2026 Fall Government Affairs Climate Intern

Our Childrens Trust•Washington, DC

6d•Remote

About The Position

This is a voluntary, unpaid internship that will provide general support for OCT's strategic work in Washington, DC. There may be opportunities to work on Capitol Hill if you are located near or visiting DC. Government affairs interns will directly support OCT's legal efforts in federal actions, including the constitutional and public trust climate cases filed against the federal government: Lighthiser v. Trump . and Venner v. EPA . Interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and potentially other cases. OCT relies heavily on interns for support, placing a premium on careful, accurate, and self-directed work. We are seeking experienced interns with excellent research, writing, and communication skills, and who are responsive, work independently, take initiative, are flexible and think creatively to find solutions. Previous political campaign experience is a plus.

Requirements

Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Responsive, work independently, take initiative, are flexible and think creatively to find solutions.

Nice To Haves

Previous political campaign experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist supervisor in advancing OCT's strategic legal campaign to compel government action to implement science-based climate recovery policies at all levels of the federal government.
Correspond and educate members of Congress and their staff on the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children and the urgent demand for a climate recovery plan - a return atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations to levels below 350 ppm by the year 2100 - to stabilize the planet.
Secure cosponsors for the congressional resolution recognizing Children's Fundamental Rights to Life and a Stable Climate System.
Track and perform legislative profiles and analysis on members of Congress.
Join supervisor in virtual meetings with members of Congress, independently speak to staff members or act as team lead with youth groups.
Coordinate virtual meetings with staff.
Draft communications and advocacy materials.
Perform outreach with organizations to garner endorsements to the resolution.
Manage and update multiple spreadsheets.
Track climate and energy legislation and analyze the political landscape.
Track legislative hearings, draft submissions of materials to the record, and take notes on relevant hearings.
Identify opportunities for OCT to engage or share materials with members of Congress and staff.
Assist in garnering congressional and organizational support for amicus curiae briefs in support of the federal case.
Assist supervisor in identifying and making inroads with the administration in support of OCT's work.
Perform research.
Track, perform profiles and analysis on administrative officials.
Identify opportunities for OCT to engage or share materials with the administration.
Build relationships and engage student and organizational partners in our campaigns through the Climate Rights Corps .
Track tasks to ensure accountability as assignments can require a short turnaround given the fast-paced nature of the work.
Brief supervisor on the progress of tasks in daily to weekly conversations via Zoom, email, and phone.
Attend and take notes at stakeholder meetings and weekly meetings with OCT attorneys and staff, if available.
Create a more diverse movement by identifying and networking with diverse allies in the legislative and executive branch and young leaders in BIPOC organizations and communities.
Opportunities for career development discussions will be provided.