Internship Summary
Laudato Si’ Advocates promote integral ecology by advocating for bipartisan federal policy and organizing community-based action in their state. Advocates commit to deepening their understanding of Catholic social teaching as it relates specifically to politics and the environment while developing advocacy skills through experiential learning.

Essential Functions

• Must attend an in-person cohort retreat in Washington, D.C. from August 11-14, 2023
• Seek out and capitalize on opportunities to engage the federal legislative and rulemaking processes to promote integral ecology: for example, by contacting your state legislator(s), submitting comments to EPA, attending and testifying at hearings, hosting webinars, etc.
• Design and implement a Creative Advocacy Project in your state that generates community action around an issue related to integral ecology
• Study important documents in Catholic social teaching and practice applying the Church’s social teaching as a lens for policy discernment
• Collaborate with other members of the Laudato Si’ Advocates Program cohort as well as work one-on-one with a supervisor

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree for the entirety of the 2023-24 academic year OR demonstrate how the Laudato Si’ Advocates Program aligns with your career goals
• Self-starter with proven time-management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred qualifications

• Pursuing degree(s) in theology, political science, environmental studies, or related fields
• Previous work experience at a parish, in environmental work, or in politics
• Working knowledge of the legislative process
• Familiarity with environmental issues both nationally and in your state
• Leadership experience

Benefits

• Access to invitation-only, real-world advocacy experiences such as hearings, meetings with legislators, press conferences, webinars, etc.
• All-expenses-paid internship training in Washington, D.C.
• Networking opportunities with USCCB staff and other professionals in the field
• $300/month stipend
• Fully remote and flexible for students’ schedule throughout the academic year

Duration of Internship:

• September 1, 2023-May 31, 2024
• Hours per week: 5-7