Position Description
We are seeking interns to help advance our mission to create a government truly of, by, and for all people. Internships are created based on the interest of applicants and organizational needs. The primary focus areas include communications, community organizing and volunteer engagement, legal research, and/or grassroots fundraising. Interns will work with teams of volunteers on activities designed to increase informed voter engagement, and advocate for a more inclusive democracy. In 2020, we are registering voters, expanding our nonpartisan voter guide, encouraging turnout in under-represented communities, and planning our policy agenda for the next Maine legislature! This is a great opportunity to develop community organizing, communications and research skills in a winning, fast-paced, nonprofit organization. You will help advance social change in one of the most important issues facing our democracy today. Read testimonials from our former interns.
Activities include:
- Active participation in local, state and national-level campaigns to advance political equality
- Working with partners to plan events and provide training for voter engagement.
- Reaching out to supporters to take action, through tabling, phone calls, emails, and social media.
- Completing a small-scale research project that fulfills both our organizational needs and the intern's interests.
- Individual projects, including communications or legal research.
For 2020 internships:
We are seeking interns with experience and/or interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Community Organizing and Education
- Communications (including content production and social media)
- Policy Research
- People driven to make social change!
Ideal candidates are:
- Committed to expanding political equity, including Clean Elections, Ranked Choice Voting and increased voter engagement of all Mainers.
- Outgoing, able to establish connections to new people, and strong communicators.
- Organized, punctual, self-motivated, and able to be productive without constant direct supervision.
- Able to commit to nonpartisan values.
- Team players who work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Able to learn basic information quickly and stay on message.
Hours and Compensation
All internships are for college credit with flexible hours and include a modest stipend consistent with time committed.
Spring internships are usually part-time (min 8 hours per week) and located in our Portland office.
Summer internships can be full- or part-time and may include opportunities for additional funding.
Students are encouraged to seek additional funding from their institution or external sources. Staff will help with any necessary paperwork for students applying for grants or other forms of support.
To Apply:
Please send the following as attachments to Nadya@democracymaine.org:
- Letter of interest no longer than one page. Please tell us why MCCE and the League interest you, give us an example of an experience that formed your interest in social justice causes, and, based on the position description above, reasons why you would be a great fit to join our dynamic team. Please include the starting and ending dates you wish to intern with us, including the total number of hours.
- Resume including your contact information, a list of activities you have been involved with, and any relevant course work.
- Names and contact information of two professional or academic references
Got questions? Give us a call at 207-831-6223 or email us at info@democracymaine.org.
About Maine Citizens for Clean Elections and the League of Women Voters of Maine
About Democracy Maine
The League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) and Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) are both profoundly committed to building an empowered, engaged, and informed citizenry to meet the challenges of 21st century democracy.
Maine Citizens for Clean Elections is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to ensure that Maine’s campaign finance laws, elections, and government serve the public interest, both in principle and in practice. We engage Maine people from across the political spectrum, using research, education, and outreach to further fairness, inclusion, and opportunity in our politics.
The League of Women Voters of Maine is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
In 2017, we formed Democracy Maine, and are working together to increase our impact on Maine's democracy.
About Marion Holshouser
Marion Holshouser was a founder of MCCE and a passionate believer and a dynamic participant in the democratic political process. In Urbana, Illinois, she ran for office and was elected to the City Council and the office of City Treasurer. She served twice as a Carter delegate to the National Democratic Convention. She believed in the value of nonpartisan political work and was an active member of the League of Women Voters for most of her adult life. In "retirement" in Maine, she served on the League's state and local boards for many years, rising to president of both the state and Portland area organizations. She worked tirelessly on many League initiatives and received numerous awards for her contributions. Among her proudest accomplishments was spearheading the League of Women Voters' lead participation in Maine Voters for Clean Elections, the coalition that passed the Maine Clean Election Act by referendum in 1996 and later became MCCE. Marion's vision of an inclusive, participatory political system helped to shape the Maine Clean Election Act, and Maine people have benefited ever since its passage.