Advocacy Intern

Job Title: Advocacy Intern 
Organization: Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) 
Location: In-person, Indianapolis, Indiana (MCCOY Office) 
Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, and/or Wednesdays) 
Timeline: Flexible start date around May 2026; concludes August 2026 
Reports To: Public Policy & Advocacy Director 
Works Closely With: Assistant Advocacy Manager 

Hourly rate: $20/hour 

About MCCOY 

Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) champions positive youth development and works to improve outcomes for young people and families across Marion County and Central Indiana. Through advocacy, research, and systems-building efforts, MCCOY advances policies that strengthen the youth service sector and support Hoosier families. 

Position Overview 

MCCOY is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Advocacy Intern to support its Public Policy & Advocacy team during Summer 2026. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to engage in legislative research, civic engagement initiatives, and policy analysis that directly impact youth and families in Indiana. 

The ideal candidate is a college or graduate-level student with a strong interest in public policy, civic engagement, and youth development. This individual will contribute meaningfully to ongoing advocacy efforts and special projects during a critical period of policy implementation following Indiana’s 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions. 

Key Responsibilities 

Legislative Research & Policy Analysis 

Research state legislators representing constituencies in Central Indiana and compile comprehensive legislator data sheets for MCCOY’s advocacy team. 

Track and analyze legislation passed during the 2025 and 2026 Indiana legislative sessions. 

Compile and synthesize data for white papers detailing how new laws impact Hoosier families and the youth service industry. 

Support the development of policy briefs and advocacy materials. 

Civic Engagement & Voter Outreach 

Assist with nonpartisan voter education and outreach efforts aimed at increasing youth voter registration and civic participation. 

Help ensure first-time voters understand their rights and responsibilities when casting a ballot. 

Develop and distribute questionnaires to state and local political candidates to assess how they plan to prioritize youth and families if elected. 

Organize and compile candidate responses for stakeholder distribution. 

Administrative & Team Support 

Provide task-oriented support to the Public Policy & Advocacy team. 

Assist with drafting communications, formatting documents, and preparing presentations using Microsoft Suite and Canva. 

Participate in team meetings and contribute innovative ideas to strengthen advocacy efforts. 

Qualifications 

Required: 

Currently enrolled college undergraduate or graduate student. 

Demonstrated interest in public policy, government, civic engagement, or youth development. 

Strong research and analytical skills. 

Exceptional attention to detail. 

Self-starter who can work independently and manage assigned tasks effectively. 

Willingness to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. 

Ability to follow directions and meet deadlines. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and Canva. 

Preferred Qualities: 

Innovative thinker who brings a unique perspective to advocacy efforts. 

Strong written communication skills. 

Interest in legislative processes and public affairs in Indiana. 

Experience in civic engagement, community organizing, or policy research (a plus but not required). 

What You’ll Gain 

Hands-on experience in state and local public policy advocacy. 

Exposure to Indiana’s legislative and civic landscape. 

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy initiatives impacting youth and families. 

Mentorship from experienced public policy professionals. 

A deeper understanding of how advocacy organizations influence policy and systems change. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest outlining their experience and passion for public policy and youth advocacy to Sarah Kumfer at sarah.kumfer@mccoyouth.org.