Policy Intern, Policy Department deadline to apply is Dec. 19th

Policy Intern Policy Department - deadline to apply is Dec. 19th

About Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is the first nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Arab Middle Eastern Muslim and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities in Georgia. Our mission is to advance justice in a broad multiracial movement and build power within AAPI AMEMSA and immigrant communities across Georgia and the Southeast. We envision a just world that embraces self-determination transformative solidarity and thriving communities.

Founded in 2010 as the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC) our organization became part of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation in 2014. Since then we have re-organized our work into four major strategies: Policy Advocacy Organizing & Civic Engagement Impact Litigation and Legal Services.

Position Summary:
The role of the Policy Intern is to support the Policy Advocacy team in research analysis and writing on key issues affecting Georgias AAPI AMEMSA and immigrant 2026 the Policy Advocacy team will be prioritizing legislative advocacy in four policy areas: 1) advancing immigrant justice; 2) protecting immigrant and civil rights; 3) affirming democratic values; 4) protecting our voting rights and voter access. Working under the direction of a member of the Policy Team the Policy Intern will assist in developing materials in preparation for and during the 2026 legislative session.

Potential projects and tasks include tracking bills research and analysis of priority legislation note taking at committee meetings and creating engaging social media content. The Policy Intern will gain experience with state-level legislative advocacy learn about working in coalition with organizational partners and connect with Advancing Justice-Atlanta staff to learn about other areas of the organization. Depending on interest and capacity the Policy Intern will also have an opportunity to identify an area of policy interest and work on a deliverable with support from the Policy Advocacy team during the internship period.

Responsibilities/Tasks:
Assist in preparation for the 2026 state legislature including preparing bill summaries;
completing legislative profiles; and updating the Policy Advocacy teams bill tracking system.
Support the Policy Advocacy team in-person at the Georgia State Capitol at least 1 day per week during legislative session (approximately mid-January through late March)
Attend and take notes at assigned committee hearings (either online or in-person)

Attend weekly policy team meetings and weekly check-in meetings with project supervisor/s
Work with the Communications team on the creation of session-related social media content
Support multiple members of the Policy Team on other tasks as needed
Give final presentation on experience and work in internship

Minimum Qualifications:
Current or recent undergraduate or graduate student coursework or degree in public policy political science or similar field is preferred
Ability to commit to the full spring semester internship (January 2026-April 2026)
In-person availability to be present at the Georgia State Capitol in downtown Atlanta at least one day per week throughout the Georgia legislative session and occasionally at the Advancing Justice-Atlanta office in Norcross
Strong writing research and communication skills
Ability to drive and/or arrange transportation for in-person work responsibilities
Previous experience in state-level legislative advocacy in Georgia preferred
Ability work autonomously and manage multiple and shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment
Team-oriented and able to work collaboratively with members of the Policy Advocacy team and other Advancing Justice-Atlanta staff
Have a strong interest in social justice and working to advance the rights of immigrant and refugee populations in Georgia and the South
Bilingual abilities preferred

Start Date:
This internship tenure is January 2026 - April 2026. The expected time commitment is 20 hours per week. This position is hybrid with a commitment to be in-person at the Georgia State Capitol once per week and attend occasional meetings in the Advancing Justice Norcross office.

Compensation: $16 per hour for current undergraduate students or those with an undergraduate degree; $20/hour for current graduate students or those with a graduate degree up to 20 hours per week.

How Youll Contribute to Our Impact:

• Contribute to vital creation and collection of knowledge on key legislative issues

• Assist with planning and coordination of policy events

• Participate in Advancing Justice - Atlantas mission to protect the civil rights of all AAPI & AMEMSA communities in Georgia

What This InternshIp Offers:

• Hands-on professional experience in state- and local-level policy research and advocacy

• Opportunities to engage with multiple facets of non-profit work

• A collaborative and dynamic work environment

Physical Requirements:

The position permits working from home but requires travel as necessary to the Advancing Justice-Atlanta office in Norcross and to other local meetings and events in Atlanta and the Atlanta metro area. Ideally the candidate will have access to a car and the ability to drive. Occasional evening and weekend work required. Precautions are in place to ensure safe access to the office.

To Apply:

Send a resume short writing sample and paragraph stating your interest to Jennifer Lee at with the subject line Policy Intern by December 19 2025. Applicants should expect to hear back by Jan 9 2026 with a start date in mid-January.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race color creed ethnicity national origin ancestry age height weight sex gender identity sexual orientation disability HIV status marital or domestic partner status or religious affiliation. For any accommodations requests in the application process please contact