Communities and Island Resources Focus Area
Do you want to help advance innovative environmental protections in the San Juan Islands?
Are you interested in legal and policy research that directly supports local communities, ecosystems, and emerging legal frameworks?
We are seeking a Research Volunteer to work closely with our Legal Director and Staff Attorney to advance our work to protect island communities and protect forests, shorelines, farms, and the health of our water resources such as wetland and the Salish Sea.
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer, you will contribute to meaningful, real-world legal work, including:
Conducting research and archival work on the San Juan Islands’ role in the Rights of Nature movement and relationship-based conceptualizations of nature.
Research and conduct power analyses of local, state, national, sovereign nation/Tribal government or transboundary actions that interface with Friends legal protection priorities (i.e. Protector Platform, Rights of Nature, etc.)
Researching legal personhood frameworks for wetlands and aquifers
Assisting the Legal Director with research, attending meetings, and engaging community members in the drafting of rulemaking.
Who This Is For
This role is ideal for individual/s seeking hands-on legal and policy experience alongside academic pursuits, such as students or early-career professionals interested in environmental law, policy, Indigenous rights, or land and water protection.
Time Commitment
5–10 hours per week
Long-term commitment preferred (up to 2 years)
Start date: volunteer opportunity open until filled
Minimum Qualifications
· One year of legal experience in an educational or professional context, which could include a graduate degree that interfaces with law or Juris Doctor degree, or work in a law firm in any capacity, i.e. paralegal, practicing intern, legal professional or attorney
· Commitment to environmental protection in personal or professional life
· Belief in Friend’s mission and commitment to uphold Friends values.
Why Volunteer With Us
You’ll gain direct experience working on active legal and policy initiatives, collaborate closely with experienced environmental attorneys, and help shape forward-thinking approaches to protecting land, water, and community values in the San Juan Islands.
If you’re curious, committed, and ready to dig into meaningful research that makes a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
- Apply via this ad;
- And send your resume and (1) paragraph in connection to your interests and qualifications to friends@sanjuans.org.
