Electoral Organizing Intern

Organization: Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund

Posted: June 5, 2026 • Deadline: June 30, 2026

Position: Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund Intern
Location: Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota
Supervised by: The Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund Manager

Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund is seeking two motivated and outgoing Electoral Organizing Interns to support our door-knocking program during this critical election year. With the future of the Boundary Waters at stake, we’re working to elect candidates who will stand up for permanent protections, and we need strong grassroots support to make it happen.

SAVE THE BOUNDARY WATERS ACTION FUND OVERVIEW

The Boundary Waters, the largest Wilderness Area east of the Rockies and north of the Everglades, is America’s most-visited Wilderness, uniquely accessible and beloved for recreation. It is the sixth most critical region in the lower 48 to protect for climate resiliency. A major threat looms: proposed copper mining in the headwaters, where pollution would flow downstream into and through the heart of the Wilderness, with cascading effects across the ecosystem.

Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund is a 501c(4) nonprofit organization founded to take action to permanently protect America’s most visited Wilderness (the BWCA) from dangerous sulfide-ore copper mining proposed within its watershed.

We are dedicated to supporting candidates who champion the permanent protection of the Boundary Waters through grassroots support, doorknocking, attending events, and organizing volunteers around the State.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: Wilderness and the pursuit of its protection should be made to be welcoming and accessible to all. Protecting Wilderness relies upon public engagement which cannot be expected when people are disenfranchised, unwelcome, hurt or tokenized due to their sexuality, race, age, ability, size, gender identity, gender expression, culture, religion, political affiliation, or anything else. The pursuit of permanent protection for the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining and other threats is no different. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all aspects of the organization as it works to protect this special place for everyone and for generations to come.

ELECTORAL ORGANIZING INTERN POSITION SUMMARY

This individual will play a key role in supporting Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund’s endorsed candidates by building and mobilizing volunteer teams for door-knocking events across the greater Twin Cities metro area. This individual will recruit volunteers, attend canvassing events, and help ensure our field program reaches as many voters as possible.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in political organizing, advocacy, campaigns, community engagement, or environmental protection. This role ranges from 20-30 hours per week, and will run from July to November 2026. 

KEY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizing

  • Recruit and engage volunteers to participate in door-knocking events

  • Attend multiple canvassing events each week

  • Attend and help lead door-knocking events throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area

  • Represent the Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund in a professional and proactive manner

Volunteer Coordination

  • Targeted volunteer recruitment, managing, and organizing

  • Communicate with volunteers through phone calls, text messages, email, and social media

  • Arrange and train volunteers for event support, and doorknocking events around the metro

  • Track volunteer participation and assist with training and volunteer support

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be based in or able to regularly travel throughout the Twin Cities metro area (travel expenses and mileage are reimbursed)

  • Must have access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, when most canvassing events occur

  • Strong oral and written communication skills and public speaking ability

  • People oriented and outgoing: skilled in customer service, public relations, partnership building

  • Highly organized and attentive to detail

  • Able to perform moderately-strenuous physical activities, such as lifting and carrying up to 30 lbs, walking up to ½ mile, light assembly (e.g., tables, chairs and displays)

  • Ability to work independently, remotely, and with limited direct supervision

  • Passion for protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem

PREFERRED

  • Experience in political campaigns, community organizing, and/or public lands or other conservation campaigns

  • Experience working with supporter databases – EveryAction a plus

  • Volunteer management

  • Previous doorknocking experience

COMPENSATION 

  • $22 an hour

  • Reimbursement for mileage

This election year will be pivotal for the future of the Boundary Waters. By helping elect Boundary Waters champions, you’ll gain hands-on organizing experience while making a meaningful impact on one of the nation’s most iconic wilderness areas.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume, a cover letter and contact information for two references to amanda@boundarywatersaction.org with subject line “BWCA Action Internship Application” by June 30, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund are committed to equal opportunity in employment.