The Small Planet Institute is currently seeking energetic and motivated interns to join our dynamic team. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with Frances Moore Lappé, author of 20 books, including best-selling Diet for a Small Planet, in a small organization doing groundbreaking work to inspire and empower passionate action for democracy and environmental policy reforms in the United States. 

 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION  

Frances Moore Lappé and Anna Lappé founded the Small Planet Institute in 2001. Small Planet Institute’s mission is to spread (via writing, speaking, and media) an empowering understanding of democracy as the wide dispersion of power, transparency in public affairs, and a culture of mutual accountability. We call it Living Democracy, enabling each of us to act effectively on emerging solutions from electoral politics and economic life to the environment, hunger, agriculture, and beyond. Our vision is thus a future where all communities are thriving with dignity as Living Democracies, fulfilling our essential needs for personal power, meaning, and connection. Frances Moore Lappé is the author of Diet for a Small Planet and 19 other books, including It’s Not Too Late! 

 

INTERN OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW 

We are looking to fill 4 Democracy Intern positions for Spring 2025. Our Democracy Interns will work to support the Small Planet Institute with writing, research, and outreach. The focus will be mainly on research for Frances’ writing and media appearances, as well as general organizational upkeep. In-person presence in our Cambridge office will be required for all of your weekly hours. Small Planet Institute’s Cambridge office is located in the heart of Harvard Square, one block from Harvard T (Red Line).   

 

NOTE: This is a volunteer position. Should you seek a grant or fellowship through your school that requires more than 16 hours, we will work with you to fulfill your required hours. 

 

TIME COMMITMENT 

This position is for Spring 2025. The part-time commitment for this position is 12-16 hours per week. Your regular weekly schedule will be established when you start and be between 9am-5pm ET, Monday – Friday. Then your schedule is open to discussion and change as needed.   

 

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES 

The share of time you might spend on each work area below will vary depending on whether or not Frances has a writing project deadline. Work area opportunities may include: 

• Research and fact-checking assistance for articles, reports, fact sheets, and Frances’ speeches (Zotero) 

• Copy-editing print and web pieces for publication (Box) 

• Graphic design for Frances’ event slideshows (Canva) 

• Assisting with event and publication promotion, academic and partner outreach campaigns

• General organizational support 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Strong research and writing skills, including editing and fact-checking 

• Preferred background in political-democracy, climate change, and food system reforms 

• Passion for democratic social movements and the mission of the Small Planet Institute 

• Comfortable with both teamwork and individual work  

• Ability to excel with minimal direction and supervision, and also able to follow directions when given 

 

BENEFITS 

• Academic credit available if your college’s requirements are fulfilled by this position 

• Exposure to and connection with many leading organizations working on democracy, food justice, and climate 

• A letter of recommendation from a highly recognized name in the democracy & food movement 

• And, of course, the chance to work one-on-one with Frances! 

 

HOW TO APPLY 

Email your cover letter and resume to info@smallplanet.org.    

 

Thank you for your interest!