Technology Reform Intern

Technology Reform Intern 

Semester: Fall (September-December 2024)

Status: Part-time Temporary (20-30 hours per week)
Reports to: Legislative Manager, Technology Reform

Stipend: $17.50/hour 

Location: Washington, DC Preferred (Remote Available–see note under location section)

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game-changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Issue One educates the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

Issue One is helping lead the fight to protect U.S. elections and election workers in 2024, ensure a peaceful transfer of power in 2025, and win comprehensive reforms to combat disinformation on technology platforms. Issue One built the National Council on Election Integrity and led its $15 million Count Every Vote campaign to defend the integrity of the 2020 elections and push back against attempts to undermine faith in our democratic process.  

POSITION

Issue One seeks a fall Technology Reform intern interested in combating disinformation, reforming social media, and protecting American democracy, along with our Council for Responsible Social Media (CRSM). CRSM works to ensure that social media platforms are enhancing, rather than undermining, American communities, national security, and democracy. We would like to hire who is unflinching when assigned various responsibilities and remains open-minded at all times, like the rest of our staff. 

Our interns are integral members of Issue One, a small but growing office where you will gain hands-on experience in bipartisan outreach and advocacy, communications and messaging tactics, event planning, and much more. We also work closely with other reform organizations and will give you a comprehensive look at the vital work being done nationwide.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Independently research topics related to social media, children's mental and physical health, disinformation/misinformation, implications of social media on U.S. national security, polarization, digital democracy, and related topics. 
• Draft reports, talking points, and other reports to further the Council for Responsible Social Media's (CRSM) ability to advocate for meaningful reforms to social media.
• Regularly monitor and draft weekly reports on updates to technology policy, legislation, regulation and other related items.

Advocacy

• Helps the team formulate advocacy strategies related to tech reform work.
• Helps monitor all federal and state legislation related to social media reform.
• Schedules and attends, as assigned, meetings and public events and follows up with advocacy organizations, academics, and other entities as needed.

Public Event Planning and Management 

• Helps execute events for CRSM, including internal Council meetings and public events.
• Supports logistical coordination and keeps their supervisor abreast of any planning concerns.

Other Responsibilities TBD. Given the fluid and developing nature of the Tech Reform program, duties are subject to change, and new responsibilities might be added based on the program's needs. Therefore, the interns must be able to adapt to program needs and remain optimistic when changes take place. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated interest in democracy, misinformation, social media, and political advocacy
• Self-starter who can see projects through to completion
• Commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable political system
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to try new things
• Demonstrated ability to generate ideas and adapt to new projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, as well as with a team

LOCATION

This will be a part-time internship of 20-30 hours per week. Interns can work remotely or join us on-site for a hybrid schedule, including being in our Washington, DC office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If remote, they must reside in a state where Issue One is formally established. These states include California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia. Remote opportunities outside of these states will not be available.

We anticipate this being a roughly 14-week internship, starting on or about Monday, September 16, and ending on or about Thursday, December 19.

Intern Selection Timeline

• July 18-Aug 2: Position is posted, and resumes are collected 
• August 5-12: Resumes are screened and interviews are scheduled.
• August 13-16: First-round Interviews occur w/ potential assessment scheduled 
• August 19-20: Second round interview for selected finalist(s) w/ CRSM Director (if needed)
• August 21-23: Preferred candidate selected and internship offered  

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after August 2, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.