Health Action NM is a non-profit, statewide consumer health advocacy organization that works to ensure that all NM communities have access to quality, affordable and accountable medical and dental care. Our team is seeking Summer interns for our Albuquerque office. We have three internship positions available: Health Policy Intern, Communications Intern, and Office Volunteer. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. At this time, we are not able to offer paid internships.
Ideal applicants will have a passion for social justice and a commitment to creating systemic change to improve the lives of the people of New Mexico. Experience in health policy and community outreach are preferred. Health Action NM has a Masters-level adviser on staff if you plan to seek academic credits for your internship. Applicants should be able to commit an average of 10-15 hours per week to the internship. Time periods are variable based on our needs and your interests.
Health Policy Intern
Over the next year, Health Action NM will play an integral role in a number of health policy initiatives, including:
- addressing skyrocketing prescription medication prices,
- implementing the NM Easy Enrollment program to enable enrollment in health coverage via your tax form, and
- designing a Medicaid expansion program available to the public.
What you will do: The Health Policy Intern will help our policy team conduct research, analyze data, organize stakeholder and coalition meetings, prepare for legislative committee hearings, collect stories, and write blog posts & e-blasts about our efforts. Some administrative tasks will also be expected.
Why you should apply for this internship: You will walk away from this internship with experience in the field of health policy, a better understanding of how nonprofits can drive change, policy analysis skills, and connections with local and national partners involved in the work of social change.
Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGD-ybXx0zyh3IxPxUvkq6Cx82Qgu1...
Communications Intern
Health Action NM helps drive the conversation around health care in New Mexico by talking about how our values and vision map on to the policy landscape. Our work has been featured in the Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexico Political Report, NMPolitics.net, Santa Fe Public Radio, KUNM, and many other local publications. During the time of this internship, it is likely that our work will be featured in national media outlets.
What you will do: The Communications intern will monitor media stories, identify media opportunities, draft press releases, draft and edit informational materials, collect stories, and work with reporters to highlight important issues.
Why you should apply for this internship: With so much at stake in health care, the need for a clear message to the public and health care stakeholders is critical. During this internship, you will be right where the rubber meets the road, working with our policy team in real time to respond to changes that will impact New Mexico and framing the issue for the people of New Mexico. You will be immersed in an exciting moment in health care, as Health Action NM and our partners lay the groundwork for universal coverage in NM. This experience will sharpen your skills in crafting messages to drive an agenda on behalf of health care consumers. You will also develop relationships with local media.
Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGD-ybXx0zyh3IxPxUvkq6Cx82Qgu1...
Office Administration Intern
In order to progress anywhere in our political advocacy work, we need a well-maintained, smoothly operated office. Our office is where we lay the groundwork for all our outreach and policy formation, and also where we host meetings and convenings for much of our work. This space is crucial to all aspects of our work and cannot be overlooked.
What you will do: The office administration intern will help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the office space, will answer phones and take messages, prepare and print materials, and help with finances and communications. Another likely task is to help update and maintain the website with new information on a rolling basis.
Why you should apply: The work involved in this internship is essential and universal for all non-profits and businesses. Health Action New Mexico has a stake in almost every major health policy that goes through this state, but with a small staff the office work is divided and often put off as a secondary task. Health Action needs individuals committed to ensuring the office runs smoothly, and you will gain valuable skills and experience to carry forward into virtually any career.
Legislative Session Intern
Every January, Health Action advocates for a number of bills to improve health access and quality of care for many New Mexicans. We are seeking interns that can ideally be physically present at hearings in Santa Fe, but would also like to hear from potential interns that want to work remotely to support our session activities. Santa Fe based interns or other interns willing to commute preffered, but all locations considered.
What you will do: Help track bills, call and email legislators, prepare and print materials, contact and inform community members wishing to do public comment or otherwise support bills.
Why you should apply: Even if you've taken political science or public policy courses, you can't fully appreciate or understand the New Mexico legislative landscape until you dive into it. This is a great way to do just that by getting involved in an established advocacy organization that can teach you how the session works and help guide you toward successful advocacy practices.
Community Outreach Intern
Health Action always looks to base policy and legislation in grassroots community engagement. This means we are always involved in direct community outreach. Currently, Health Action is particularly involved in community outreach in Southern New Mexico, but can also benefit from ABQ or other location based interns. Southern NM based interns preffered (Las Cruces/El Paso and surrounding areas) but all locations considered.
What you will do: Assist our community liasons in outreach activities relating to broadband access, healthcare access, health insurance enrollment, and more.
Why you should apply: Direct outreach is the basis of all good grassroots advocacy. Working directly in the community is a skill and an assett all those aspiring to policy positions should experience.