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Internships
That Put Idealism To Work
We all want to make
a difference. But too many internships require students to leave their
conscience at home. If you want to put your ideals front and center, consider
an internship with the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S.
PIRG) in Washington, DC.
Started in 1984, U.S.
PIRG is the national lobbying arm of the State
PIRGs. With approximately 400 staff nationwide, 300,000 members, and
70 chapters based on college campuses across the country, the State PIRGs
and U.S. PIRG have been advocating and organizing for public interest
issues for 30 years. Among the issues we tackle are: protecting public
health and the environment, preserving our national resources, alerting
consumers to scams and rip-offs, and working to make our government more
accountable to the public. We research problems, write reports, work with
the media, build coalitions, lobby decision-makers, and stand up for the
public interest through grassroots organizing and litigation.
Recent
PIRG Victories
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Vote Against
Arctic Drilling: Despite the power and influence of the Bush administration,
the oil lobby and their allies, U.S. PIRG and a broad-based coalition
won a dramatic Senate vote against opening the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge to oil drilling.
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Corporate Accountability:
President Bush approved a landmark, U.S. PIRG-backed law that will
regulate accountants and hold corporate executives accountable to
investors and employees.
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Arsenic Standards
Reinstated: Advocacy by U.S. PIRG helped convince the EPA to reinstate
tough limits on arsenic in drinking water.
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Clean Air Rules
Strengthened: After U.S. PIRG helped expose a loophole in clean
air laws, the EPA announced a plan to cut diesel bus and truck emissions.
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“Trouble
In Toyland”: U.S. PIRG's annual “Trouble In Toyland”
report has prompted more than 100 recalls and other enforcement actions
over the past 15 years.
Internship
Description
Each U.S. PIRG internship
offers students a structured experience working one-on-one with one of
U.S. PIRG's staff of advocates and campaign organizers - the intern's
staff mentor. Interns learn basic skills that allow them to analyze issues
and articulate solutions to the pressing problems of the day. Interns
learn that activism and participation in the democratic process yield
results. Though responsibilities vary, most internships include:
- Conducting research
into critical public policy problems and preparing investigative reports.
- Coordinating media
events, assisting in the preparation of news releases and opinion pieces.
- Working with coalition
partners and PIRG offices to coordinate grassroots campaign activities.
- Monitoring the
progress of legislation in Congress and the actions of Federal agencies.
Interns may have the
opportunity to attend local, regional and national program briefings and
trainings where they learn more about public interest issues and gain
political skills. Summer interns participate in a "brown bag lunch"
discussions with leaders within U.S. PIRG and the State PIRGs, as well
as leaders from other organizations.
Although U.S. PIRG
internships are unpaid, students may receive academic credit from their
college or university. U.S. PIRG will also participate in college work
study programs.
Qualifications
- A strong commitment
to U.S. PIRG issues (see issues at left).
- Strong writing
and analytical skills.
- The ability to
debate and speak persuasively.
- An enthusiasm for
the work.
How
to Apply
Interested students
should mail, fax, or email a compelling cover letter and resume
to:
Rick
Trilsch
Undergraduate Internship Coordinator
U.S. Public Interest Research Group
218 D Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-546-9470 (fax)
internships@pirg.org
For more
information call Rick Trilsch at 202-546-9707, Ext. 312, or email him
at internships@pirg.org.
Law
School & Graduate Students: Click
here for more information on internships for graduate, law school
and doctoral student.
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Intern Becky Karb
(left) and U.S. PIRG staff attorney Rachel Weintraub (right) meet with
Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY) about product safety issues.
Interns helped organize
and participated in a rally at the U.S. Capitol in support of a Clean
Energy Future.
In addition to working
to pass important legislation, interns with U.S. PIRG also build lasting
friendships. Above, interns unwind at one of their favorite restaurants
on "The Hill."
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