Public Policy and Advocacy Intern

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic intern pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or Health Policy to join our team as a Policy and Advocacy Intern. This internship opportunity will provide invaluable hands-on experience in the field of policy development, advocacy, and nonprofit work related to the health and wellness of men and boys.

Public Policy & Men’s Health Advocacy Internship Responsibilities at Men’s Health Network

Interns at Men’s Health Network (MHN) will play a vital role in advancing public policy and advocacy initiatives that support the health and well-being of men and boys. This internship is ideal for Public Policy, Political Science, and Public Health majors who are passionate about legislative advocacy, health policy reform, and improving healthcare access and outcomes for men. Through hands-on experience, interns will develop a deep understanding of policy research, government relations, and advocacy strategies while contributing to MHN’s mission.

1. Research & Analysis on Policies Affecting Men’s Health

• Conduct policy research and analysis on federal, state, and local legislative efforts that impact men’s health.
• Examine healthcare access, mental health services, reproductive health policies, chronic disease prevention, and insurance coverage affecting men and boys.
• Analyze legislative trends and policy gaps to support the organization’s advocacy efforts.
• Assist in tracking bills, regulatory changes, and policy discussions related to men’s health issues.

2. Legislative & Regulatory Tracking

• Monitor and maintain a legislative tracking system to follow bills and policies relevant to men’s health.
• Identify key committees, policymakers, and government agencies that influence men’s health legislation.
• Summarize legislative developments and prepare reports for MHN leadership and stakeholders.
• Research and compile background information on public health laws, regulations, and funding allocations impacting men’s health initiatives.

3. Development of Advocacy & Policy Materials

• Assist in drafting policy briefs, position statements, and fact sheets to communicate MHN’s stance on key issues.
• Develop educational materials to inform policymakers, the public, and coalition partners about pressing men’s health challenges.
• Contribute to testimony, legislative letters, and advocacy toolkits to support MHN’s policy priorities.
• Ensure that all materials align with evidence-based public health research and policy analysis.

4. Legislative & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend and actively participate in meetings with policymakers, congressional staff, and government agencies.
• Support MHN’s coalition-building efforts by engaging with partner organizations, advocacy groups, and think tanks.
• Assist in preparing talking points, meeting agendas, and legislative outreach plans for MHN leadership.
• Represent MHN in in-person and virtual meetings, hearings, and roundtable discussions related to men’s health policy.

5. Advocacy Campaign Development & Public Engagement

• Collaborate with MHN team members to develop advocacy campaigns that educate the public and drive policy change.
• Assist in designing action alerts, petitions, and outreach materials to mobilize support for legislative initiatives.
• Engage in direct advocacy efforts, including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings with key decision-makers.
• Support public awareness efforts through advocacy events, workshops, and policy briefings.

6. Event Participation & Policy Discussions

• Assist in organizing conferences, panel discussions, and public forums on men’s health policy.
• Attend Capitol Hill briefings, government hearings, and stakeholder meetings relevant to men’s health.
• Support logistics for advocacy-focused events, ensuring MHN’s presence at key policy discussions.
• Summarize takeaways from public policy conferences, legislative sessions, and health policy summits to inform MHN’s advocacy strategy.

7. Communications & Public Policy Messaging

• Draft newsletter articles, blog posts, and policy updates to keep MHN’s supporters informed.
• Contribute to press releases, op-eds, and advocacy communications to elevate men’s health issues in public discourse.
• Assist in preparing talking points for media engagements and policy discussions.
• Ensure all communication aligns with MHN’s policy positions and legislative priorities.

8. Administrative & Advocacy Support

• Maintain records of legislative outreach, policy research, and advocacy activities.
• Assist with data entry, report compilation, and document organization related to MHN’s policy initiatives.
• Provide logistical support for advocacy campaigns, meetings, and events.
• Ensure accurate tracking of stakeholder engagement, outreach efforts, and policy impact assessments.

Why This Internship is Valuable for Public Policy & Advocacy Majors

Interns will gain practical experience in policy research, government relations, and legislative advocacy, preparing them for careers in public policy, lobbying, government affairs, nonprofit advocacy, and health policy analysis. Through this hands-on experience, interns will develop the skills necessary to navigate the policymaking process, engage with legislators, and advocate for meaningful reforms that improve the health and well-being of men and boys.

Qualifications:

- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Political Science, Public Policy, Health Policy, or a related field.

- Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data analysis tools.

- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

- Strong interest in the health and wellness of men and boys, public health, and / or policy advocacy.

- Basic knowledge of the legislative and policymaking process at the federal, state, and local levels.

- Prior experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or nonprofit work is always a plus.

Benefits:

- Gain hands-on experience in policy development, advocacy, and nonprofit work.

- Learn about the health and wellness issues and policies related to men and boys and the surrounding landscape within these areas.

- Opportunity to engage with policymakers, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.

- Expand professional networks within the nonprofit, public health, and within policy sectors.

- Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.

- Academic credit may be available, depending on the requirements of your educational institution.

- Field trips to federal, governmental, and other off-campus opportunities.

Watch what people say about the MHN intern experience:

• Suzy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75yTmh-emr8
• John: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyVHh1Gftbk
• Chris: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfS5dg-ycP4
• Cristina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDTIAIoPAzo&

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

At Men's Health Network, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics. Our hiring practices ensure that all individuals are given a fair chance to succeed and contribute to our organization.

Nonprofit Status & Statement:

Men's Health Network (MHN), as a nonprofit organization, adheres to the United States Department of Labor's requirements for unpaid internships by ensuring that their internship programs are primarily educational and for the benefit of the interns. In compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), MHN provides training that is similar to that which would be given in an educational environment, including clinical and other hands-on training, and the internship experience is for the benefit of the intern, not the organization. 

MHN ensures that interns do not displace regular employees but work under close supervision of existing staff. Additionally, MHN clarifies that there is no promise of paid employment at the conclusion of the internship, and both the organization and the interns understand that the interns are not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. This structured approach ensures that MHN meets the DOL's criteria for lawful unpaid internships, while offering meaningful and educational experiences to their interns.