Civic Advocacy Intern, Petition Organizer, WE Reform NYC

WE Reform NYC is a community-based, civic organization committed to structural reform of the New York City Charter through direct democracy. We are a bi-partisan, intern and community driven initiative, not affiliated with any political party, candidate, or special interest, powered entirely by everyday New Yorkers who believe in a more accountable, transparent, and responsive city government.

No citizen-led petition of this scale has ever been attempted in NYC history. These bi-partisan charter reforms could fundamentally change how our city is governed. You will not just be building your resume. You will be part of something historic.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Collect signatures from registered NYC voters on a legally binding petition. Use the Gotham Campaigns premier voter app to identify, track, and verify signatories. Engage New Yorkers from all backgrounds on why bi-partisan charter reform matters. Conduct outreach at community events, transit hubs, libraries, and neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

SKILLS YOU WILL GAIN

Field organizing is the core of every political campaign and the most sought-after entry-level skill in politics, one that AI cannot automate. You will also gain hands-on experience with Gotham Campaigns, a professional voter platform used by real NYC campaigns, plus knowledge of ballot initiative and election law, community outreach across diverse constituencies, and a historic civic project you can speak to in any political job interview.

ONBOARDING PROCESS

Every intern completes a brief interview, signs a written affirmation of no fraud, and attends a mandatory in-person training session. Official WE Reform NYC hat, t-shirt, and badge are provided at no cost upon onboarding.

PERFORMANCE-BASED STIPEND

Tier 1: Signatures 1 to 2,500 at $0.50 per signature = $1,250 Tier 2: Signatures 2,501 to 5,000 at $0.75 per signature = $1,875 Tier 3: Signatures 5,001 to 7,500 at $1.25 per signature = $3,125 Bonus Tier 4: Signatures 7,501 to 10,000 at $1.50 per signature = $3,750 Maximum total earnings for 10,000 verified signatures: $10,000

The Bonus Tier pays $1.50 per signature, nearly 50% more than a full-time minimum wage summer job, on a completely flexible schedule.

PERFORMANCE-BASED STIPEND

Tier 1: Signatures 1 to 2,500 at $0.50 per signature = $1,250 Tier 2: Signatures 2,501 to 5,000 at $0.75 per signature = $1,875 Tier 3: Signatures 5,001 to 7,500 at $1.25 per signature = $3,125 Bonus Tier 4: Signatures 7,501 to 10,000 at $1.50 per signature = $3,750 Maximum total earnings for 10,000 verified signatures: $10,000

The Bonus Tier pays $1.50 per signature, nearly 50% more than a full-time minimum wage summer job, on a completely flexible schedule.

Stipend payment made on verified signatures takes 2-3 weeks to verify signatures against the database.