Advocacy Abroad – Summer 2026

BOLIVIA

Defend Them All’s Advocacy Abroad program offers law students and emerging advocates a unique opportunity to engage in international, community-informed advocacy at the intersection of animal law, environmental protection, and public policy.

Participants will work closely with DTA through a hybrid summer placement, combining remote research and writing with an optional in-country experience in Bolivia. From May through July, students will collaborate virtually with DTA and partner organizations to develop research, legal analysis, and advocacy materials in preparation for field engagement. Then, in approximately late July, students will have the option to travel to Bolivia and engage directly with local partners, legal professionals, and community advocates alongside DTA.Through this structure, participants gain hands-on experience and serve as on-the-ground ambassadors of DTA, work directly with partners, and contribute to ongoing initiatives in a practical, collaborative, and tangible way.

Students seeking a remote-only experience (from May through July) are encouraged to apply. Participation in the in-country component will require working with DTA throughout the summer (from May through July) on at least a part-time (approximately 12 hours per week) basis.

Program Focus Areas

Rights of Nature Research

Contribute to a national-level research initiative examining how Rights of Nature laws function in practice, including case law analysis and support for a bilingual survey of legal practitioners and advocates. This work supports efforts to better understand how environmental protections are applied and where gaps persist.

Protecting Passiflora

Support legal and advocacy efforts to defend the Passiflora wildlife sanctuary—an ecologically significant site in northern La Paz facing pressure from infrastructure development. Work may include legal research, policy analysis, and strategy development related to securing long-term conservation status.

Companion Animal Law and Policy

Develop a foundational overview of laws, policies, and governance approaches affecting companion animals, including municipal frameworks, reform efforts, and key challenges facing advocates working in this space.

Food Systems & Conservation

Research the availability and accessibility of vegan and vegetarian options in Bolivia, including local efforts to promote plant-forward diets as a strategy for environmental and animal protection. This work will examine cultural context, logistical barriers, and the potential effectiveness of such approaches

    • Format: Hybrid (remote + optional in-country experience)

    • Virtual Component: May–July 2026

    • Travel (Optional): Late July 2026 (Bolivia)

    • Compensation: Unpaid

    • Travel Support: Limited travel stipends may be available based on demonstrated need and organizational funding

  • We welcome applications from law students and early-career professionals with a demonstrated interest in:

    • Animal law and policy

    • Environmental law and governance

    • International or comparative legal systems

    • Community-based or interdisciplinary advocacy

    Students seeking academic credit will be prioritized.

    Strong research, writing, and analytical skills are essential. Spanish language skills are an asset but not required. Flexibility, adaptability, and an openness to travel in dynamic and unfamiliar environments are important, particularly for those participating in the in-country component.

  • This program is designed for students seeking meaningful, practice-oriented experience that bridges legal research and real-world advocacy. Participants will contribute to active initiatives, work alongside experienced advocates, and gain insight into the complexities of advancing animal and environmental protection in diverse legal and cultural contexts.