Legislative and Political 2024 ASM Fellowship Position

Overview   Friends of the Earth US is a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power. It’s an approach that has worked for five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We’re part of Friends of the Earth International, the world’s largest federation of grassroots environmental groups, working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.   FOE envisions a world where we live within the ability of the planet to sustain life, and in which all people live with dignity, health and equity. We believe that both environmental crises, as well as widespread social injustice, are intertwined symptoms of flawed ideological, economic and political systems that are violating peoples’ rights, perpetuating oppression, failing to meet the needs of people, and destroying the planet.   Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth Action provides the extra political muscle to our sister organization, Friends of the Earth US.   FOE Action works on a dynamic set of intersectional issues knowing that we cannot build a healthy and just world without addressing the interconnectedness of society’s injustices. We not only fight for laws and lawmakers that will echo that mission, but also help the public join in the political battle as well. We believe that unprecedented political action from across the nation will put the United States, and hopefully our planet, on a sustainable path.    We believe that increasing racial diversity within environmental organizations is critical to the future success of our movement. Our Fellowship program is designed to increase the long-term effectiveness of FOE and the environmental movement by operating an inspiring and fulfilling fellowship program that builds skills and relevant job experience for people of color and members of underrepresented communities.   Our vision of the Arlie Schardt Memorial (ASM) Fellowship program is to create career experience, pathways, and opportunities for Black, Indigenous, People of Color in underrepresented communities who are interested in environmental advocacy. Arlie W. Schardt was a pioneering voice for the environment and witness to some of the most seminal events in American history as a Time magazine correspondent traveling with Martin Luther King while covering the civil rights movement. Throughout his peripatetic 50-year career, Schardt reported on and acted on behalf of social justice. Al Gore states, “Through his remarkably diverse career, Arlie Schardt lived a life of purpose and impact,” said the former Vice President. “He was a champion for civil rights and an early pioneer of the environmental movement. I valued greatly his commitment to public service and will always be grateful for the invaluable roles he played on my Presidential campaign.” Schardt joined Friends of the Earth (FOE), serving as Chairman of the Board from 2009 until June 2019 when he was named chair emeritus in honor of his service. According to Erich Pica, president of FOE, “Arlie was instrumental in tripling the size of the organization and broadening its mandate to combine his concerns for social and racial justice with environmentalism.” Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff and our movement. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.   About the Fellowship   Each year, we welcome a cohort of five Fellows to work with us full-time for six months. This year the Fellowship program will be in a remote position, with the possibility of an in-person retreat in the DC office.. Fellows are paid $25/hour, will receive a one-time stipend of $1,000 and three (3) floating holidays.   Fellows are placed within teams in our Programs or Political Department. In addition to substantive work with the teams, the Fellowship program also includes networking and career development opportunities.   The fellowship begins in March 2024 and ends in September 2024.   About our Legislative and Political Team and Fellowship Position The Political Department works closely with all of Friends of the Earth’s Program Teams (Climate & Energy Justice, Food & Agriculture, Oceans & Vessels, and Economic Policy) to advance progressive and transformational federal environmental policy. The Legislative and Political fellow will have opportunities to lobby Congress and the Administration, build and maintain relationships with Congressional and federal agency staff, and network with other environmental advocates. The fellow is expected to conduct research, draft advocacy materials, and provide additional support to the Programs, Communications and Development Departments, as needed.   In addition to traditional advocacy, the fellow will also have the opportunity to engage with political campaigns on behalf of Friends of the Earth Action. The fellow will assist the Political Department vet candidates for endorsement, conduct outreach to political campaigns, and monitor election results.   Responsibilities Responsibilities for each Fellowship varies, but typically Fellows: * Perform research, writing and editing * Assist with political and public policy advocacy * Take part in outreach and communications efforts * Help organize people and events * Participate in strategy, planning, and campaign meetings   Qualifications No specific academic or professional experience is required, but we are looking for people who are passionate about the environment and/or social justice. An environmental background, and previous (volunteer or paid) experience in non-profit organizations, advocacy, political campaigns are pluses.   Qualified applicants must be: * At least 18 years of age * Eligible to work in the U.S. * Committed to environmental and social justice * Able to work well in team setting * Motivated, and willing to learn and take initiative * Able to use Microsoft Office suite products such as Excel and Word, and Google applications