Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization: The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) is the umbrella organization for Chicago and Cook County’s labor unions. From airline pilots to zookeepers, the CFL’s 300 affiliated unions and their half a million members represent a diverse group of working women and men throughout the area. The CFL’s strength as a labor movement comes from the unity and solidarity of its affiliated organizations and their members. Together, unions work to defend a middle class of hard working women and men, pursue aggressive legislative and political strategies, and help working people remain a highly-skilled, sought-after workforce in a fast moving economy. Thanks to the leadership of the CFL’s Executive Board and the commitment of its affiliated local unions, the CFL is able to make a difference for working people in Chicago and throughout Cook County.

Internship Summary: The Chicago Federation of Labor is seeking an intern to assist with organizational programming throughout the summer of 2026, including but not limited to community outreach events, organizing activities, affiliate support, Labor Day events (including a fundraising reception, parade, festival and other programs) and assisting the endorsed candidate slate outreach for the upcoming election cycle.

Responsibilities:

• Working with the CFL Organizing Director to support affiliate campaigns/actions and quarterly organizing training
• Joining staff for organized rallies, events, and press conferences
• Participating in annual parades, including the Pride and Bud Billiken parades
• Organizing the Chicago Labor Day Parade and Festival
• Supporting the CFL Labor Day Reception
• Assisting with the CFL’s interfaith religious and secular outreach program ‘Labor in the Pulpit/On Bimah/In the Minbar”
• Working to coordinate ongoing immigration initiatives, including citizenship workshops
• Supporting CFL legislative efforts in Chicago and Springfield

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with event planning and execution
• Excellent organization skills
• Strong work ethic
• Dedication to goals
• Detail oriented
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends
• Team player
• Strong communication skills, including writing and working one-on-one and in group settings
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of the labor movement
• Previous organizing and campaigning experience a plus
• Access to a personal vehicle a plus
• Interns will be reimbursed for mileage and parking for work-related travel (non-commute)

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Domestic and international students

About the Supervisor: Gus Fuguitt is the Chicago Federation of Labor Director of Community Engagement. He manages the CFL’s Community Services and relationship with United Way of Metro Chicago as their Director of Labor Engagement. He coordinates volunteer opportunities and campaigns for Chicago-area union members, and oversees the CFL’s transit policy work.

Gus also leads the CFL’s community-facing programming such as the May Day 5k Run and Walk and assists CFL affiliates with efforts such as the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive. In his role, he supports union members facing work stoppages by connecting them to strike assistance, benefits enrollment, and other assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic he coordinated food distributions that provided 45,000 pounds of food to workers impacted by the crisis.

Location/Modality/Commute: 180 N Stetson Ave Suite 1529, Chicago, IL 60601 In-person at least three days per week, with flexibility depending on project timelines.

Start/End Date: Summer internships will take place from June 1 to September 25, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process. Tentative start date of either June 15 or 22.

Required Materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing Sample