PAID Fall/Winter 2026 Grassroots Organizer Internship: Community Health and Corporate Accountability

Company Description

Since 1972, Clean Water Action has been at the forefront of grassroots advocacy to protect communities and the environment. Our Minnesota chapter has been organizing residents since 1982 to fight pollution, toxic chemicals, and corporate overreach.

Recent victories include:

• 2024 Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, holding producers accountable to steward their plastic waste

• 2023 Amara’s Law, the nation’s first PFAS chemical ban

We believe that organized people can win against organized money, and every Minnesotan deserves clean water, safe communities, and a livable future.

Job Description

This PAID internship offers students and early-career organizers the opportunity to develop real-world skills in canvassing, fundraising, and community mobilization. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to:

• Engage Minnesotans in campaigns protecting clean water and community health

• Recruit supporters and raise funds for grassroots advocacy

• Collect postcards, letters, and calls to lawmakers to advance environmental and corporate accountability policies

Responsibilities:

• Canvass door-to-door to inform and inspire the public about environmental and social justice campaigns

• Recruit and mobilize supporters and new Clean Water Action members

• Fundraise to sustain grassroots advocacy work

• Collect postcards, letters, and calls to lawmakers to advance our progressive policy goals

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to a positive, motivated team

Full paid training in canvassing and campaign issues is provided. No prior experience required.

Qualifications

• Interest in nonprofit organizing, environmental advocacy, or public policy

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Reliable, motivated, and detail-oriented

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Ideal candidates enjoy connecting with people as part of their daily work and are motivated to make real change on these issues.

• We are committed to reflecting the communities we work in; BIPOC, LGBQT+ folks, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

• As an equal opportunity employer, Clean Water Action is dedicated to non-discrimination in every aspect of employment. No person is to be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other ground prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. This equal opportunity policy applies to veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, terminations, pay, and the work environment.

Additional Information

• Position: Part-time (3 to 4 days); or Full-time (5 days)

• Hours: 2 pm-9:30 pm

• Schedule: Monday through Friday

• Benefits: 401(k), Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Paid Time Off (PTO), Flexible schedule

• Wage: $20/hourly ($19/hourly paid training for the first 10 days)

• Supplemental pay types: Daily performance bonuses

• Ability to commute/relocate: Ability to reliably commute to Minneapolis, MN before starting work Required. We do not provide any moving or housing assistance. Please only apply if you have specific plans to be located near the Minneapolis Clean Water Action office.

If you’re ready to make a tangible impact in Minnesota’s environmental and public health landscape while growing your organizing skills, apply now to join our team!