Advocacy Intern

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

AARP Wisconsin is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student for a paid internship to support efforts to improve the lives of Wisconsinites age 50 and older. Specifically, this work will advance our advocacy and communications efforts that support systems, policies, and programs that help people choose how they live as they age. Our advocacy and outreach efforts include federal, state, and local advocacy around financial security, livable communities, and caregiver support. This internship involves supporting and managing outreach and communications efforts directed toward AARP volunteers, AARP members, local, state, and federal policymakers, and the public, as well as analysis and project management.

The intern will work as an integral part of an eight-person staff. They will collaborate with multiple staff members and receive first-hand knowledge of how one of America’s largest non-profit organizations, dedicated to enriching the lives of older Americans, builds and organizes at the local, state, and federal levels and develops and conveys its message to almost 38 million members across the nation. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Summer 2026, with an option to continue throughout the year.

• Work closely with the Advocacy and Livable Communities/Outreach staff on different projects, programs, and initiatives, which shows AARP Wisconsin’s impact statewide and locally
• Assist staff with statewide initiatives like state legislative advocacy, including the biennial budget, Livable Communities/Age-Friendly Network, and social mission engagement efforts
• Gather research and compile information on a variety of topics. This could include online searches, reviewing publications, handling databases, and accessing different online platforms 
• Communicate ideas for program development and/or other outreach program needs
• Write and edit articles for the state website, blog entries, email communications, and other articles, focusing on AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities efforts
• Design visuals to support AARP Wisconsin’s efforts (e.g., handouts, fliers, online images, etc.) utilizing Canva, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Attend in-person or virtual meetings and/or events on AARP’s behalf
• Maintain the confidentiality of all AARP’s internal information
• Provide other assistance, as needed, to ensure effective external and internal communications and outreach for AARP WI

• Must be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college/university, rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or post-doctoral students, and must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Prior experience in issue and/or legislative advocacy, although not required, would be helpful
• Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours a week in our Madison office (summer hours are full-time)
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, partnered with strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects to achieve deadlines
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and familiarity with social media tools
• Research and analytical skills
• Interest in aging, community and economic development, nonprofits, communications/public relations, and political issues
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to work well with team members, while being flexible and adaptable to work on independent projects

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.