Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Climate Justice Organizing Fellows gain hands-on experience in grassroots organizing, deepen their understanding of the climate justice landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes young people of color in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and environmental justice sectors. We have three positions available, one each with our Virginia, Maryland, and Federal teams.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only group in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean power sources — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives and dirty fossil fuels are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy we advocate for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

Our team is working on bold campaigns to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate crisis we face. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically possible,” using every tool inside and outside the box—from organizing to lobbying to litigation. 

Working alongside our campaign teams, you’ll learn how to advocate for climate solutions effectively through outreach and volunteer management to build grassroots power. 

Whether it’s a blog, Facebook post, or an email to our members, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. 

You’ll participate in weekly meetings with your colleagues to learn how to plan campaigns, organize ambitious and impactful tactics, and evaluate successes and lessons learned. 

You’ll be responsible for a weekly work plan, checking in with your manager to report your progress, and tracking your time and expenses.

Fellowships begin on May 27th, 2025. Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten weeks and are paid $25 per hour. The CCAN team works on a hybrid schedule. Each Fellow will work with their manager to determine their weekly schedule. 

Maryland Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of Baltimore, MD.

Virginia Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of Norfolk, VA.

Federal Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of the Takoma Park, MD office.  

Please complete this Google form application by Friday, February 28, 2025. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.