – Interns will help tackle a number of priorities, including media monitoring, analysis, developing new and existing audiences, media outreach, updating website media content, and more.
Legal – Interns support the creation of real alternatives to the war on drugs as part of a multidisciplinary staff, by aiding with research, drafting amicus briefs and other policy materials, and analyzing legislation as it relates to drug policy issues. (Law school interns only)
Policy – Interns conduct research, draft briefs, fact sheets, and other materials on a wide range of drug policy reform issues; participate in internal and external meetings; analyze state and/or federal legislation; assist in planning meetings and convenings; conduct outreach to partners and allies; and perform various administrative functions. Must be a U.S. resident. Internships are available with our California Policy Office, New Mexico Policy Office, and Office of National Affairs (working on federal policy).
Policy: Safety First – Interns will assist in all programming, communications, and research activities related to the Safety First: Real Drug Education for Teens curriculum developed by the Drug Policy Alliance.
Research & Academic Engagement – Interns will conduct research, analysis, and write literature reviews about various drug policy-related issues.
Finance & Administration – Interns assist with general administrative, human resources, operational, and clerical work. Must be based in NY and occasionally work from the office
