AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

AARP Arizona is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that does advocacy work on behalf of older Arizonans at the state legislature, with members of Congress, and some work at the local level. Our internship focuses on developing competent advocates and policy specialists, with the opportunity to lean into a specific area of interest for the student in political work. Students will learn how to advocate, the details of the state legislature, utilize media, understand potential tactics, influence legislators, coalition building, and more. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship is expected to start in August 2026 and will continue through the end of the year, with a possibility of extension for additional semesters.

• Build out an issue campaign to advocate at the state legislature, which will include picking an issue of importance, following it through the state legislative process, making a direct action organizing chart, preparing relevant materials for prospective partners and legislators, and participating in mock meetings and testimony on the issue
• Produce a large research project on an issue of importance to the state, reviewing legislation, drafting newsletters to activists, and participating in volunteer meetings

• Must be enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Policy, Administration and Community Practice (PAC) degree program, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Must be a self-starter and adaptable, with the ability to work under tight deadlines 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including gender, race, and sexual orientation
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office programs & Zoom
• Exceptional verbal/written communication skills 
• Familiarity with creating and editing videos and knowledge of multiple social media platforms is a plus

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.