BlueGreen Alliance Internship, Washington DC

About the BlueGreen Alliance:
Launched in 2006 by the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club, this unique labor-environmental collaboration has grown to include the Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Service Employees International Union, National Wildlife Federation, Laborers' International Union of North America, Union of Concerned Scientists, Utility Workers Union of America, American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated Transit Union, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, United Auto Workers and the United Food and Commercial Workers. The Blue Green Alliance unites more than 14 million members and supporters in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.
Click here for more information about the BGA.

Description of Internship:
An internship with the BlueGreen Alliance D.C. office can include

• Research assistance and writing
• Legislative support
• Event planning
• Working with U.S. and international NGO such as BGA union & environmental partners.
• Interns will also be asked to participate in administrative work as needed, but the overall nature of the internship is highly substantive, focusing around specific projects as determined by the applicant and supervisor.

Internships are offered during the fall, spring and summer in the following areas:

• Energy Efficiency & Weatherization/Retrofit – Public education regarding the importance of retrofitting buildings (esp. homes) and available programs and funding. Works closely with Sierra Club communities to help demonstrate demand and also with labor unions and industries to promote energy efficiency.
• Legislative – Assist with fly-ins, lobbying efforts and material development. Two focus areas available:
• Transportation – Research, track legislative developments and attend Hill hearings and briefings regarding infrastructure and vehicles policy.
  
• Energy & Environment – Campaign support for broader energy and climate change, including more detailed research on brownfields and superfund program; carry out data compilation projects.
• Policy and Partnership Building – Focus on BlueGreen Alliance as a whole through coalition building, working with union partners to expand international work and researching and developing materials to enhance new and existing projects.
• Trade and Worker’s Rights – Assist with grassroots organizing, lobbying, and research/writing for efforts that aim to ensure US trade policies do not contribute to climate change or threaten workers’ rights.

Qualifications:

• Strong research, writing and computer skills are necessary.
  
• Hill experience/familiarity a plus.
  
• Prior study and/or interest in the environment, international trade, globalization, economics, law/pre-law, labor movement and/or social justice desirable, as well as an awareness of current events.
  
• Familiarity with office procedures and conference or event planning is helpful.
  
• Applicants fluent in Spanish are highly encouraged to apply.

Capabilities:

• The ideal candidate will be organized and willing to learn;
  
• He or she will perform well under the pressure of deadlines with an ability to work independently while adapting to rapidly changing situations.

Expectations:

• The internship is designed to be full-time; however accommodations can be made for the right applicant.

Compensation:

• All internships are UNPAID, though Academic Credit can be arranged.

To Apply:

• Send a resume, cover letter, brief writing sample and a list of 2-3 references to ashleyh@bluegreenalliance.org.
  
• Title the e-mail “BGA Internship Application”.
  
• Also, please indicate your interest area and the time period you are available.