American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago

Job Title:

Public Policy Intern

Description:

The public policy intern will work closely with the Respiratory Health Association's Policy Team to achieve its advocacy goals. Through this program the intern will gain a better understanding of the legislative process and the advocacy role of non-profits and will participate in all aspects of our grass roots advocacy.

The intern will be expected to research and contact organizations and coalition partners for various projects. Support for and coordination of communications efforts will be a large part of the job. The intern will develop a working knowledge of the implementation procedures for the RHAMC's electronic advocacy system, which targets voters via email.

Primary Tasks:

• Research and track asthma and tobacco control policies throughout the country.

• Research key committee assignments and help determine legislators to target for lobbying efforts

• Assist Policy Team in developing association's advocacy agenda

• Coordinate communication with public officials as needed to achieve policy goals

• Research local organizations and coalitions for possible partnerships to assist advocacy objectives

• Draft fact sheets, letters, and editorials pertaining to advocacy goals

• Learn the operations of the electronic advocacy system, help develop e-advocacy campaigns

• Assist with production of final reports following advocacy efforts

Past advocacy successes include Smoke-free Chicago, Smoke-free Illinois, anti-idling legislation and improved laws for asthma medication for children in school. Our goals fluctuate depending upon the success of different campaigns.

Requirements:

Intern must have excellent written and verbal communication, an interest in improving the lung health of people in metropolitan Chicago, and must be a non-smoker and a self-starter.

This is an internship for the fall semester and requires 15 to 20 hours per week. This is a paid internship. Work-study students strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send a resume and cover letter by e-mail to Matt Maloney, Director of Health Policy at mmaloney@lungchicago.org. The position will be filled as soon as possible.