Democracy Matters accepts applications for paid internships on college campuses. Interns build and lead DM chapters on their own campuses. DM interns become today’s campus leaders and tomorrow’s successful political activists.

With support and training from DM staff, interns mobilize students to protect and expand American democracy and expand social justice.

DM connects social justice issues like climate change, racial justice, reproductive rights, gun violence, poverty and student rights to underlying problems of our broken democracy – voter suppression, the power of big money, gerrymandering, and attacks on elections. Interns become the leaders of today and tomorrow’s successful political reform.

Responsibilities

• Create a Democracy Matters chapter to educate and engage students, faculty, and community activists.

• Build broad coalitions with student groups on your campus.

• Organize at least four campaigns/events per semester (see Action Campaigns)

Opportunities

• Receive on-going training and mentoring from a DM staff member.

• Attend a national Democracy Matters Student Summit

• Distribute Democracy Matters materials – banner, flyers, DVD, t-shirt, stickers, and pins.

• Connect with DM campus interns and organizational allies throughout the country.

• Become a campus leader and part of the national coalition building an inclusive democracy that works for everyone.

Compensation

• $500 per semester (if needed) or course credit

• Additional financial support for campaign/event expenses

Requirements

• A passionate commitment to social change

• Leadership experience.

• Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors.

• Email a resume and a cover letter describing why you want to bring DM to your campus to joanm@democracymatters.org

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

Alex Cole, Vassar College

“Democracy Matters genuinely values the input of young people.. The organization gives students the chance to be creative leaders, but is ready to offer project ideas and coaching to help students overcome snags. I can think of no other group that so effectively inspires, encourages, and challenges young people to become creative organizers.. Democracy Matters chapters should–and must–exist on every college campus.”

Nicholas Feden, Temple University

“Democracy Matters has given me a chance to direct my activist energies toward the most efficient issue for overall social change – one that touches on all those things I care about: poverty, equality, civil rights, student rights, etc.”

Jennifer Ayers, East Carolina University

“Democracy Matters has made an impact on me because I have become very a passionate democracy activist.”

Liana Grossman, Colgate University

“Young people are not apathetic. They simply aren’t aware of the outlets available to

voice their opinions and make change happen. DM changes all that!

Jake Miller, Bloomsburg University

‍ ‍ “I want to thank you and DM s for cutting our teeth. I helped found the DM chapter at Bloomsburg in 2012, and now 13 years later, I’m running for county treasurer. John Latini, my successor, is running govt relations for Penn State. Emily Kinkead, his successor, just declared she is running for PA State Assembly representing Pittsburgh.”

Susan Cook, Georgia State University

“Rather than drown in the seas of student apathy, DM offered me a lifeboat equipped with the supplies and skills and lifelines for activism that I learned to toss to others.”

Eamon O’Cearuil, Harvard University

‍ ‍ “Politics is not only about voting! DM taught me the importance of grassroots organizing that I’m now applying to political campaigning and other social justice issues. Thanks!