Vacancies

At the Free to Be Youth Project (FYP), we believe all young people should have life’s basic necessities: a place to live, a source of support, and legal immigration status. Our mission to attack the intractable problems of homelessness, poverty, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth through an exceptional model of legal services and grassroots advocacy.

FYP is housed within the Urban Justice Center, a dynamic non-profit law collective. For forty years UJC has served as an umbrella organization to a number of innovative projects, each designed to meet the needs of a particular group of oppressed or marginalized New Yorkers, among them persons with mental disabilities, sex workers, street vendors, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless.

The Policy Intern will support the Project Director in our grassroots lobbying and coalition building on issues that are critical to the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. Responsibilities will include attending and participating in public meetings and events, tracking legislation, supporting webinars, participating in visits to the legislature in Albany during the Spring semester, and developing written materials for use in lobbying to achieve our policy agenda.

This will be a hybrid position with a combination of virtual and in-person work. A commitment of 10 hours per week is required. We are seeking someone that can commit to a full year to ensure ample opportunity to engage in direct lobbying in Albany during the period from January to June. School credit can be offered if it meets the needs of your program.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or currently pursuing) or equivalent experience in gender studies, media, public policy, political science, or a related field
• Passionate about the mission of FYP and the areas of civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, youth advocacy Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail oriented and organized
• Excellent time management skills and self-initiative, comfortable working both collaboratively and independently
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Have a team spirit, strong work ethic, and a sense of humor.