Policy and Research Intern

Second Day; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible start date

15-20 hours per week

Job summary

Rising Voices is seeking an undergraduate or recent graduate intern for a summer internship program. Through policy, organizing, and researched-based projects, the intern will gain valuable experiences centered on local and state policy advocacy processes.

We are seeking candidates from a wide range of disciplines, including public policy, political science, social work, and the arts. The Policy & Research Intern will work with the Policy & Political Director.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student or recent graduate in Political Science, Public Policy, Pre-Law, International Relations, Government Affairs, or related field.
• Align with Rising Voices' Mission and Values.
• Familiarity with issues facing AAPI, BIPOC and/or other marginalized communities.
• Some familiarity with the state and federal legislative process.
• Interest in cross-racial and multigenerational solidarity and coalition building.
• Commitment to advancing racial equity and working with local, state, and national government, nonprofit, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of RV's work, vision, and relationships with key partners.
• Increase exposure to current Asian American public policy issues in Michigan and in the US.
• Recognize the role of policy, research, and organizing in addressing social justice issues.
• Attend internal and external meetings and assist with team-related projects as needed.
• Track relevant policy and state budget issues using Gongwer, the Michigan Legislature, and other trackers.
• Research issues such as inclusive education, immigration justice, language access, voting rights, reproductive justice.
• Improve skills in legislative research, writing, policy analysis, budgets, data analysis, and power mapping.
• Outreach to the public and stakeholders on campaigns and build community support.
• Assist with planning and executing relevant events.
• And other duties as assigned.

Skills

AAPI Issues Awareness

BIPOC Issues Awareness

Policy Research

Legislative Process

Writing

Coalition Building

Education

Political Science

Public Policy

Pre-Law

International Relations

Government Affairs

Job description

Job Title : 2026 Policy and Research Intern

Department : Policy & Political

Reports To : Political and Policy Director

Background and Mission

Rising Voices is a nonprofit organization that seeks to organize and develop the leadership of Asian American women, families and young people for power around progressive values and policy in the state of Michigan through community and cultural organizing, electoral engagement, and policy advocacy for a future where all families can thrive.

We envision a state and communities where our families have access to just economic policies, in-language support, affordable and culturally competent healthcare, inclusive education, welcome for immigrants, advocacy for workers, policy representation and accountability for our electeds. Our theory of change includes multiple strategies for power that serve to develop leadership within Asian American communities that will move local state and federal progressive policy and help elect progressive candidates to champion those issues.

Rising Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Empowered Politics, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization; Rising Voices Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Empowered Politics Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Job Summary

Rising Voices is seeking an undergraduate or recent graduate intern for a summer internship program. Through policy, organizing, and researched-based projects, the intern will gain valuable experiences centered on local and state policy advocacy processes. We are seeking candidates from a wide range of disciplines, including public policy, communications, political science, social work, and the arts. The Policy & Research Intern will work with the Policy & Political Director.

Essential Functions

The following responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this manner. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Develop an understanding of RV's work, vision, and relationships with key partners.

Increase exposure to current Asian American public policy issues in Michigan and in the US.

Recognize the role of policy, research, and organizing in addressing social justice issues.

Attend internal and external meetings and assist with team-related projects as needed.

Track relevant policy and state budget issues using Gongwer, the Michigan Legislature, and other legislative trackers.

Research

Conduct research for issues such as inclusive education, immigration justice, language access, voting rights, reproductive justice, and other RV campaigns.

Improve skills in legislative research, writing, policy analysis, understanding of local and state budgets, data analysis, and power mapping.

Outreach to the public and stakeholders on campaigns and build community support.

Assist with planning and executing relevant events.

And other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Occasionally required to lift and move office supplies or equipment (up to 25 pounds).

Participation in event logistics. Event logistics may require physical tasks such as lifting and carrying materials or equipment (up to 25 pounds), setting up tables and chairs, bending or crouching to arrange supplies, standing for up to 30 minutes, and moving throughout event spaces during setup and cleanup.

Must be able to work on a computer, including sitting at a desk for extended periods of time, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instruction.

The position is a part-time position that works 15-20 hours a week and may require periodic travel for events.

This position is currently hybrid and will include remote work at home, work at onsite locations and mandatory meetings at Rising Voices' Techtown office in Detroit, MI.

This position may require some work on nights and weekends with advanced notice.

Required Qualifications:

Undergraduate student or recent graduate in Political Science, Public Policy, Pre-Law, International Relations, Government Affairs, or related field(s)

Align with Rising Voices' Mission and Values

Familiarity and lived experiences with issues facing AAPI, BIPOC and/or other marginalized communities

Some familiarity with the state and federal level legislative process

Interest in cross-racial and multigenerational solidarity and coalition building

Commitment to advancing racial equity, advocating for public policy, and working with local, state, and national government, nonprofit, and community partners.

Don't meet every qualification? Apply anyway. Studies show marginalized communities often don't apply unless they check every box. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—you may be just the right candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong relationship-building skills, persistent and friendly

Ability to flourish in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment and can effectively manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously

Attention to detail and ability to respond to a fast-paced environment

Strong writing, administrative, and organizational skills

Preferred Asian language, but not required

Compensation and Benefits

This is a temporary, part time position with a flexible start date and anticipated end date of December 1, 2026. This position is 15-20 hours per week at $17 per hour. This position is non-exempt.

Rising Voices has a non-negotiation policy when it comes to salary as part of a commitment to equity in compensation.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

Rising Voices will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Rising Voices contracts with Resilient Strategies LLC for backend and operational support including hiring and employment. Resilient Strategies is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Folks who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply. Pursuant of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.