Summer 2026 Legislative Advocacy Internship (IINE Boston)

International Institute of New England•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Institute of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving refugees and immigrants in Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, and Manchester, NH. The Institute offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, asylee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service. All internships hosted at IINE correspond roughly with the US semester system: Summer Internship: June through mid-August 2026. Applications must be submitted by May 2, 2026. First consideration is given to applicants that can commit at least 16 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above. Please note that this internship will be a hybrid format, meaning that some in-person hours at our Boston, MA office are required. Legislative Advocacy Internship Overview The Legislative Advocacy Intern can expect to work directly with the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy and should be willing to participate in the hands-on work required to increase advocacy work at the International Institute of New England. The Legislative Advocacy Intern can expect to receive mentoring and experience in organizing groups to attend local demonstrations, time and material creation/management relating to political advocacy or voter education, and the administrative organization of people, supplies, and event coordination.

Requirements

High level of interest in refugee, asylee, and/or immigrant issues
Dedication to political advocacy and demonstration
Experience advocating on behalf of others, including contacting local legislators, attending demonstrations, or other advocacy work highly desirable
Experience with community outreach and/or interacting with social welfare agencies
Patience speaking with non-native English speakers or non-English speakers
Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Willingness to lead others during and following event attendance
Willingness to attend events in the Greater Boston community
Drivers license and/or car highly desirable

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach with local and state-wide organizations for partnership opportunities
Track local and state bills or legislation impacting the organizations work and their status of being passed
Establish internal materials on best practices for legal advocacy and conduct research on how to contact legislators
Research committees state legislators participate in to better understand how to appeal to government officials supporting our work
Create original materials for advocacy groups to utilize, including but not limited to, signs, banners, or social media posts
Prepare materials and content for future use on voter education and the right to vote
Organize event attendance, materials, and participants to increase involvement in local demonstrations
Collaborate with weekly volunteer advocacy group
Support shaping the narrative of positive impact immigrants and refugees make on both community and national levels
Distribute communication to staff and volunteers on upcoming events, demonstrations, and meetings to encourage engagement in advocacy