Environmental Justice and Political Advocate

Clean Water Action focuses on campaigns related to water access, water quality, and environmental justice.  With over half a million members nationwide and 160,000 members in Michigan, Clean Water Action's impact is far-reaching. We work to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us. Our recent victories include passing the strongest lead in drinking water standard in the country here in Michigan, passing federal drinking water standards for PFAs, and continuing to fund lead pipe replacement across the state. Right now, Michigan is experiencing a surge in proposed data center developments, despite the protests of local residents all across the state - who have good reason to be skeptical. Data centers consistently promise economic development opportunities that don’t materialize. While there are temporary job gains during construction, data centers have historically created only a few low wage jobs in the long term, while communities pay the price in higher energy bills and threats to water quality. A May 2026 poll found that 77% of Michigan residents support regulations requiring more transparency from data center projects. We need to pause this data center frenzy before more damage is done. That's why we're working to pass a moratorium on data center construction across the state. From now (October) until Election Day (November 3rd), we are working on a special project combining our fight against data centers with the need to turn folks around the state out to vote all the way down the ballot.  We need to ensure that strong environmental advocates who will push back on data centers are elected to local, state and federal offices, and that our supporters understand all of the different options for voting in Michigan. Responsibilities of this special voter turnout focused project include: - Ensuring communities are aware of our issues and given the tools to achieve solutions by organizing with our field canvass team. - Talking with community members about voting in order to elect strong environmental candidates - Educating registered voters about options for absentee voting and making sure they know when/where to vote - Participating in occasional press conferences, lobby days, virtual town halls, and other events We look for candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills, and who possess good attention to detail. Candidates must possess cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice and equity, and should have an interest in non-profit work, policy, or politics. Candidates must enjoy working directly with people and be comfortable engaging with community members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Multilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply. These are in person positions. Employees are expected to be masked in indoor spaces. From this opportunity, you will receive training on environmental issues including regular seminars, training in the legislative process and the political arena, and you will develop strong communication and organizational skills. You will be working as part of a highly motivated and dedicated team who are interested in your personal development. There will be opportunities to continue to work with us beyond the election, as well as opportunities for future permanent positions and career development, along with opportunities for travel to national conferences, and to other offices across the country. For this position, we are seeking candidates to work with us starting any time and working at least through Election Day.  Hours are from 2pm to 10:30pm in East Lansing. We are looking for candidates who can work these hours at least 3 days/week, Mon through Fri. After a 5 day training period, pay is $22/hour. Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund values a diverse workplace. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Clean Water Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, terminations, pay, and the work environment.  * Unfortunately, we do not provide any housing assistance. We welcome applicants from around the country, but please only apply if you have specific plans to be located in Ann Arbor or East Lansing, MI. If you don't already have plans to be in Michigan please consider applying for one of our positions listed in a region that is closer to your home or school base. * Clean Water Action adheres to all the principles of professional practice set forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. This is a paid internship. In all locations we operate, Clean Water Action complies with all FLSA requirements and applicable state labor requirements.