Community Justice Intern or Practicum Student

Empower Missouri; Missouri; Remote; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Empower Missouri offers a Community Justice Intern or Practicum Student position to assist Criminal Justice Policy Managers in advancing fair and equitable policies across Missouri. You will participate in advocacy campaigns, public education, coalition-building, and policy research at state and local levels.

The role emphasizes hands-on experience in public policy, criminal legal system reform, and grassroots advocacy, with some travel for in-person events and Capitol hearings.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the criminal legal system, especially Missouri.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Connect with community members and help grow the Community Justice Coalition.
• Write policy briefs on criminal legal system issues.
• Support policy research on other anti-poverty issues as needed.
• Help prepare and submit testimony and attend hearings at the Missouri State Capitol.
• Track legislation and monitor hearings in the Missouri House and Senate, sharing updates with partners.
• Take notes and summarize key developments from Capitol activity.
• Create fact sheets and materials on priority issues.
• Support coalition meetings, including note-taking and follow-up.

Skills

Criminal justice understanding

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Currently enrolled student

Job description

The Community Justice Intern or Practicum Student will work alongside Empower Missouri's Criminal Justice Policy Managers to support efforts to advance fair and equitable criminal justice policies across the state. Our work focuses on reducing mass incarceration, addressing racial disparities in the criminal legal system, and promoting approaches to public safety that strengthen communities rather than relying on punishment.

In this role, you'll be part of advocacy campaigns, public education efforts, coalition-building, and policy research that help move meaningful change at both the state and local level. It's a strong fit for someone who wants hands-on experience in public policy, criminal legal system reform, and grassroots advocacy.

What You'll Do

• Connect with community members and help grow the Community Justice Coalition
• Write policy briefs on criminal legal system issues
• Support policy research on other anti-poverty issues as needed
• Help prepare and submit testimony and attend hearings at the Missouri State Capitol
• Track legislation and monitor hearings in the Missouri House and Senate, sharing updates with partners
• Take notes and help summarize key developments from Capitol activity
• Create fact sheets and other materials on priority issues
• Support coalition meetings, including note-taking and follow-up

What We're Looking For

• A basic understanding of the criminal legal system, especially in Missouri
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks

Time Commitment

• 15 hours per week (flexible schedule).
• Availability for some meetings between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• This is a remote position open to candidates located in Missouri, with occasional travel to support in-person events or advocacy efforts in Mid-Missouri and the state capitol.

We are happy to work with students to make sure this fits practicum or field placement requirements.

Compensation

• $15.00/hour

Reports To

• Criminal Justice Policy Manager

Applications are due by November 20, 2026 . The internship will start in January 2027 and run through May 2027.