The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the nation’s leading organization of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. We promote alternatives to failed, punitive drug policies and fight for ones based on science, compassion, health and human rights. DPA’s work spans issues from ending marijuana prohibition and promoting more honest and effective drug education to reducing the many harms of drug use and drug laws. We work to ensure that our nation’s drug policies no longer arrest, incarcerate, disenfranchise and otherwise harm millions of nonviolent people, especially people of color.

DPA & Youth Policy

Our work includes advocacy directed at young people, parents and educators. DPA supports honest, reality-based youth drug education rather than approaches based primarily in fear and misinformation. We also support alternatives to zero tolerance policies and drug testing in schools. DPA advances these reality-based policies through widely-disseminated publications (most prominently Safety First and Beyond Zero Tolerance.)

Youth Policy Intern:

DPA’s Youth Policy Program is seeking talented undergraduate and graduate students interested in creating real alternatives to the war on drugs. Internship activities are varied, providing support to the Youth Policy Manager in coordinating DPA’s advocacy in the area of young people and drugs.

Intern responsibilities will be comensurate to the candidates’ skills — ranging from administrative tasks to helping develop alternative drug education and prevention strategies to making significant contributions towards integrating a youth policy perspective into the organization’s overall goals and direction. The Youth Policy Intern will develop a deepened understanding of the implications of the war on drugs on juvenile justice, school discipline and child welfare.

Interns must be able to work at least 10 hours a week for a minimum of three months. The ideal candidate will be an energetic, self-motivated individual who possesses strong communication, writing, research and problem solving skills with an interest in politics, community organizing, and ending mass incarceration.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in social justice, youth development and drug policy reform. Some prior experience in community, childhood and youth studies, policy advocacy and research, or administrative affairs is strongly preferred but not necessary. A degree in social work, sociology, education, community arts, or life/social sciences is preferred.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, résumé and a brief (2-4 page) writing sample to Jerry Otero, Youth Policy Manager, Drug Policy Alliance at jotero@drugpolicy.org. No calls please