Advocacy Intern

AARP; Rhode Island; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

AARP in Rhode Island seeks an Advocacy Intern to support strategy, events, and community outreach. The role involves attending meetings, drafting testimony, and researching issues under supervision of the Advocacy Team.

The internship runs Fall 2026 through year-end with possible expansion for additional semesters. Responsibilities include supporting voter engagement for the 2026 elections, developing research documents, and coordinating with volunteers.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university and remain enrolled throughout the internship.
• Excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

Responsibilities

• Apply innovative thinking to advocacy challenges.
• Support testimony preparation and write-up of research findings.
• Assist voter engagement for the 2026 elections.
• Coordinate with AARP-RI volunteers on advocacy activities.
• Research policy issues and draft documents to support advocacy efforts.
• Engage in team meetings and strategy discussions, and support remote/in-person events.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Adaptability

Education

Enrolled in accredited college/university

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

Advocacy Intern

As an Advocacy Intern, you will apply strategic, analytical, and creative thinking to execute advocacy tactics, support community events, and achieve office goals. On any given day, you could be attending meetings at the State House, preparing testimony for committee meetings, analyzing voter data, researching issues, or working with our talented team of volunteers. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Fall 2026 and will run through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities

• Apply innovative thinking and problem-solving to challenges
• Contribute to testimony creation and write-up of research findings
• Support Voter Engagement efforts for the 2026 State and Federal elections
• Communicate with and support AARP-RI volunteers in their role as part of our Advocacy Team
• Research policy issues, draft documents to support our advocacy efforts, participate in team meetings and strategy discussions, collaborate in communications tactics, and engage in support for various remote and in-person events
• Support Advocacy volunteers in their work

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Successful applicants will have excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills and be able to work well with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Microsoft Excel
• Must be a self-starter and adaptable to work under tight deadlines

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Must be available to work from AARP's Louisiana State Office.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation And Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.