If you're looking for some real-world experience advocating for the environment, think about interning with us. Read on to see what recent interns had to say about their experience with CTLCV. Learn more about our Internship Positions here!
Past Interns
SAVANNA, Summer 24 I interned at CTLCV as the Communications and Outreach intern for the summer of 2024. In this role, I had the opportunity to contribute to the team’s social media pages and the environmental scorecard and assist with media tracking, writing press releases. As a Journalism and Political Science major with a background in marketing and a passion for environmental issues, I found CTLCV to be an ideal place to gain professional experience while exploring my personal interests. Working for an organization whose primary goal is to make Connecticut a better place has been extremely rewarding. It has left me with a deeper knowledge and a stronger interest in policy and environmental issues.
CAM, Summer 24 I am so grateful for my experience interning with the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters! Working with the CTLCV team has been a privilege, allowing me to collaborate on important projects that advance climate justice and the values of democracy. As a Climate Intern, I worked on the CTLCV’s Absentee Voting campaign, partnering with the Secretary of the State’s office and key organizations to educate the Connecticut public about voting logistics. I also assisted with the execution of an Action Hour centered around Energy Rebates and IRA stipulations. Additionally, I managed the CTLCV’s social media, engaged in outreach, and developed my writing skills. I graduated from Wesleyan University in May 2024 as an Environmental Studies and Government double major. Working with the CTLCV team has cultivated my passion for the environment and policy, and enhanced my knowledge of the CT government, climate justice, and the necessary steps for creating a sustainable future for all. I am excited to bring these new experiences and refined skills to Boston College Law School this fall, where I hope to pursue a career invested in climate solutions.
MAGGIE, Summer 23 I joined CTLCV as a rising junior from the University of Georgia, majoring in Political Science with a certificate in Environmental Ethics. CTLCV has been a perfect fit that balances both my personal interest in environmental advocacy as well as my career aspirations in legislation. During my time at CTLCV, I was able to have hands-on, experiential learning that included a diverse range of assignments- from communications and outreach to political work. I am most proud to have contributed to the 2023 Environmental Scorecard, where I was able to learn far more about my state’s legislative process, as well closely follow and track each lawmaker's voting behavior at the Capitol.
ELLIE, Summer 23 Interning for CTLCV was an incredible opportunity to develop my environmental advocacy skills and explore my passion for climate action. As a rising junior at Vanderbilt University double majoring in Public Policy and Climate Studies, I enjoyed learning about environmental policy and the legislative process in my home state. From tracking votes and drafting bill descriptions for the 2023 Environmental Scorecard to assisting with community outreach efforts, I was able to gain valuable insight into nonprofit work and feel as though I was contributing to meaningful change. Through my experiences at the State Capitol and in the office, this internship has equipped me with both the knowledge and the skills to pursue a career in environmental policy or law.
ALYSSA, Summer 22 - Spring 23 Interning for CTLCV has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunities and knowledge I have gained during my time with the organization.During my time at CTLCV, I had the privilege of working on various projects and initiatives that significantly contributed to the organization's mission of promoting environmental conservation and sustainable policies.
Throughout my time at CTLCV, I was consistently inspired by the passion and dedication of the team, and I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received. The experience has deepened my understanding of environmental advocacy, legislative processes, and community engagement.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work with CTLCV and for the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my internship. The experience has been invaluable, and I am confident that the insights and expertise gained will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the field of environmental conservation.
SARANDA, Fall 2020 My name is Saranda and I am currently a senior at the University of Connecticut pursing a double major in Environmental Science and Urban Studies. My passion falls at the intersection of the environmental and social movements, especially within our urban communities. I found CTLCV’s internship program to be the perfect fit to get hands on experience in this field.
As an organizing and outreach intern, I’ve learned how to engage the community on important environmental and equity issues. With the timing of the internship, I got to work extensively on the Voting Rights Program. Our goal was to invigorate voters and promote a safe and healthy election for all. Additionally, I was able to learn and partake in a large environmental injustice issue in Hartford surrounding the trash incinerator. In-between working on these areas, I had the opportunity to attend various meetings involving issues like food justice, increased recycling, intersectionality and many others. My time at CTLCV is something that I value greatly as it has made my passion for this work even stronger. Even with this internship being remote, I was able to build connections with the staff, fellow interns and other like-minded individuals working on similar issues. This internship has given a plethora of information I can use in my future endeavors. I am thankful I got to spend the last few months with such an amazing organization.
SHELCIE, Fall 2020 I am a senior at the University of Hartford completing a BA in Biology as well as a minor in Environmental Science. I was motivated to become a CTLCV intern because of my previous courses I had taken for my minor. In my time as an Organizing & Outreach Intern, I have gained a great understanding of environmental justice, and the importance of intersectional movement building in our work. I wanted to learn more about these issues while also ensuring that I was informing others about them as well. CTLCV has allowed me to do that and more.
During this internship, I attended the Governor’s Council on Climate Change Equity and Environmental Justice Working Group meetings to observe the issues impacting frontline communities. I was also a part of the Voting Rights Program. I helped coordinate phonebanks to raise awareness about absentee voting to activate voters to participate in the General Election. Through this internship, I was able to learn about pressing issues such as waste management and key policies that would help our state improve recycling and better manage its waste. I also helped draft briefing papers. I hope to use all that I’ve learned throughout this internship and use it to better my town as well as inform others in other countries that struggle with environmental issues as well.
KAYLEIGH, Fall 2020 This fall, CTLCV has persevered and triumphed through the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Junior studying Environmental Science and Anthropology at Trinity College, I have been fortunate to partake in this team-based organization that functions like a family. Despite the remote nature of the Elections and Legislative Outreach Internship, I have learned skills pertaining to environmental legislation and politics unattainable in a classroom setting. Mainly working in three realms—candidate endorsement coordination, media tracking, and GC3 research—I have been able to delve into this environmental nonprofit. I have corresponded with candidates and sat in on interviews in an election year with imperative implications; I have tracked news coverage of candidates and CTLCV partnerships (such as our environmental and social justice alliance with NAACP); and I have compiled extensive notes on the Governor’s Council on Climate Change reports and public comments so that CTLCV could construct a final recommendation to DEEP.
My favorite part of this Legislative Internship was drafting briefing paper summaries on the equity and environmental justice components of CTLCV’s key issues, as well as attending a DEEP webinar that discussed accessibility to weatherization of CT homes. I have learned that true social change ensues at the political level, and that “one-fit” solutions are usually not adequate in addressing the needs of every person. My time with CTLCV has been indispensable, and I am grateful to now be equipped with a heightened appreciation and understanding of environmental and social justice advocacy.
PHOEBE, Fall 2020 I am currently a senior at Wesleyan University double majoring in Government, and Environmental Studies. I am deeply interested in climate change and other environmental issues, and have always wanted to get involved with local government, so was thrilled at the opportunity to work at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters this fall. In my role as Political Intern, I interacted with candidates for local government through scheduling and attending endorsement interviews, and gained insight into the endorsement process. I also had opportunities to read, summarize, and provide updates on local legislation on areas of interest, including environmental justice and electric vehicles. After the 2020 election, I helped track wins and losses, and was excited to see many of CTLCV’s endorsed candidates go on to win in their districts. I am very thankful that I had this opportunity to gain hands-on understanding of local government and am excited to continue pursuing a career in environmental policy when I graduate in 2021.
MORGAN, Fall 2020 My name is Morgan and I am a senior at Trinity College pursuing a major in Public Policy & Law with a concentration in Law & Society. I am also a member of the Trinity Women’s Tennis Team. Despite my concentration, I have always had a desire to dive deeper into local environmental issues and advocacy. I have had numerous internships in the past that have all had partnerships with environmental organizations, however the environment was never their primary focus. Therefore, I was so excited to finally join a team who was so dedicated to making the environment a priority for the state of Connecticut’s elected leaders.
I interned with CTLCV during the fall of 2020. Throughout my internship, I learned more and more about the dedication and consistency it takes to fight for the environment and its future. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with this team during such a monumental time for our country. As a Communications intern I spent a majority of my time working on press releases as well as updating CTLCV’s various social media platforms.
I feel so lucky to have been able to spend my senior fall working with such an amazing and dedicated team. I truly felt like I was able to learn so much during my time here and that my fellow interns as well as the staff truly valued my contributions. I will forever value my time here and hope that I can come back one day.
MATHIEU, Summer 2020 I am a rising senior pursuing a double major in Public Policy & Law and Philosophy at Trinity College. Growing up in California, I always had a special connection with the environment and the protection of its welfare, so interning with CTLCV this summer was truly a privilege and an enriching experience. In my role as a Political intern of Elections and Legislative Outreach, I had the opportunity to work on the endorsement process of candidates for the primary and general election. This included communicating with State Senators and Representatives, working on the candidate endorsement survey, doing due diligence on non-incumbent candidates, scheduling candidate interviews, participating in candidate interviews, and helping create interview packets for the Executive Director and board members. I was also fortunate to attend The Governor’s Council on Climate Change meeting with Governor Lamont and listen in on other legislative hearings. Lastly, I also participated in multiple phone banks advocating for absentee voting which ended up passing as an official way to vote for the primary elections which was a rewarding experience.
Overall, I am very grateful and blessed to have worked with such an amazing organization and even better people.
SARAH, Summer 2020 I am a rising senior at the University of Connecticut finishing a BA in Environmental Studies. I have considered myself an environmentalist for the majority of my life so was very excited to have the opportunity to intern with CTLCV, despite the ongoing pandemic. As a political intern, I had the amazing experience of helping with CTLCV’s endorsement process. For this, I helped develop, distribute, and track candidate responses to the 2020 Candidate Questionnaire, and then saw that through even more by scheduling and attending interviews. I also assisted a little with the Scorecard by checking votes and writing up short blurbs on some bills that would’ve been voted on had the session happened. This internship has been an incredible opportunity because of the connections I’ve made in CTLCV, other environmental organizations they work with, and in CT state politics, as well as the job experience I’ve had, teamwork and collaboration I’ve participated in, and the exposure I’ve gained.
EMMA, Spring 2020 My name is Emma and I am a current senior at Trinity College. I am a double major in Political Science and International Studies with a concentration in Environmental Studies and Arabic. My experience growing up in Kaua’i, Hawai’i reinforced my interest in environmental justice and the intersection of environmentalism and human rights. I absolutely loved my time on the CTLCV team, even though it was abruptly cut short due to the Covid-19 crisis. I had the incredible opportunity to research and draft testimony on issues that I was passionate about, and was able to immerse myself more deeply into local environmental issues and activism. I tracked bills and met with legislators in the State Capital, and listened to testimony from activists in committee. Having hands-on experience with the League gave me unbelievable insight into the inner workings of environmental work, and reinforced my love and passion for environmental activism. My time at CTLCV taught me valuable lessons in hard work, perseverance, and community. I will always remember the League as a highlight of my college career, and as a little piece of home in Hartford.
JULIA, Winter 2020 I am Julia, a sophomore at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. I am a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice and I have always been an advocate for the environment. I grew up spending a lot of time outside, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and grew a great love for nature and animals. I feel that right now, my generation has a duty to act on climate change.
It is both intriguing and rewarding to be an active member of The League at this particular moment. During my time at the CTLCV, I had the unique experience of interning throughout the month of January. So, I was involved in the process of organizing and setting up the Annual Environmental Summit. I was on numerous conference calls with leading members of various environmental groups and attended a coalition meeting focused on passing a Green New Deal for Connecticut. In addition to that, I coordinated, organized, and delegated tasks to volunteers for the Environmental Summit, and networked with numerous state senators, representatives, and legislators.
I gained a deeper understanding of the process of creating legislation, environmental policies, and how to present issues to lawmakers. While here, I was also tasked with calling and sending emails to a plethora of potential donors which helped to improve my communication skills. I enjoyed that I was given a good amount of independent work, while not being isolated or micromanaged and still was able to work with others. The staff was extremely welcoming, understanding, and always open to questions; which was reassuring and made my time here amazing. This experience was worthwhile and instrumental in fueling my passion to pursue a career involving politics and the environment. I only wish that I could have interned longer.
HARRY, Spring 2019 I am Harry, a sophomore political science major at the University of Connecticut. I became interested in CTLCV after learning about Chispa from a friend. I have always been interested in the environmental movement and in particular, fighting climate change. During the spring semester of 2019, I drafted testimony and tracked bills in order to promote CTLCV’s legislative agenda.
Through this experience, I gained a deep understanding of civics and environmental policy. I plan on pursuing a career in this field, utilizing my policy knowledge, writing skills and passion for environmental justice and action to accomplish my goals. My experience at CTLCV has been invaluable in guiding me down this path and equipping me with the tools I need to succeed in the environmental policy field.
MEGAN, Summer 2018 I am a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University completing a BS in Environmental studies with a minor in Political Science. I was inspired to apply as a political intern to CTLCV after hearing Chispa consultant Wildaliz Bermudez speak at the 4th Annual Connecticut Campus Sustainability Conference about CTLCV’s critical advocacy and environmental issue monitoring. During the last months of the 2018 legislative session, I tracked critical environmental bills and recorded votes to be scored in the 2018 Scorecard. Once session ended, I set to work researching and writing descriptions for all of our watchlist bills to be put in the annual CTLCV Scorecard. I also conducted election research to draft candidate profiles for our target races of the 2018 midterm election. I decided to pursue environmental justice and conservation during my sophomore year of college because I became fascinated with the growing popularity of sustainable and urban agriculture. I was also shocked at the lack of media attention that climate change and pollution were receiving. This internship provided me with my first real experience in politics. My time with CTLCV has taught me more about the legislative process and the politics of advocacy than I have learned in any of my classes. Researching water as a public trust has made me realize that having specific conservation language in law is the only way to protect our natural resources and environment. It has shown me that getting involved with politics is the only way to fight most battles for conservation.
ANDREA, Summer 2018 I am a rising senior at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. At Bates, I am earning my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Global Environmental Politics. I am also a mathematics minor and am interested in political statistics and elections. My background in math, elections, and environmental politics aided me greatly during my time at CTLCV. I was a political intern during the summer and was tasked with conducting election research for the upcoming midterm elections as well as assisting in writing the 2018 Scorecard. Both these tasks allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of CT’s political landscape and how the public can greatly influence the state’s environmental policies. What I loved most about the internship is that it challenged my writing skills and gave me a large degree of independence. This internship was an extremely valuable experience because I was able to meet amazing people all the while increasing my fervor for the environment.
PAULINA, Spring 2017 I am currently a junior at Southern Connecticut State University, where I am studying English literature. I gravitated to the CTLCV for its combination of environmental conservation efforts and political action, both of which interest me greatly. During my time here, I accumulated unique, eye-opening experience that would be difficult to find elsewhere-- I researched bills, wrote summaries of the key issues of the 2017 session, arranged meetings with lawmakers and tracked legislators’ votes for the annual scorecard. I also became familiar with our capitol, and nuances of state government I never would have learned on my own. My time at the CTLCV armed me not only with the knowledge I need to be an active citizen, but with the motivation to make a difference, even at the most basic level.
SANDRA, Fall 2016 I am a senior at Fairfield University with a double major in American Studies and Sociology and a double minor in Environmental Studies and Business Management. I interned with the CTLCV during the last fall semester of my college career. Although I am passionate about environmental justice and other social justice issues, I am unsure as to what I want to do next in my career. As a general intern at the CTLCV, I was asked to help the League with a variety of projects—allowing me to try the responsibilities of multiple positions that are in both non-profit and for-profit organizations. I learned how to input and edit fundraising contacts and data in a database. I designed marketing and promotional materials such as banners, flyers, and pledge cards. I participated in registration drives at community centers. I created and managed weekly social media posts and captured action photos for wide media publication. I assisted with and attended the CTLCV’s 2016 Scorecard Launch and the CTLCV’s 16th Annual Environmental Summit. I made a life-long memory after participating as a featured speaker in the “CT Sierra Club and 350 CT’s March for Jobs, Justice, and a Livable Earth.” These are just a handful of the things I have accomplished under the guidance of Wildaliz Bermudez, John Spinner, and Lori Brown.
My CTLCV internship sent me to educational and political environmental events, provided me with networking opportunities, and left me with unforgettable memories. I am tremendously grateful to the CTLCV for not only my self-growth, but also for the fact that I was able to be a part of an organization that works extremely hard toward local and national environmental justice.
DORIS, Fall 2016 I am a sophomore studying Environmental Science at Trinity College. Interning with CTLCV this fall, I assisted the CTLCV Education Fund programs with drafting a new environmental science curriculum to supplement the existing Environmental Promoters Curriculum from the National League of Conservation Voters. During the internship, I learned to transform current urgent environmental issues, such as water crisis and waste management, into interesting presentations and activities for high school students in Connecticut. Through curriculum design, I also gained a deeper insight into Hartford and was amazed by the diversity of non-profit organizations it has. While fulfilling my passion in environmental education, I am so glad CTLCV opened my eyes to an environmental activist community in Hartford and inspired me to be more active in environmental issues.
BEATRICE, Summer 2016 I am a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work where I earned my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization. During my time at CTLCV I had the opportunity to launch a Latino Outreach Program titled CHISPA, meaning spark, to activate the Latino and millennial populations in Hartford. Working on this project has allowed me to work on something I am passionate about, while gaining a new interest in environmental justice.
I love organizing around the Latino population. As a Latina, I have a lot of pride in my culture and want to be a voice for Latino communities. I never realized how much environmental issues affect the Latino population. It was during my time at CTLCV that I learned how much the environment plays a role into our health. As members of the Caribbean, we love the water! We love the beach! Unfortunately thousands of residents on the island suffer from extreme health conditions such as cancer and asthma due to pollutants in the air and water. This problem is also occurring here in Hartford. It is important to take a stand towards environmental justice, especially with many natives migrating from Puerto Rico to Hartford.
Interning at CTLCV provides great opportunities for new relationships and personal growth. I have been able to meet with elected officials and stakeholders, and assist with training youth of our community around environmental justice and civic engagement. No matter what your passion is, CTLCV has a project for you.
MAX, Summer 2016 I am a rising junior at Union College in Schenectady, NY where I hope to major in Psychology and Philosophy. My time at the CTLCV was predominantly dedicated to working with the Executive Director to manage the League's endorsement process for the 2016 election. This included developing the candidate survey, managing responses, setting up candidates interviews and researching races. My desire to get involved with the CTLCV stems from a lifelong interest in nature and wildlife as well as a more recently developed interest in history, policy, and government. I’ve spent countless summer hours in Bar Harbor, Maine exploring Acadia National Park and the surrounding areas, where I gained my appreciation for the environment. This internship was a great way to be exposed to the role of government in protecting the environment. I really enjoyed the level of involvement that comes with being an intern at the CTLCV. Along with office work, my summer included helping with an event for the founders of the league, attending a board meeting, and a trip to the capitol where I met two state representatives and was given a taste of what working in government is all about. I’m very appreciative to all of the members of the league and especially my coworkers at the office for making this experience such a great one.
HANNAH, Summer 2016 I am an upcoming junior at the University of Saint Joseph where I study public policy and advocacy with a concentration in law along with a minor in business. Politics has always been a passion of mine. I am a registered Republican and have always believed that I had to follow party lines when it came to the environment. It was not until my internship with the CTLCV that my ideas and beliefs were significantly challenged.
I worked a great deal on our youth program, partnered with CHISPA and the Center for Latino Progress we have made efforts to educate and empower young people by portraying our government and local businesses in a positive manner. I have learned more from these people in two shorts months than I had ever anticipated. They say that you have two ears and one mouth because you must listen twice as much as you talk, and I have never understood this saying until this summer. Not only did these youths open my eyes to a different way of life, but they also taught me generosity and patience. They filled me with immense joy every time I saw in their eyes that they understood the topics we were discussing.
With these ever growing adolescents, we took them to meet elected officials, to local businesses that have positively impacted the environment and taught them how policy becomes law and who this impacts. A majority of our time was spent with local entrepreneurs that have built companies to help build a stronger, cleaner environment. As a group, we learned about environmental issues that plague our nation. I have risen from this internship more aware of these pending issues and armed with the tools to impact change.
While in college I have learned many things, things about policy, things about government but most importantly I learned that I had to do what made me happy. Interning with the CTLCV opened the doors to doing what I loved for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful for this amazing experience.
EMILY, Summer 2016 I am a rising junior at Cornell University majoring in Government with a minor in English. During my time interning with CTLCV I have been working primarily on the scorecard - tallying the legislators' votes on the bills from the 2016 session, researching and understanding each piece of legislation, and working on writing summaries of each bill.
I am very interested in public policy and spent a summer interning for my congressman, which helped inspire this interest. I have always loved the outdoors and have spent every summer going up to hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Interning with CTLCV this summer has been an extremely rewarding and valuable experience. I have learned so much about environmental policy, advocacy, and the important environmental issues facing our state, as well as a larger understanding of the Connecticut legislature. I am very thankful to have worked as an intern for CTLCV this summer, as it was truly an inspiring, challenging, and educational experience.
EMILY, Summer 2015 I am a junior at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. I study environmental science and have a minor in politics. During my time at the League I have spent countless hours working on the scorecard, communicating with legislators and CTLCV members through social media, researching the progress of specific bills throughout the session, and updating the website, along with many other miscellaneous tasks.
When I was younger I spent my summers at Wellfleet Bay Audubon Society in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I think there is where my love for the outdoors began. Then, in class, learning about the causes of climate change and how it affects the world, I became more and more eager to help out in some way.
I am so appreciative to have been able to intern at CTLCV for these few short months. I have learned more than I could have imagined. This summer I have had the opportunity to mature intellectually and professionally, and I will not forget this great experience for a long time to come.
ERICA, Spring 2015 - Summer 2015 I am a rising senior at Tufts University studying Sociology with a minor in Environmental Science. Before I came to intern with CTLCV, I had no prior experience working in politics. My environmental credentials were in research. Born and raised in the rural foothills of Fairfield County, I came to CTLCV feeling curious: Why is it that Connecticut is a leader in conservation efforts in America? What happens at the state capital? Why the scurrying state officials, lobbyists, and citizens? Now, having worked here for several months, I leave feeling experienced and fulfilled.
"It's a great way to live, just taking what nature is willing to give." - Robert Frost, "Blueberries"
SCOTT, Summer 2013 I am a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studying Social Thought and Political Economy with a minor in History. I became interested in environmental policy after taking numerous classes on the subject and seeing efforts for increased sustainable living in the Amherst area. I started the internship towards the end of the legislative session, where I helped track votes and follow bills throughout the legislature. After the session ended, my main focus was on assisting the update of the briefing book, where I conducted research and wrote about various environmental issues pertinent to Connecticut. Interning with CTLCV allowed me to put a practical lens on the abstract theories I had learned about; I was able to not only see how environmental policy was crafted and implemented but I also left with a greater understanding of the Connecticut legislature. Overall, this was an extremely valuable and rewarding experience and I am thankful for the opportunity.
NATALIE, Summer 2013 I am a rising junior at the University of Connecticut, studying Resource Economics with concentrations in Environmental Economics and Policy and International Development. During the Spring 2013 semester, I completed a congressional internship in Washington D.C. with the office of Senator Chris Murphy, which sparked my interest in politics. My newfound passion for politics, coupled with my longstanding interest in environmental issues, made an internship with CTLCV the perfect choice for me. I began my internship during the legislative session, tracking votes, drafting bill descriptions, and observing Connecticut’s legislature in action. Once the session ended, I became the lead on a project to revise the Environmental Briefing Book. I created a plan for updating the book, and did research, writing, and editing for many of the topics included. Working with CTLCV has provided me with a greater understanding of the political process in Connecticut, taught me about the status of Connecticut's environment, and allowed me to hone my leadership skills by managing my own project. I thoroughly enjoyed working with CTLCV and am grateful for the experience. Contact: [email protected]
HALEY, Summer 2013 University of Delaware Major/Minor: Health Behavior Science/Medical Humanities
My time as an intern for CTLCV provided a great deal of hands-on experience, personal growth, education in the area of environmental advocacy, and networking opportunities with many successful members of the environmental community. I learned about the time, work, and dedication necessary to educate the public about environmental preservation and bring these issues to the forefront of the minds of our state’s elected leaders. In doing so, I was able to enhance many important professional skills.
For example, I refined my skills as a public speaker, which came in handy when I was able to speak personally with State Senator Toni Boucher about Connecticut’s transportation system. I also improved my skills as a researcher and writer when I was assigned the job of updating topics for the Environmental Briefing Book. Working on the Briefing Book helped me learn about reliable sources of information and writing in a style that is informative, fluid, and professional.
I can confidently say that this experience was as rewarding as it was educational and enjoyable. I not only learned a great deal about environmental advocacy, but I also met and developed meaningful professional relationships with the members of CTLCV. I am very thankful to my colleagues and employers for providing me with such an outstanding opportunity as a summer intern.
BOBBY, Summer 2013 I am a rising sophomore at Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, majoring in Finance, Accounting, and Technology Management with a minor in Computer Science. I’m a native of Indiana and this summer was my first time in Connecticut.
Working as an intern with CTLCV expanded my knowledge of office IT and sharpened my research skills. During the summer, I gained experience working on computer systems and trouble shooting in an office environment. As a business student, it was interesting for me to learn about the interaction among lobbyists, corporations, and political officials. I learned about environmental issues that interconnect with advancing technology and the economy.
Interning at the CTLCV expanded my horizons personally and professionally and I now have a greater appreciation of the impact society has on the environment and the responsibility we all have to protect and preserve it.
EMILY, Fall 2012 I am a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Resource Economics with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Economics. I had previously been enrolled in a different program at UConn, but I discovered my passion for the environment after spending two months in Guatemala my freshman year. It was then that I witnessed the consequences of environmental degradation, and decided to pursue an education in environmental policy. I began my internship at CTLCV hoping to learn more about the role of a nonprofit in the political process and the influence it can have on environmental issues. I was able to accomplish this and so much more. As an intern during the 2012 fall semester, my efforts focused on transportation issues in Connecticut and the Annual Environmental Summit. I loved working on transportation because it taught me not only about the flaws in the present system, but also about all of the possible solutions for more sustainable transportation. Helping with the Summit and actually getting to attend was great in demonstrating how environmental organizations can work together to have an impact on policy issues. My time as an intern showed me firsthand the intricacies that must come together for a nonprofit environmental organization to succeed. In addition, Lori and Kirsten balanced giving guidance and responsibility perfectly and were the greatest to work for!
BRITTNEY & EMMYLOU, Summer 2012 I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Humanities and a minor in Geology. I am currently working on a Masters of Environmental Law and Policy at Vermont Law School. The CTLCV was kind enough to allow me to use my time as an intern for class credit at my school. They were also kind enough to allow my dog to join me at work!
My internship was summer of 2012. I helped CTLCV release their annual Environmental Scorecard and to prepare for election endorsements. My internship taught me a lot about lobbying and the electoral process, which will aid my education that focuses on the judiciary. This experience will help me to be a more-rounded candidate when I begin to look for jobs post-graduation. I am indebted to CTLCV for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization!
SOPHIE, Fall 2010 While a senior at Trinity College in Hartford, Sophie worked with CTLCV during her fall 2010 semester. Sophie's primary project involved creating a wiki from CTLCV's Environmental Briefing Book, to allow the content to be continuously updated. Sophie also helped corral information on hundreds of legislative candidates for CTLCV's endorsement process, and with organizing the League's annual conference.
A native of Boise, Idaho, Sophie started leaning toward environmental work by the time she was 17. "I've always wanted to be a teacher and at first I wanted to be a math teacher," says Sophie, adding, "but it kind of slowly progressed to environmental education instead."
ERIN, Summer 2010 I am senior at Bates College with a double major in Environmental Studies and Women and Gender Studies, as well as a minor in Spanish. During my junior year, I spent a semester studying abroad in Peru with the School for International Training: Globalization and Indigenous Peoples. I decided to major in Environmental Studies after becoming inspired by a few Professors at Bates and participating in the Environmental Coalition, which I was a co-leader for two years. At Bates, I also have been the Environmental Director of the Outing Club, an EcoRep working with the Bates Environmental Coordinator, a member of the Bates Energy Action Movement, and the Assistant Writing Editor of the Outdoors magazine.
I interned at CTLCV during the summer of 2010. Interning at CTLCV has been rewarding, challenging, and inspiring. It is exciting to learn about and work on pressing environmental issues in Connecticut. I have learned so much about Connecticut’s environmental issues, state policies, and the workings of a non-profit environmental advocacy group. Unlike other internships, at CTLCV you are given key responsibilities. Throughout my internship, I enjoyed staying up to date on current environmental issues, writing articles for the blog, and working on the Briefing Book, Candidate Survey, and Scorecard. Both Lori and Kelly have been extremely supportive and helpful during my internship—they are the best people to work for!
MICHAEL, 2010 I’m a junior at Yale and grew up in New Haven. I’ve always loved the outdoors, and spent many family vacations at national parks hiking, kayaking and rafting over the years. When I got to Yale I decided to be an Environmental Studies major. Though I’m concentrating in environmental history at school, I am also very interested in the policy side of environmentalism. As such, CTLCV seemed like a perfect place for me to intern. I came into this summer hoping to learn more about the key environmental issues in Connecticut and see how environmental advocacy worked. The internship here gave me even more than I could have hoped for. I was able to familiarize myself with many issues in Connecticut by working on the final stages of the Briefing Book and writing posts for the blog, and I learned a great deal about the environmental community of Connecticut in general. I also got to learn some of the intricacies of the state government in Connecticut as I worked on both the endorsement process and the scorecard. As a result, I now feel that I am a more educated voter in general in the state. Working at CTLCV was the perfect summer internship for me!
NICHOLE, January 2010 I began interning at CTLCV in January of 2010 and have since become an employed staffer. During my internship, I worked on the legislative watchlist and assisted in scoring members of Connecticut’s General Assembly on their environmental leadership. I am a public policy major at Trinity College with a focus on environmental policy. I took one class with board member Russell Brenneman and, since then, have become deeply dedicated to preserving and conserving Connecticut’s natural resources and wildlife.
NICK, Summer 2009 I worked for the CTLCV between the summer of 2009 and spring of 2010, as an intern from Trinity College and later as an employee. I worked as a researcher and ghostwriter for the 2010 scorecard, on volunteer/internship management, and as the principal coordinator of the 2010 Briefing Book project. After graduating from Trinity College with the Levy Prize in Urban Research for my Lost in Dialectic a Critical Introduction to Urban Space in the Hartford Region, 1633-2010, I began working as a Research Associate at the college's Center for Urban and Global Studies, where I am co-authoring a chapter on the History of the Hartford Region. Contact: [email protected]
WILL, 2009 My name is Will, from the ’11 class of Trinity College. I have a confession to make: my majors are English Literature and Philosophy, with a minor in Film Studies (I like to refer to them as part of a self-designed major called “Drifter”). Until interning at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, my experience with environmentalism was strictly theoretical (i.e. broad abstractions that would push pragmatism to the periphery). Luckily, once I had the opportunity to work for the CTLCV, I was given greater exposure to the governmental system of policy-making that helps protect, reinforce, and create environmental legislation (ideally). My major assignment for the CTLCV was to help revise their Briefing Book, a document meant to educate voters and legislators on the pressing issues in environmental law. This required clarifying the historical context, as well as incorporating new information on a variety of different yet intersecting issues.
Clearly, I was working on a difficult and encompassing task. What could have been baptism by fire in some organizations was anything but, due to the supportive and synergistic environment of the CTLCV workplace. Aside from Conservation, there were three C’s that really defined my experience working for the CTLCV: Collaboration, Commitment, and Community. Looking back on my experience (dissolve edit to the long, long ago of six months ago), the work I did for the CTLCV helped me grow as a person. Not only did it sharpen my skills in critical thinking, condensing and synthesizing complex information from a variety of sources, and overall rhetoric; but it made me become a more engaged, informed, and compassionate citizen. I never would have guessed that teasing through the language of legislative documents would be as challenging, potentially perilous, and intellectually rewarding as my previous experiences with dense philosophers such as Martin Heidegger.
MORGAN, Fall 2009 I graduated from Trinity in May 2010 with a BS in Economics and a minor in Human Values and the Environment. I graduated with Honors in General Scholarship and Economics, Phi Beta Kappa. I interned with CTLCV in the fall of 2009 to help prepare the annual Environmental Summit. I found my time at CTLCV to be extremely rewarding. It was especially enlightening to witness how environmental organizations work with a third-party organization, such as CTLCV, to help relay their messages to legislators. While at CTLCV, I was also afforded the opportunity to attend board meetings. It was truly inspiring to see the inner workings of such an incredible organization. In addition, the conference itself served as encouragement for the environmentalists of the world by bringing environmental advocates together with state legislators for a full day of panels and discussions on important issues facing Connecticut's environment. Now I'm in graduate school at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at University of California Santa Barbara as of September 2010, working toward a Master of Environmental Management. I will be specializing in Corporate Environmental Management.
ELIZABETH, Spring 2009 I graduated from Trinity College with a B.S. in Environmental Science. I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, was the President's Fellow in Environmental Science in 2010 at Trinity, and received the Senior Prize in Environmental Science at Trinity. I was a Morris K. Udall Scholar, Class of 2009. For 3 years I was a co-chair of the environmental volunteer group at Trinity, Green Campus, and I also started renovating (and installing solar panels on) an old house on campus.
I interned at CTLCV in the spring of 2009, working on the scorecard, starting to update the Environmental Briefing Book, and on starting a state budget analysis. In addition, I worked as the Interim River Steward at the Connecticut River Watershed Council. My familiarity with the LOB and the Environment Committee from my CTLCV internship helped me to represent the Council in various legislative cases, including review of the drinking water standards, stream flow standards, and riparian buffer designations.
I just started working as a Research Analyst at the environmental consulting firm The Cadmus Group, Inc. in Watertown, MA, serving on the Water Quality team. I am especially indebted to CTLCV as one project I'm starting now involves modeling state budgets for water quality programs. I'd know very little about state budgets were it not for my experience with CTLCV!
