Advocacy Intern

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for an Advocacy Intern in Providence, RI. Working alongside members of the Advocacy Team, the intern will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. The intern will assist the American Lung Association Rhode Island staff to RI Healthy Air Collaborative activities to gain experience in the field of public health advocacy. 

This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum time commitment of 15 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement. This position is from June 2026 through August 2026.

PROJECTS

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in organization, multi-tasking and communications. The intern can expect to develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities:

• Gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association
  • Become knowledgeable of mission, development, and communications efforts.
  • Gain technical training by utilizing
  • Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
• Advocacy and Public Policy
  • Utilize State of the Air report data to inform communications and educational materials related to air quality and health in Rhode Island
  • Work with RI Dept of Health Asthma Control Program, Dept of Environmental Management, and Brown University staff on air quality and health initiatives
  • Draft advocacy materials related to indoor and outdoor air quality policy opportunities alongside Director of Advocacy
  • Support resident education efforts within Providence Housing Authority

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Learn more about Non-Profit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts.
• How to utilize data and personal experiences to impact policy and practice change
• Evidence-based health policy process and components
• Important of accessible communications of complex public health topics
• Learn to cultivate relationships.
• Learn how to communicate in a professional office setting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be an enrolled student at Brown University School of Public Health
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in public health.
• Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
• Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently
• Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

Before unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The American Lung Association is committed to employ, in its best judgment, the most suitable candidates for approved positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in compliance with all applicable employment laws. We are an equal opportunity employer: women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The American Lung Association will take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat all individuals in the foregoing categories without discrimination in all employment practices. This policy applies in all Human Resources actions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation and training.