Government Relations & Patient Advocacy Programs (PAP) Intern

Position Summary:

Assists Advocacy & Government Relations (AGR) team in public policy research and advocacy, government relations, and advocacy to promote PPHP’s mission and strategic goals.

Supports the advancement of the mission of PPHP through community collaboration, elected official engagement, volunteer engagement, and outreach.

Coordinates and implements Patient Advocacy Programs. The Patient Advocacy Programs (PAP) are a collection of advocacy programs focused on placing Planned Parenthood patient advocates at the center of Planned Parenthood’s advocacy efforts. In advocating for and supporting patient needs and experiences at Planned Parenthood, coordinate and implement targeted campaigns to mobilize support for and raise awareness of reproductive rights, health care issues through patient and health center guest engagement.

PAP programs at PPHP include:

Health Center Advocacy Program (HCAP)

 Healthy Neighborhood Canvassing (HNC)

Story Collection/Storytelling

Assists the Director of Advocacy & Government Relations, specifically, with 2024 candidate research, interview coordination, and voter education efforts through Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund (PPHPAF)

Primary Responsibilities:

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic

To support all affiliate advocacy and government relations efforts with PAP programs, specifically:

Supports all public policy work, including scheduling lobby visits at their district, Albany, or Washington, DC offices. Maintains ongoing, constructive two-way communication and designs strategy to address individual needs of each elected official.

Participates in public policy and issue advocacy, including but not limited to attending lobby visits, providing public testimony, developing petitions and grassroots advocacy asks, and attending events hosted by elected officials in the PPHP region.

Manages the Storytelling Program, including

Engage with self-disclosed interested individuals for storytelling training and sharing opportunities (virtual and in person)

Providing 1-on-1 coaching for story writing and storytelling support

Research or create opportunities for storytellers to share experiences, both internally and externally

oFacilitating group storytelling workshops

Lead Organizer in the recruitment, coordination, training, and mobilization of volunteers in the Health Center Advocacy Program (HCAP)

oProvide any additional trainings for HCAP volunteers to ensure up to date information and support

Supports planning, content/material creation and implementation of specific issue or advocacy campaigns with HCAP and topic-specific Storytelling Workshops

oExamples: Civic engagement; voter registration, abortion access

Supports planning, content/material creation and implementation of Healthy Neighborhood Canvassing, including, but not limited to

Developing campaign scripts

Create outreach materials

Cut canvassing turf for AGR Coordinators

As needed, participates in tabling for college events, community/street festivals, health fairs with PPHP; canvassing (crowd and targeted neighborhoods), phone banking

Assists Advocacy and Government Relations staff in all department efforts including special projects, internal and external communications, and interdepartmental projects.

Works to gain greater knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, rights, and freedom issues.

Conducts appropriate research for a variety of advocacy and government relations efforts.

Participates in scheduling appointments and conference calls

Other projects and duties as required or assigned by Advocacy and Government Relations staff.

Planned Parenthood Hudson PeconicAction Fund and PPHP Votes:

·   Tracks progress and details of all 2024 federal, state and local electoral races

Conducts specific research for candidates who submit a candidate questionnaire.

·   Provides administrative support for candidate interviews, as needed

·   Provides support for PPHP Action Fund events as needed.

Qualifications:

Student seeking an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Marketing, Communications, or related field.

Commitment to the mission of Planned Parenthood.

Excellent organizational, administrative, and writing skills.

Basic knowledge of computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Understanding of the internet as a resource for research and communication.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team with staff and volunteers or independently.  Attention to deadlines and confidentiality with content sensitive material in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Assertive, detail-oriented, and able to manage several projects simultaneously with thorough follow-up.

Complete in-person interview, background check, and mandatory trainings.

Attend regularly scheduled 1-on-1 supervision with Director, Advocacy and Government Relations.

Spanish proficiency is recommended, but not required.

Time Commitment:

Full Academic Year, including Winter Intersession; 10-month commitment (August through May), 12-15 hours per week. 

Occasional possibility of substituting with evening and/or weekend event attendance on a support level basis.

Hybrid remote and in-person activities

Most hours will be completed virtually (subject to change)

All in-person activities will include COVID-19 safety precautions

Miscellaneous:

Complete in-person interview, background check, and mandatory trainings. Internship Orientation with Advocacy and Government Relations Team will be scheduled before you begin.

Must comply with PPHP policies, with high priority on compliance with confidentiality and social media policies.  

Compensation: Interns are encouraged to arrange to obtain college credit for the internship. Financial compensation is dependent on available funds and may differ from previous or future internships.  

Salary : $15