TWU International has a robust internship program that offers actively engaged members valuable training and insights into the Union’s political and legislative affairs activities. The goal of this program, which was relaunched and updated in 2024, is to develop skilled union activists to support political work both within their local and on behalf of the larger union.
Periodically, we invite TWU Local presidents to identify qualified candidates who must then apply to participate. Interns work at the International’s headquarters in Washington, DC, for four weeks. During this time, the International covers the costs of lodging, per diem, and lost time.
Interns work in the Government Affairs and COPE departments. Still, their duties may sometimes include supporting the Communications and Research & Analysis departments, the Division Directors, and the IAC. Competitive candidates will be active COPE supporters, engaged politically at the local and state levels, possess strong communication skills (both written and oral), and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
While working for the International, interns are trained to advocate on behalf of our members before influential government officials. Interns meet with lawmakers and administration officials who play key roles in making significant governmental decisions. Interns also observe how TWU effectively secures pro-worker policy changes in the nation’s capital. These are some of the greatest experiences our participants have during the program.
Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their local president to be eligible for this position (and a local president wishing to apply must include a letter of recommendation from another local president). For more information, please contact Heather Laverty (hlaverty@twu.org) with any questions about the reinvented TWU internship program.