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Legislator Research Assistant

Organization: Family Protection Ministries (FPM)

Commitment

  • Location: In-Office (Sacramento, CA) or Remote 
  • Term: Winter 2026, following state elections. 
  • Schedule: Flexible, averaging [6–10] hours per week.
  • Supervisors: Executive Director / Office Manager.
  • Compensation: Stipend equivalent to $15 per hour.
  • College credit: College credit may be available subject to your institution’s requirements.

About Our Organization

Since 1986, Family Protection Ministries (FPM) has worked to defend parents’ freedom to educate and care for their children privately, without governmental interference. We monitor and analyze California legislation affecting private home education and advocate for the protection of parental authority and educational choice.

Our mission is rooted in the conviction that parents have a fundamental responsibility and right to direct their children’s education. Through legislative research, public policy education, and advocacy, FPM works to protect these freedoms for California families.

Internship Overview

Following the 2026 elections, we are seeking a detail-oriented college student to help us research California legislators and prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

This focused winter internship is an opportunity to learn about the people and institutions shaping California policy. The intern will compile publicly available information about elected officials, their legislative assignments, and their publicly stated positions on issues relevant to our mission.

FPM’s internship program goes beyond practical training. Our approach combines three essential elements: Training, Education, and Implementation. Interns develop practical skills, learn to think critically and evaluate legislation through a Biblical worldview, and apply their learning through meaningful assignments that support FPM’s mission.

What You’ll Do

  • Research newly elected and returning California legislators.
  • Compile biographies, district information, committee assignments, and relevant professional backgrounds.
  • Review public voting records, bill histories, official statements, and other reliable sources.
  • Document publicly stated positions on parental rights, private home education, and related policy issues.
  • Prepare standardized legislator profiles and research summaries.
  • Maintain organized spreadsheets and source documentation.
  • Help identify legislative priorities and developments to monitor during the upcoming session.
  • Complete assigned reading from several books and respond to accompanying study guide questions.

What You’ll Gain

  • Practical experience in political and legislative research.
  • A stronger understanding of California government and the legislative process.
  • Experience researching public records and evaluating source credibility.
  • Stronger critical-thinking skills and greater discernment in evaluating public policy through a Biblical worldview. 
  • Insight into how legislator research informs legislative priorities and nonprofit advocacy.
  • Skills in research organization, data management, and policy analysis.
  • The opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven advocacy organization.

Successful interns may also receive a letter of recommendation. 

Qualifications

We welcome applications from college students who are eager to learn, think critically, and contribute to FPM’s mission.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • An interest in government, political science, public policy, law, or research.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills.
  • The ability to gather and evaluate information from multiple public sources.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, well-documented research.
  • Dependability, initiative, and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • An interest in parental rights, educational choice, private home education, and legislative advocacy.
  • An interest in developing and applying a Biblical/Christian worldview when evaluating ideas and public policy.

Previous political or legislative research experience is welcome but not required.

Apply Now

Submit your résumé and a brief statement of interest to this application form. Include your availability during the winter term and any relevant research experience.

Selected applicants will generally participate in an initial application review followed by one or two interviews, conducted virtually or in person.