Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:
Blackroots Alliance is a transformative force dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through community engagement, racial equity, and public policy. Founded in 2019, Blackroots Alliance’s mission is the safety and liberation of Black people. BA is committed to fostering social change and creating an inclusive society where individuals can thrive and reimagine their communities.

Internship Summary:
Join Blackroots Alliance as a Policy Research Intern and contribute to meaningful projects that amplify voices, foster community connections, and drive positive change. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with dedicated professionals on a range of initiatives that encompass policy research, legislative analysis, and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities:
Public Policy / Research / “Afrofuturist Think Tank”
- Identifies policy research and advocacy opportunities in alignment with the vision, mission, and core values of BA; remains current in research trends, policies, regulations, and best practices
- Research topics related to current campaigns (i.e. reparations, public safety, others)
- Supporting BA Policy Dept. needs such as research, policy briefs
- Other assignments supporting the growth and function of the public policy department
- Attend city council meetings and other public legislative meetings and hearings

Projects
- Gather updates on city, county, and state policies (summarizing results of public meetings, monitoring the status of pieces of legislation, etc.)
- Support in the design and execution of experiments or research studies
- Research and issue reports on issues relevant to our mission
- Creating policy briefs/reports with accessible language (i.e. analyzing complex policies and distilling them into documents that are easily understood and accessible) and compelling graphics

Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference for graduate students; willing to accept exceptional undergraduate students.
- Excellent writing skills, communication skills, and a passion for research.
- Sharp racial justice analysis with emphasis on direct engagement with low-income communities of color.
- Strong background in advocacy; willing to broaden their horizons around politics and political education.
- Self-starter with a proactive attitude and creative problem-solving skills.
- Business casual mindset and the ability to work in an independent and collaborative environment.
- Adhere to ethical standards and guidelines in research practices.
- Ensure compliance with institutional or industry-specific regulations.

About the Supervisor:
Katelyn Johnson brings nearly 20 years of outreach experience, focusing on community-centered leadership, civic engagement, and community organizing. She has a background in non-profit leadership, public policy, racial reconciliation and student leadership development, and has overseen various social justice initiatives in Chicago. Katelyn's notable accomplishments include advocacy for raising Illinois' minimum wage to $15 and contributing to the success of the "Grow Your Own Teachers" program. In addition to her social justice work, she enjoys video gaming and has a passion for sci-fi.

Start and End Date:
The internship will run from June 10 to September 27, with the flexibility to accommodate specific scheduling needs.