Internship Opportunity1

SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation) is seeking a communications intern to work in its Denver headquarters during Fall 2010.  Ideal candidates will have strong writing and communication skills, as well as an interest in drug/marijuana policy reform, public policy, criminal justice, and/or electoral/legislative politics. Experience writing or editing news, or drafting press materials, such as releases, op-eds, and letters-to-the-editor, are a huge plus, but not required. All academic majors may apply, and communications, public relations and journalism majors are strongly encouraged. 

About the Organization

SAFER is a federally recognized non-profit educational organization dedicated to educating the public about the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol. Through it's social welfare lobbying arm, the SAFER Voter Education Fund, it advocates for and works toward creating laws and policies that reflect the relative harms of marijuana and alcohol.

In the five years since their formation, SAFER and the SVEF have coordinated two successful citywide ballot initiative campaigns in Denver, a statewide ballot initiative campaign in Colorado, successful student referenda and resolutions at universities throughout Colorado and around the country, and a variety of educational efforts that have earned substantial local and national media coverage. SAFER has become widely recognized as one of the most successful marijuana policy reform organizations in the nation, renowned for pushing the envelope and achieving results. 

Candidates are encouraged to visit and explore the following SAFER Web sites to familiarize themselves with the organization and its work:

SAFER  --  http://www.SAFERchoice.org

The SAFER Campuses Initiative  --  http://www.SAFERcampuses.org

Summary of Position

Interns will carry out a variety of general communications-based tasks and coordinate with staff on specific projects. This includes but is not limited to: monitoring on-line news outlets for events and coverage related to SAFER's work and message; drafting blog-posts, press releases, and op-eds; assisting in the coordination of press conferences and other media events.

Time Commitment & Requirements

Scheduling is somewhat flexible and involves a commitment of +/-10 hours per week.  The internship is unpaid, but candidates are strongly encouraged to seek college credit through their respective department or institution. 

Candidates should be comfortable using e-mail and conducting Web-based research, and they should be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel (or similar software). Consistent access to a laptop computer is ideal, but not required.

Candidates will require consistent transportation to and from SAFER's Denver office, which is located two blocks south of the State Capitol Building at 1177 Grant Street.

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, however, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

E-mail a brief cover letter (pasted in the body of the e-mail is fine) and a resume (if you have one) to SAFER Outreach Director Eva Enns at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Your e-mail should include your name, e-mail address and phone number, as well as your school, year in school, and your academic major. Please also include a brief paragraph (no more than 3-4 sentences) describing your interest in the issue and the position.

Internship Opportunity 2

SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation) is seeking an intern to work in its Denver headquarters during Fall 2010.  Ideal candidates will have an interest in drug/marijuana policy reform, public policy, criminal justice, electoral/legislative politics, and social movements. All academic majors can apply, and political science and sociology majors are strongly encouraged. 

Interns will gain meaningful experience in the fields of public policy, state and local politics and legislative processes, issue advocacy, non-profit organization, and campaign coordination.

About the Organization

SAFER is a federally recognized non-profit educational organization dedicated to educating the public about the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol. Through it's social welfare lobbying arm, the SAFER Voter Education Fund, it advocates for and works toward creating laws and policies that reflect the relative harms of marijuana and alcohol.

In the five years since their formation, SAFER and the SVEF have coordinated two successful citywide ballot initiative campaigns in Denver, a statewide ballot initiative campaign in Colorado, successful student referenda and resolutions at universities throughout Colorado and around the country, and a variety of educational efforts that have earned substantial local and national media coverage. SAFER has become widely recognized as one of the most successful marijuana policy reform organizations in the nation, renowned for pushing the envelope and achieving results. 

Candidates are encouraged to visit and explore the following SAFER Web sites to familiarize themselves with the organization and its work:

SAFER  --  http://www.SAFERchoice.org

The Safer Campuses Initiative  --  http://www.SAFERcampuses.org

Summary of Position

Interns will carry out general office duties and coordinate with staff on specific projects.  This includes but is not limited to:  processing and responding to correspondence from supporters and the public; conducting on-line research; updating and maintaining volunteer, supporter and media databases; and attending various events and meetings as a representative of SAFER.

Time Commitment & Requirements

Scheduling is somewhat flexible and involves a commitment of +/-10 hours per week.  The internship is unpaid, but candidates are strongly encouraged to seek college credit through their respective department or institution. 

Candidates should be comfortable using e-mail and conducting Web-based research, and they should be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel (or similar software). Consistent access to a laptop computer is ideal, but not required.

Candidates will require consistent transportation to and from SAFER's Denver office, which is located two blocks south of the State Capitol Building at 1177 Grant Street.

How to Apply

E-mail a brief cover letter (pasted in the body of the e-mail is fine) and a resume (if you have one) to SAFER Outreach Director Eva Enns at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Your e-mail should include your name, e-mail address and phone number, as well as your school, year in school, and your academic major. Please also include a brief paragraph (no more than 3-4 sentences) describing your interest in the issue and the position.