Internships
Are you passionate about justice and human rights?
Do you want to make a meaningful impact in the fight to end the death penalty in Arizona? Join Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona (DPAA) as an intern for a semester and gain hands-on experience in legislative advocacy, research, and social justice work.
Internship Experience
Our internship program is designed to provide a unique opportunity for individuals who want to develop professional skills while working to create meaningful change.
As an intern, you’ll work remotely most of the time, with occasional in-person meetings and events. You’ll also receive valuable legislative advocacy, research, and grassroots organizing training, equipping you with the tools to make a difference.
Our internships have focused on:
Cold Case and Missing Person Cases
Victims of Crime Resources and Funding Support
Death Row Case Analysis
Serious Mental Illness
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Childhood Trauma Research
Capital Case Funding Redistribution
2024 Spring Intern learns to share testimony at House Judiciary committee hearing.
2024 Spring Interns share their Cold Case and Missing Person Policy Recommendations with Arizona Representative Analise Ortiz and Senator Flavio Bravo.
Summer 2024 Interns working on violence prevention ideas for death penalty funding reallocation research project.
What to expect in DPAA’s Internships
What You’ll Do:
Support DPAA’s mission to end the death penalty in Arizona through research, advocacy, and community engagement.
Assist with policy analysis, social media campaigns, and public education efforts.
Collaborate with DPAA staff and volunteers to organize events and initiatives.
Participate in training sessions on legislative advocacy and effective communication strategies.
What We’re Looking For:
A commitment to justice and human rights.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
An interest in advocacy, public policy, or grassroots organizing.
Availability to commit to a one-semester internship of a minimum of 10-15 hours a week
Ability to work with a team and collaborate and communicate effectively
Perks of the Program:
Flexible, remote-friendly schedule with opportunities for in-person collaboration.
Legislative and advocacy training to boost your professional skills.
The chance to work alongside passionate advocates and community leaders.
The opportunity to make a tangible impact on Arizona’s criminal justice system.
Spring 2024 Interns meet with Ray Krone, the 100th person exonerated from Death Row in the United States and Co-Founder of Witness to Innocence at DPAA’s Justice Reform Advocacy Day
DPAA interns receive exclusive entry to Justice Reform Advocacy Day at the state capitol.
Interns with DPAA Advocacy Director for luncheon and strategy meeting.
Spring 2023 Interns
Internship Testimonials
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I came into this internship with my own limited perspective on the death penalty and those on death row and came out seeing everything in a completely different light. I felt empowered to have my voice heard and present research that could actually enact change and that was invaluable!
Amanda W.
Spring 2024 -
I have had the privilege of participating in this internship for two semesters in a row. Not only did I have the opportunity to see myself grow, but the organization itself (DPAA). I got to see the shift from personal research to advocating for politicians and telling the stories of the thousands of cold cases in Arizona. I got to work with such intelligent and inspiring students and advisors with research on legislation and cold cases around the state.
Gillian M.
Fall 2023 -
The connections I’ve made. This goes for my internship cohort but also for police officers and chiefs, legislators, etc. Connections are useful for life and, as we grow in our careers, we may be able to help one another along the way.
Chloe P.
Spring 2024 -
This internship provides real world experience into the role of advocacy for issues that we believe in
Ryan S.
Spring 2024 -
Interning with the DPAA was an experience like no other. I have never felt so welcomed in an internship before. The experiences in research, advocacy, teamwork, and general exposure to the row are things that I will cherish forever. Getting to know my cohort and advisor made the experience that much more enjoyable and personable. Overall, getting to be a part of a group and organization that puts their hearts and souls into everything they do was life changing.
Grace H.
Summer 2024 -
I truly enjoyed my internship experience. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by the team. The collaborative environment made every task enjoyable, and the sense of community was inspiring. I gained valuable skills while building meaningful connections, making it an experience I would highly recommend to anyone seeking personal and professional growth.
Antonia B.
Summer 2024 -
Working with DPAA gave me significant insight into Arizona's death row and the individuals who were sentenced to death. DPAA does not excuse the crimes that were committed. Instead, they recognize that people don't deserve to die in the name of "justice" and deserve a chance to rehabilitate. Looking at the facts, the death penalty does not deter crime, and DPAA recognizes this and has advocated for the individuals impacted.
Alisbely Y.
Summer 2024
