Volunteer Legislative & Organizing Intern - New Jersey

Organization Description: The Ruth Project is a national gender equity organization empowering young people to challenge gender inequity and advocate for change in their communities. Through grassroots lobbying, self-advocacy training, and youth-led initiatives, we've reformed discriminatory school policies across the U.S. and Canada for over 200,000 students. We train young people to advocate effectively for change through consistent training and leadership opportunities. Over the course of five years, we've trained students across the country in Title IX and Constitutional law advocacy, as well as grassroots advocacy. We specialize in dress code reform and sexual harassment prevention advocacy.

Legislative & Organizing Intern - New Jersey

We're looking for several New Jersey-based interns to support an ongoing sexual violence prevention and gender equality campaign. These interns would support legislative work, on-campus organizing, in-person events, and grassroots organizing.

This position is open to current or recent college students in New Jersey. If you are in high school and are interested, we also encourage you to apply, as we can adapt the position as needed for the right candidate. This position will run from late August until mid-December, and can be extended. As a volunteer-based social justice organization, we are unable to compensate interns, but are happy to provide course credit requirements through your school.

Responsibilities:

• Legislative tracking
• In-person event needs, such as assistance in facilitating and leading workshops, student group events, tabling, and possible canvassing.
• Coordination with local partners
• Outreach to student groups
• Education about sexual violence on your campus and nearby campuses
• Support of organizing and policy work, which can include:
  • Writing op-eds and letters to the editor
  • Supporting other students in writing op-eds
  • Developing and circulating flyers for events
  • Planning creative action opportunities and events
  • Participating in (virtual and in-person) meetings with legislators

Requirements:

• Strong commitment to gender equality/gender justice and social justice principles
• Strong work ethic
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Commitment of a minimum of 5-10 hours a week.
• Ability to use Google Drive, Zoom, Outlook, and Microsoft services

Strongly Preferred:

• Some knowledge of Title IX, gender equality, or sexual violence
• Familiarity with feminist or other social justice work
• Previous policy/politics experience, either in volunteer roles or previous internships
• Based in New Jersey, and can attend some in-person events around you
• Preferred: Students at NJ schools
• Proficiency with Canva and strong graphic design skills
• Flexible availability, including weekends and evening hours (intern hours will be determined based on your schedule, school needs, and other commitments)

Nice-to-Haves (but not required):

• A reliable means of transportation, such as a car
• Previous legislative experience
• Previous coursework on policy and politics

What you will get out of this position:

• A strong understanding of the NJ policy environment
• Legislative advocacy skills
• Improved organizing skills, which will better equip you to:
  • Engage in political and policy campaigns
  • Lead advocacy projects
  • Participate in policy work
  • Build coalitions
• A strong understanding of sexual violence policy, gender equality work, and feminist values

What a week as an intern looks like:

• Report to senior officers
• Participate in weekly lobby training sessions
• Weekly strategy sessions
• Q&As with partner organization staff
• Engagement with a mentor in The Ruth Project

If you do not meet all of the qualifications above, we still encourage you to apply. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to info@ruthproj.org with the subject line "NJ Legislative Intern Application." If this posting is still live, we are still reviewing applications. The priority deadline for this role is August 18, 2026.