PURPOSE
The Community Justice Intern or Practicum Student will support Empower Missouri’s leadership in advancing fair and equitable criminal justice policies throughout the state. Empower Missouri’s criminal legal system reform work centers on reducing mass incarceration, ending racial disparities in the criminal legal system, and promoting public safety strategies that strengthen communities rather than relying on punishment.
Interns and practicum students will contribute to advocacy campaigns, public education efforts, coalition-building, and policy research to help drive meaningful reform at the state and local levels. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in learning more about public policy, criminal legal system reform work, and grassroots advocacy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Engage with community members and recruit them into the Community Justice Coalition.
- Write policy briefs on criminal legal system issues as assigned.
- Assist with policy research on other anti-poverty priority issues as needed.
- Submit testimony and attend hearings at the Missouri State Capitol as needed.
- Assist in monitoring legislation and tracking the hearing schedule of the Missouri House and Senate, providing timely updates to partner organizations.
- Take notes and prepare reports on Capitol activities as assigned.
- Create fact sheets and informational materials on priority criminal legal system reform issues.
- Take notes and assist with follow-up tasks for Community Justice Coalition meetings.
REQUIREMENTS
- Basic understanding of the criminal legal system and its impact in Missouri.
- Individuals with lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system are especially encouraged to apply.
- Commitment to criminal legal system reform + Empower Missouri’s mission and values.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
TIME COMMITMENT
- 15 hours per week (flexible schedule).
- Availability for some meetings between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Ability to work remotely, with occasional travel to support in-person events or advocacy efforts in Mid-Missouri and the state capitol.
- We are happy to work with students to ensure that this opportunity meets their practicum or field education requirements.
COMPENSATION
- $13.50/hour
REPORTS TO
- Criminal Justice Policy Manager
HOW TO APPLY
We’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to jobs@empowermissouri.org. Be sure to include “Community Justice Intern or Practicum Student” in the subject line.
Applications are due by July 11, 2025. The internship will run through December 2025, with the possibility to continue through Spring 2026.