Fast Facts

Common Sense is seeking an Advocacy Intern to support their policy and advocacy efforts in Washington, DC. This internship offers hands-on experience in federal and state technology policy, research, and grassroots mobilization on important issues affecting kids and families.

Responsibilities: Interns will conduct research on critical policy areas, support grassroots campaigns, assist in writing communications, and help with Capitol Hill advocacy efforts.

Skills: Candidates should be enrolled in a graduate program, possess strong writing skills, and have a proactive, organized, and enthusiastic attitude towards learning about policy.

Qualifications: The ideal applicant will have an interest in technology, media literacy, data privacy, and related policy areas, and should be dependable with a strong sense of urgency.

Location: This position is based in Washington, DC, with an option for remote participation.

Compensation: $25 - $25 / Hourly

Job Details

Job Location:   D.C. - Washington, DC

Position Type:   Internship

Salary Range:   $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Description

ADVOCACY INTERN

ABOUT

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization that gives kids, families, and schools the tools to make informed choices about media and technology. Families know us for our independent, age-based reviews of movies, TV shows, books, games, podcasts, and apps. Educators use our free curriculum and edtech reviews to plan lessons and integrate technology into their teaching practice. At our core, we are a children's advocacy group. We draw on original research, industry expertise, and community partnerships to advocate for laws and policies that help kids thrive.

We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive. We hire and cultivate diverse teams of the best and brightest from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We offer a hybrid work model that combines in-office work and remote work opportunities, balancing operational effectiveness and collaboration.

SCOPE

We are seeking an Advocacy Intern to support our team and learn about the ins and outs of federal and state technology policy and advocacy strategy on behalf of America's kids and teens. As an intern, you will be expected to hit the ground running on a variety of activities. 

For example, an intern will: conduct research related to federal and state policy in our priority areas (broadband, data privacy, cyber security, platform accountability, artificial intelligence, and mental health); support our digital grassroots mobilization campaign; help write memos, blog posts, and emails; assist with advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill; and other activities. We are looking for someone eager to learn from a top-notch policy and advocacy team and willing to dive into the fast-paced environment of tech policy advocacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research related to federal and state policy in our priority areas (broadband, data privacy, cyber security, platform accountability, artificial intelligence, and mental health); 
• Support our digital grassroots mobilization campaign; 
• Help to write memos, blog posts, and emails; 
• Assist with advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill (if local to Washington, DC); 
• Aid individual team members with administrative and other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate-level law or public policy school program;
• Interested in policy areas such as education, media literacy, technology, data privacy and cybersecurity, social media platform accountability, teen mental health, and digital equity;
• Upbeat, enthusiastic, authentic can-do attitude;
• Well organized;
• Strong writer;
• Open to learning;
• Dependable with a strong sense of urgency;
• Inspired by the Common Sense mission!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• REPORTS TO: Senior Counsel, Tech Policy
• LOCATION: Washington, DC, or Remote
• DURATION: June 16 - August 22, 2025
• PAY: $25/hr, up to 40 hours/week
• This is a paid opportunity, and we will work with your clinical or internship office for school credit if necessary.
• Interns must be available to attend weekly educational Lunch & Learns, which are held every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (PST). 

Common Sense provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Common Sense will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Qualifications