Activist Academy Intern

Job Title: Activist Academy Intern Department: Angeles Chapter Location: Remote within Los Angeles. Work from Sierra Club office at least once per week. Reports to: Chapter Senior Conservation Program Manager Duration: 15-20 hours/week; 6 month duration. 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: The Activist Academy intern will support this leadership development program that will equip individuals 18-35 years of age, who want to learn about the climate justice movement and who are seeking to gain the skills to take action against climate change. Participants will be equipped with the tools to take their activism to the next level so they can grow as leaders in their communities. Activist Academy Participants will learn about climate and social justice issues, gain fundamental organizing skills, and deepen their understanding and embodiment of anti-oppression principles and practices. This leadership program is providing training and tools for young people to feel empowered and equipped to fight for climate, racial and economic justice. Individuals with varying levels of experience in organizing and activism are welcome! Participants don’t need to be experienced activists or organizers to join. We look forward to the Activist Academy Intern playing an instrumental role in supporting the overall success of this program by working closely with the chapter director, advisory team, trainers, and community partners.  Job activities include but are not limited to:

Works with volunteers and staff and trainers to support the recruitment, coordination, and organization of the Activist Academy. The intern will track participant applications and communicate with interested individuals.

Develops communications to advertise the Activist Academy program. The intern will coordinate and distribute through chapter communication channels.

Help make reservations and accommodations for Activist Academy sessions (includes travel, location meeting reservations, food etc.)

The intern will learn and grow through regular check-ins with the chapter conservation program manager and support the overall effectiveness of the program leadership team. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and get direct experience in learning about project management.

Help develop activist academy program materials like curriculum binders and other course-related materials

Place orders for Activist Academy materials and equipment as needed

The intern is expected to attend and support the Activist Academy Program sessions 

Participation in chapter meetings, activist academy sessions, and events that may land outside of regular business hours. 

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

Ability to cultivate meaningful relationships and build trust with individuals and among groups 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills

Experience with digital communication tools. Channels include Google suite, Microsoft suite, database maintenance, and some social media 

Understanding and/or experience working with populations traditionally under-represented in conservation and the environmental movement 

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.