Advocacy and Outreach Intern

AARP

5d • $18 - $28 • Hybrid

About The Position

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
Tired of sitting on the sidelines while decisions shape the future of the Virgin Islands? Step onto the policy and advocacy playing field with AARP Virgin Islands. Our team is seeking an Advocacy and Outreach Intern to help shape public policy and make a lasting impact. As the Advocacy & Outreach Intern, you will play a vital role in advancing policies that protect older adults, support caregivers, and strengthen civic participation. Working closely with the Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach, the intern supports advocacy campaigns grounded in AARP’s established Public Policies through issue research, drafting advocacy materials, stakeholder and volunteer engagement, and outreach activities. Join us and help connect the community and policies that benefit residents across the Virgin Islands. This paid internship will start in Summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Strong interest in public policy, advocacy, community organizing, or public service
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including gender, race, sexual orientation, and/or socioeconomic status
• Must be located on St. Thomas/St. John district and willingness and ability to travel to St. Croix
• AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Students majoring in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply
• Familiarity with Virgin Islands governance structure, relevant laws (VI Code), and key public, private, and non-profit stakeholders
• Ability to navigate and engage with government agencies and community organizations across the territory

Responsibilities

• Support coordination of advocacy campaigns aligned with AARP Public Policy priorities and AARP VI's 2026 priorities: caregiving, probate/guardianship reform, housing, voter engagement, and elder justice
• Assist with stakeholder engagement through meeting preparation, follow-up communications, and relationship-building with community partners and elected officials
• Research local policy issues affecting older adults and prepare summaries, briefing notes, and talking points for advocacy efforts
• Assist in drafting advocacy materials, including testimonies, talking points, letters, emails, and collateral supporting AARP VI policy positions
• Help develop and maintain the advocacy communications plan/calendar and supporting materials
• Coordinate volunteer engagement for advocacy events, including communication, scheduling, briefing, and follow-up
• Participate/collaborate in teams' meetings, track action items, meeting outcomes, deadlines, and deliverables across advocacy initiatives, working alongside national and state colleagues
• Support outreach event, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees