FCNL Internship: More Information

Participants in the FCNL internship program, who carry the title program assistants, work directly with FCNL lobbyists and other senior staff, gaining first-hand knowledge of the legislative process. FCNL offers internship opportunities in legislative program work, grassroots advocacy, and communications.

"At FCNL I’m in the center of the action on Capitol Hill. I’ve lobbied members of Congress, held discussions and debated with experts in my field, and my coworkers are knowledgeable and experienced professionals."
--Adam Klepper (intern 2004-2005, legislative assistant 2005-2006)

The FCNL internship program offers opportunities for:

• Advocacy: Lobby Congress and build grassroots campaigns to encourage constituents and members of Congress to take action by providing them with information on critical issues.
• Research: Attend congressional committee hearings and coalition meetings and analyze documents and reports.
• Communications: Draft action alerts, letters, and background reports to keep constituents informed and to express FCNL's position to Congress and the administration.
• Outreach: Help build democracy by organizing campaigns and workshops that empower people around the country to engage with elected officials in Washington.

'FCNL really does expect you to both learn a lot and work hard while you’re here – and they provide plenty of opportunities for you to do both."
--Jessica Halperin (intern 2010-11)

Length of internship

Program assistants work as full-time members of the FCNL staff for 11 months, normally from September through the end of July.

Is a college degree needed?

Generally, applicants have college degrees, but FCNL will consider individuals with equivalent experience.

Salary and benefits

Salary is at a subsistence level for the Washington, DC area.

Benefits include fully paid health coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, and a public transportation or biking stipend.

Program assistants are responsible for making their own housing arrangements.

"As I’ve been envisioning what kind of community organizer I want to be, I’m starting to think that one thing I really want to do is give the people I work with the tools to lobby their representatives that I’ve learned at FCNL."
—Christine Haider (intern 2008–2009)

Application process

Applications are accepted January 1 through mid-March each year for the internship cycle beginning the following September.

To apply submit:

• A completed application form
• Four letters of reference
• An official or unofficial transcript from your institution. We may ask for an official copy directly from your institution at a later date.

What does FCNL advocate?

• Peaceful prevention and resolution of deadly conflict
• Advancement of civil rights and liberties
• Elimination of nuclear weapons
• Protection of the environment through sustainable energy policy
• Support for the sovereignty of Native American Nations, fairness to tribes, and equal rights for indigenous people
• Promotion of a federal budget that gives priority to human needs over military spending
• Ensuring that all persons have access to the basic necessities for human growth and development.

FCNL's mission statement

We seek a world free of war and the threat of war
We seek a society with equity and justice for all
We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled
We seek an Earth restored.

History

The FCNL intern program began in 1970. See a list of past interns.