Resources: Public Policy
Note: the below are not necessarily eligible for off-campus Federal Work Study. Please find FWS eligible opportunities here. Not all of the opportunities listed below are in Oregon.
Amnesty International
Find the volunteer page of Amnesty International here. Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. In pursuit of this vision, AI's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
Cascade Policy Institute
The Cascade Policy Institute was founded in January 1991 as a nonprofit research and educational organization to focus on Oregon state and local issues. The Institute's mission is to explore and advance public policy alternatives that are market-oriented and centered around individual liberty and personal responsibility. If you have a strong interest in political science, economics, business, history, English, journalism or communications, you may want to apply for a Cascade internship.
The Center
In San Diego, The Center's Public Policy Department educates legislators and the public on local, state, and federal issues affecting the LBGT (Lesbian Bisexual Gay Transgendered) community. Whether advocating for civil union legislation, organizing youth to lobby for human rights, or fighting hate crimes and discrimination, the Policy Department pursues a non-partisan agenda of equality, respect, and dignity for all. Check out the volunteer page to see how you can make a difference.
The Criminal Justice Policy Coalition
The Criminal Justice Policy Coalition works on a number of issues related to police conduct, prison conditions, and sentencing reform within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Visit the volunteer page for more.
The Green Party
The Green Party of the United States is a confederation of state Green Parties. Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens are "renewing democracy" without corporate donors. Visit the volunteer page to get involved.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth is the first and largest AIDS service organization in New Jersey. Hyacinth's mission is to help people with HIV, slow the spread of the epidemic and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey. For more opportunities, please visit the volunteer page.
Jobs with Justice
Portland Jobs with Justice (JwJ) is a local campaign for workers' rights affiliated with national Jobs with Justice. Working through coalitions of labor, community, religious and consitituency organizations, Jobs with Justice is fighting for workers' rights and economic justice. Submit a volunteer application to get started!
Oregon Center for Public Policy
The Oregon Center for Public Policy is a Silverton, Oregon-based non-profit research institute that uses research and analysis to advance policies and practices that improve the economic and social prospects of low- and moderate-income Oregonians, the majority of Oregonians.
People for the American Way
Based in Washington DC, People for the American Way aims to meet the challenges of discord and fragmentation with an affirmation of the "American way." By this, they mean pluralism, individuality, freedom of thought, expression and religion, a sense of community, and tolerance and compassion for others. People for the American Way will reach out to all Americans and affirm that in our society, the individual still matters; that there is a reason to believe in the future--not to despair of it--and that we must strengthen the common cords that connect us as humans and citizens. Check out their listings to find ways you can get involved.