Drug Policy Alliance
Federal Affairs/Legislative Internship Fall 2025
Drug Policy Alliance, Washington, District Of Columbia, United States, 20001
Federal Affairs Legislative Internship/Fall 2025
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA's work on policy and legislative change. DPA's remote internships are designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy, and regulatory and governmental practices first-hand. Our organizational ethos is to tackle racism directly and work to address the harms of the drug war that are overwhelmingly affecting low-income communities and people of color. In our Federal Affairs Office, interns conduct legislative and policy research; monitor Congressional hearings; draft fact sheets and other written materials on a wide range of federal drug policy reform issues; track and analyze federal legislation; participate in internal and external meetings, including Congressional meetings; assist in planning meetings and convenings; monitor federal drug policy activities; conduct outreach to partners and allies; and perform various administrative functions. Qualifications: Applicants must be enthusiastic about the organization's agenda, mission, and vision with solid written, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with a proactive work style. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred. Candidates must also be open to evolving responsibilities and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Hours: Minimum of 20 to 40 hours per week depending on the role. The internship begins Monday, September 8, 2025, and ends Friday, December 12, 2025. Compensation: Undergraduate interns will be paid $18.50 per hour, and graduate interns will be paid $21.00 per hour, unless they are receiving school funding, academic credit, or a fellowship for their internship. Application Process: To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration. No phone calls, please. The deadline to apply for summer internships is August 15, 2025. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA's work on policy and legislative change. DPA's remote internships are designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy, and regulatory and governmental practices first-hand. Our organizational ethos is to tackle racism directly and work to address the harms of the drug war that are overwhelmingly affecting low-income communities and people of color. In our Federal Affairs Office, interns conduct legislative and policy research; monitor Congressional hearings; draft fact sheets and other written materials on a wide range of federal drug policy reform issues; track and analyze federal legislation; participate in internal and external meetings, including Congressional meetings; assist in planning meetings and convenings; monitor federal drug policy activities; conduct outreach to partners and allies; and perform various administrative functions. Qualifications: Applicants must be enthusiastic about the organization's agenda, mission, and vision with solid written, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized, with a proactive work style. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite is preferred. Candidates must also be open to evolving responsibilities and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Hours: Minimum of 20 to 40 hours per week depending on the role. The internship begins Monday, September 8, 2025, and ends Friday, December 12, 2025. Compensation: Undergraduate interns will be paid $18.50 per hour, and graduate interns will be paid $21.00 per hour, unless they are receiving school funding, academic credit, or a fellowship for their internship. Application Process: To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration. No phone calls, please. The deadline to apply for summer internships is August 15, 2025. Decisions are made on a rolling basis.