Organizing Intern

Job Title: Organizing Intern
Department: Colorado Chapter
Location: Denver, CO
Reports to: Political Director

Duration: 15-20 hours per week for up to 3 months with the option to extend

Context:  At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees. 

Scope: Under supervision of the Political Director, the Colorado Chapter Organizing Intern  will support the work of staff and volunteers, building public support to accomplish chapter goals. Increasing the number of volunteer supporters that turnout for grassroots and political events and/or take other action to influence campaign outcomes. The Colorado Chapter Organizing Intern will also be responsible for working with the Political Director and the Senior Climate and Energy Organizer to support volunteer committees. This is an intern position for individuals wanting to learn the building blocks of grassroots organizing and working in the environmental field. 

1. Participate (as part of a team) in planning and carrying out plans, strategies, projects, events or campaigns to further Chapter strategic goals.

2. Assists in development of educational and communication materials such as blog posts, fact sheets, newsletters, social media posts, etc. 

3. Assists in representing Sierra Club’s views to legislators, elected officials, news media, and the general public by giving testimony as needed, participating in meetings, public speaking events, and by establishing and maintaining personal contacts.

4. Assists in contacting Sierra Club members, supporters, and community partners via phonebanking, email, canvassing, and tabling on key legislative and political issues. 

5. Perform some general office duties and other duties as assigned.

6. Support the building of a strong grassroots team.

• Strong oral communication skills. You are open and honest. You are a good listener. You can share stories about yourself and why you care about these issues.

• Ability to work with diverse staff, volunteers, and the public. You get along well with a lot of different types of people.  You are curious. You want to speak to people about issues that are important to them. 

• Proficient computer skills. You are familiar with basic word processing and spreadsheet systems. You have an interest in learning other programs and gaining new experience. 

• Occasionally able to work evenings and weekends. Community members events and meetings may take place at off hours. 

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. You are committed to self-transformation and just relationships. You understand that privilege exists and the impact of inequity on communities.

• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.

• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.