Free Press offers the country’s premier internship in Internet and media policy. Our hands-on summer advocacy and organizing internship gives students a chance to make their mark on critical national debates about the future of journalism, media consolidation and the Web.

Free Press’ intensive Media Action Boot Camp is designed for students who are interested in developing their skills as advocates and organizers. Interns participate in a comprehensive training program in our office in Florence, Mass., where they learn online and offline organizing skills.

Our Boot Camp training involves a series of workshops that focus on tactical and strategic efforts like grassroots activism, event planning, volunteer management and more. Interns build on the organizing skills they’ve learned by working in a variety of capacities on projects related to media policy, public education and media activism. Past projects have included blogs, research and interactive tools.

After completing the in-depth training, interns become an integral part of our summer campaign work by organizing in-district meetings, volunteer-engagement efforts and phone briefings for activists. Each internship is designed to build on a student’s interests and experiences, with every intern focusing on one major project in partnership with a Free Press staff member.

Day-to-day work includes researching media reform issues and local policy issues, contributing to online organizing using social media and other sources, maintaining databases and assisting in writing and updating website content. We occasionally need help answering phones and handling some routine administrative tasks, but this is never the bulk of the internship. Interns are part of a team and have unique opportunities for networking with local and national organizers and nonprofits.

Qualifications: Interns at Free Press come from a wide variety of disciplines and departments, but all are passionate about fighting for better journalism, more diverse media and Internet freedom. Successful interns are self-starters who tackle assignments with initiative, imagination, energy and determination. Excellent organizational, management and communications skills are a must. Some knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes is helpful but not required. Knowledge of the big issues facing our media is highly preferred.

Excellent writing and public speaking skills, as well as facility with word processing, spreadsheets and Internet software, are vital. Interns must be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment where staff must be responsive to shifting circumstances in Washington and elsewhere. This internship requires a 10–12 week commitment. Small stipends are available.

How to Apply: Complete our online internship and fellowship application. Applicants must also fulfill their academic institutions’ requirements for securing credit for the internship. The application deadline for our Summer Media Action Boot Camp is April 5. Decisions will be made by April 26.

Questions? Email Internship Director Josh Stearns.

About Free Press: Free Press is building a powerful nationwide movement to change media and technology policies, promote the public interest and strengthen democracy. Free Press advocates for universal and affordable Internet access, diverse media ownership, vibrant public media and quality journalism.