The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is a science-based lobbying group that works to promote and draft legislation that enhances animal welfare in multiple species. During this externship, students will be able to work with public policy officials, lawyers, government agencies, trade associations, and animal advocates while learning about current state or federal legislation, regulations, and litigations related to farm animal wellbeing. The four main campaigns AWI farm animal department is currently working on include on-farm husbandry, humane livestock transportation, humane slaughter, and transparency in food labeling.

During a typical day’s work, students will have the opportunity to work on multiple issues, with every day being different from the last. Work can include meeting with Congress members and their staff about key issues, reading through and summarizing government records and reports, participating in strategic meetings and conference calls with other organizations, drafting press releases and articles for the AWI magazine or website, and reviewing scientific literature to inform specific public policy recommendations. There are also opportunities to meet with veterinarians working with the USDA and AVMA on federal livestock policy. Since AWI is a small organization, students will have the opportunity to learn how the organization runs and how each campaign fits into the organization’s larger mission.