Application Guide
How to Apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Policy Intern - Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
at Standtogether
🏢 About Standtogether
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy think tank dedicated to promoting individual liberty, economic freedom, and limited government in Hawaii. As part of the Stand Together Fellowships network, it offers a unique opportunity to work on state-level policy issues with a national platform, influencing real-world change in one of the most heavily regulated states. Interns gain hands-on experience in research, writing, and advocacy, often interacting with lawmakers, media, and community leaders.
About This Role
As a Policy Intern, you will work directly with the director of policy to research and draft policy papers, commentaries, and articles on issues affecting Hawaii. You will also communicate your findings to local and national media, community groups, and lawmakers, helping to shape public debate and drive policy reforms. This role is ideal for someone passionate about free-market principles and eager to develop a public voice through writing and outreach.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching a policy issue such as Hawaii's permitting processes, drafting a commentary for local media, and meeting with the director of policy to refine arguments. You could also participate in staff calls, connect with community stakeholders for insights, or prepare talking points for an upcoming conference or media interview. The work is dynamic, balancing independent research with collaborative advocacy to advance free-market solutions in Hawaii.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For
- Strong alignment with the Grassroot Institute's mission of individual liberty, economic freedom, and limited government, with a genuine interest in Hawaii's policy landscape.
- Exceptional writing skills, capable of producing clear, accurate, and persuasive prose for diverse audiences, from op-eds to detailed policy papers.
- Ability to conduct rigorous research, synthesize complex information, and connect with community members and experts to gather insights.
- Willingness to relocate to Honolulu or work remotely with a strong preference for on-site presence, and availability for occasional travel to conferences and events.
📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience with policy research, writing, or advocacy, especially on issues relevant to Hawaii (e.g., housing, taxes, regulations).
Demonstrate your alignment with the Grassroot Institute's mission by referencing specific policy positions or publications from their website in your application.
Include writing samples that showcase your ability to explain complex policy ideas to a general audience, such as op-eds, blog posts, or research papers.
If you are open to relocating to Honolulu, explicitly state that in your cover letter, as the role prefers on-site work and local presence can be a significant advantage.
Leverage the Stand Together Fellowships network by mentioning your interest in their broader mission and how this internship fits into your career goals in public policy.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in Hawaii's policy environment and how your skills can contribute to the Grassroot Institute's work.", 'Examples of your writing and research that demonstrate your ability to produce publication-ready policy analysis.', 'Your comfort with public speaking and media engagement, including any experience presenting to groups or interacting with journalists.', "Your commitment to the principles of individual liberty and limited government, and how you've acted on those values in past roles or projects."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii's website, focusing on their policy priorities, recent reports, and op-eds to understand their stance on issues like the Jones Act, housing, and taxes.
- → Learn about Hawaii's unique political and economic landscape, including major challenges such as high cost of living, regulatory burdens, and the role of the tourism industry.
- → Research the Stand Together Fellowships program and its philosophy to understand how this internship fits into a broader network of liberty-minded organizations.
- → Follow the Grassroot Institute on social media and sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on their latest work and media appearances.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention Hawaii or the Grassroot Institute's specific policy focus, as this shows a lack of genuine interest.
- Failing to provide writing samples or demonstrating poor writing quality, since strong prose is a core requirement of the role.
- Expressing reluctance to relocate or work on-site without a compelling reason, as the role prefers local presence and may require in-person collaboration.
- Showing a lack of alignment with the organization's mission or making statements that contradict free-market principles, which would be a poor fit for the culture.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!