National Fellowship Program

We're now accepting applications for part- or full-time National Policy, Campaign, and Media Fellows

OUR PRINCIPLES
Public Stewardship. We believe it is the responsibility of our elected officials, who take a constitutional oath of office to protect the general welfare, to represent and act to secure the common, long-term interests of all who they represent, including marginalized peoples, children, future generations, and all life.

Courageous Leadership. When a problem threatens the public welfare, it is the responsibility of our elected officials to step up and lead a solution to that problem. The consequences of failing to address the ecological emergency are so severe that it threatens our survival as a nation.

Collective Power. When a problem crosses jurisdictional boundaries, our elected officials must come together to provide collective leadership to solve the problem. Our elected officials must provide the collective leadership necessary to protect our people and communities and restore our environment and democracy.

ABOUT YOU:
We are seeking highly motivated, dedicated, and passionate changemakers to assist with a variety of projects in the startup phase, including research, outreach, strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and communications. If you want to contribute to a high-leverage start-up campaign and make a national difference, this fellowship is for you.

  • Passion and experience in environment, energy, civic engagement, and/or public policy issues;
  • Solid problem solving skills;
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to work remotely, efficiently, and reliably meet deadlines; arrange your schedule and hours;
  • Zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor;
  • Proficiency with Google Docs and Sheets;
  • Experience in organizing, campaigns, or policy is an asset.

  • OPPORTUNITIES:
    We have three major programs our fellows and interns engage with:
    • Elected Officials to Protect America state and national organizing – EOPA fellows learn and engage in state and national issue campaigns ranging from our federal National Climate Emergency Plan to state-based clean transportation initiatives. We are seeking fellows with an interest in public policy, research, campaigns, running for office, working with lawmakers, organizing press conferences, and environmental organizing.
    • Code Blue Water Security Solutions film and multimedia production – We are producing a documentary on water security and climate change. Fellows learn how to produce short videos to educate lawmakers, the media, and the public. We are seeking fellows who wish to expand or gain knowledge in video editing, cinematography, audio, writing scripts, the production process, support our podcast, and updating websites.
    • ProtectEarth.News Newsmagazine – Our independent newsmagazine fellows write and publish environmentally-focused articles, videos, and podcasts. We are seeking fellows who are interested in expanding their writing skills to create media advisories, press releases, articles, Op-Eds, policy papers, and conduct research.
    • In addition, all fellows have the opportunity to learn and engage in, communications, social media, fundraising, and lawmaker engagement.

    TRAINING
    Our training courses include value-based communications, empathy-based fundraising, and EQ leadership and management, in addition to job-specific mentorship and training.

    • Emotional Intelligence and Public Leadership – The course will involve learning to increase each participant’s ability to empathize with others, to listen accurately, to communicate authentically, and create a work/campaign environment that maximizes team performance and creativity.
    • Value-Based Communications – In a media environment where we receive five times more information every day than just five years ago, distinguishing oneself from the crowd to make a lasting impact is essential to an organization or campaign. This course will focus on how we communicate through framing, targeting, and implementing a media campaign that connects through stories that create emotion to create action. Through experiential learning, students will create their narrative and apply it to real-life events, including press conferences, and media campaigns we conduct.
    • Empathy-Based Fundraising – This course introduces students to the elements of fundraising for political campaigns and organizations, and how those techniques can also be applied to nonprofit groups. We then expand to advanced fundraising tactics to connect through values and build empathy with the funder. Students will understand what makes compelling fundraising ask and evaluate the most effective fundraising tactics.
     BENEFITS
    • Flexible hours: 10 to 35 hours per week, fellowship term 3-6+ months
    • Work is online/remote
    • $1000 stipends for fellowship period are available, commensurate with experience. (In order to accommodate the most fellows from underserved communities and with economic needs as possible, institutional funding will be used before EOPA funding for any selected fellows with institutional funding support.)  You can also learn about the Carmen Ramirez Scholarship here.
    • Contribute to a strategic, high-leverage campaign with a direct national policy impact
    • Work with influential state and local elected leaders
    • Expand your network and join our talented community of current fellows and alumni
    • Exclusive personalized training series from experienced lawmakers, civic service professionals, and the University of San Francisco Masters in Public Leadership
    • Gain valuable organizing and campaign, experience
    • Opportunities to advance in leadership as a Senior and Executive Fellow and staff
    • We are a dedicated and fun team who learn from each other

    HOW TO APPLY

    Apply online here: National Fellowship Application 

    If the form is not accessible or for troubleshooting questions, please email: talent [at] protectingamerica.net

    WHAT FELLOWS SAY 

    “It got me out of my comfort zone and I learned a lot – everything from winning grants, policy brief writing, and contacting elected officials. Good for the soul. The work we’re doing really makes an impact. It was exciting to see the TV segment featuring our press conference!”  – Chris, Senior National Campaign Fellow

    “We are building something really big here, and it’s amazing to be right in the middle of it all – from talking to elected officials to making websites to planning a nationwide outreach campaign – you can literally see the organization taking steps to firmly set itself as a key player in the national environmental policy landscape.” – Bert, National Campaign Fellow

    “I joined this team because of the unique and incredible work that EOPA conducts on a daily basis. You really get to understand and build a new organization collaboratively. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference in our environment and collective public health.” – Jesse, National Campaign Fellow

    “EOPA is truly a special organization. We empower leaders, whether elected officials or fellows,  even as we massively scale our impact. The collaborative team and mission are inspiring. Everyone has a voice and is supported on their unique path and as a team. I’d highly recommend working for EOPA to anyone interested in environmental policy as well as growing to become a better leader, professional, and activist. – Kylie, Senior National Campaign Fellow  

    “Working for EOPA is a great way to work on all kinds of different projects and fields. The staff really encourages you to work on what you are interested in and take the lead on it. If you want to be a part of an organization that is trying to change things for the best, EOPA is the place to be.” – Capucine, National Campaign Fellow