GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

6. Internship Opportunities with NARAL*New*
7. Internship Opportunities with START*New*

8. Internship Opportunities with the Center for Competitive Politics (CPP)*New*

1. Internship Opportunity with Representative Marcy Kaptur

The office of Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) is seeking full or part-time interns for the Fall academic semester. Candidates must be current college students with strong writing skills, the ability to conduct extensive research, and a high level of professionalism.

Responsibilities: Include (but are not limited to) attending hearings, writing projects including memos, reports, and correspondence, providing support for legislative staff, carrying out research projects, and basic office support.

Application Process: Interested students should email resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to OhioInternship@yahoo.com with the subject line: Last Name Fall Internship. Refer any questions to Reenal Doshi, Reenal.Doshi@mail.house.gov. Ohio ties are a plus but are not necessary.

2. Internship Opportunity at Beacon Consulting Group

Beacon Consulting Group, Inc., is a full service federal government relations consulting firm representing human service, youth development, healthcare, and cultural non-profit organizations throughout the United States. The firm helps clients work effectively with Congress and the Executive Branch to develop favorable public policy. An internship at Beacon offers many opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the legislative process.

Responsibilities: Include attending congressional hearings, researching federal grant opportunities, and help on special events. A minimal amount of administrative work may be asked of a Beacon intern.

Qualifications: Applicants should have excellent interpersonal and writing skills and a strong interest in domestic politics. This internship is unpaid; however, Beacon interns will receive a stipend for public transportation and midday meal costs.

Application Process: Please send resume and cover letter to the attention of Jennifer Wohl, jwohl@beacon-group.net.

3. Internship Opportunity at Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s Government Affairs office seeks an undergraduate student for a Fall 2009 internship in its Washington DC Government Affairs office. Receiving more than $250 million in federal funds, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago supports a network of more than 120 health and human services agencies serving more than 300,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and hundreds of thousand more in 59 countries around the world.

Qualifications: Prior exposure to government relations, non-profits, and domestic policy would be helpful. The selected candidate will gain exposure to Capitol Hill and the Administration, develop an understanding of a variety of domestic social policy issues, and a first-hand look inside the Jewish communal world. The candidate should have excellent writing and research skills, be able to juggle multiple projects at once, and have a solid foundation in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities: Attend and/or watch congressional hearings and provide notes to Government Affairs staff, prepare and update materials for Capitol Hill visits, assist with all phases of preparation for special outreach events, including advocacy missions, compile and analyze surveys, research and draft documents on issues which include, but are not limited to, senior transportation, aging, Israel, Medicaid, Darfur, Medicare, Iran, and family caregiving.

*The Federal Policy Internship is a part-time internship (flexible but consistent 15-20/hour/week). This internship is unpaid*

Application Process: Forward a resume/cover letter, writing sample, and any questions to: gov@juf.org or fax at 202-466-7092. Please visit www.juf.org/gov for an overview of JUF/JF’s Government Affairs Program.

4. Internship Opportunities with Organizing for America

Organizing for America (OFA), the successor organization to Obama for America, is empowering students across the country to build on the movement that elected President Obama and help bring about his vision for change. OFA is launching the National Organizing Internship, connecting students all over the country with the organization on the ground, and working to make change.

The Organizing Intern will work side by side with OFA staff and community leaders to help build support for President Obama's agenda. The intern will learn core organizing principles that are crucial for any campaign, and play an important role in building our organization in his/her state.

Qualifications: Candidates passionate about making sure every American has quality health care, reviving our economy, and building a clean energy future are encouraged to apply. No previous experience is needed.

*Internship Dates: September 1-December 11 (dates are flexible depending on schedule). The Internship requires a commitment of at least 12 hours per week. Applications must be submitted by Monday, August 24th*

Application Process: Complete the application available online at http://my.barackobama.com/OrganizingInternship.

5. Capitol Partners Inc. seeks Fall Interns

Capitol Partners, Inc., founded in 1999, is a full service, Washington, D.C. based public affairs consulting firm which provides effective public affairs counsel and strategic guidance to a host of clients, including institutions of higher education, biotechnology companies, municipalities, public authorities, manufacturers, hospitals, museums, major businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Capitol Partners specializes in developing partnerships between clients, Congress, and the federal government.

Responsibilities: Include conducting research, attending/reporting congressional hearings on the Hill. Researching and reporting on policy areas and congressional news, client follow up, potential client research, research for proposals, marketing, assist with website. Some assistance with bookkeeping, handling some expenses, invoices, lobbying reports, scheduling meetings, compiling itineraries, running errands, coordinating events, and fundraisers etc.

Requirements: Junior or Senior. Public Affairs, International Relations and/or Political Science Major (or related field). Strong research and writing skills. Computer/web/marketing skills are a plus, but not required

*This is an unpaid internship. However, a travel/meal stipend is provided*

Application Process: Interested applicants are asked to email a resume, cover letter and relevant writing sample to Laura Jones at Ljones@capitol-partners.com. More information can be found at www.capitol-partners.com.

6. Internship Opportunities with NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland

Communications intern: NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland is seeking a communications intern to provide technical support, help with on-line outreach efforts, and assist with general oral and written communications.

Responsibilities: Create thought-provoking and relevant entries on NPCM’s blog on a daily basis, compile, write, and distribute summaries of daily clips of choice-related news from a variety of news sources, assist with the production of monthly e-newsletters, maintain MySpace and Facebook profiles and track membership details, update website, write press releases, expand internet outreach efforts, assist with pro-choice event planning including our annual fall fundraiser, help staff with day-to-day office operations

Skills: Possess excellent writing, research, editing, computing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, and Microsoft Excel. Take initiative on individual projects, possess strong organizational/multi-tasking skills and have an ability to meet deadlines on time. Be able to work well alone and in cooperative decision-making settings, support the full range of reproductive options for women including birth control, bearing healthy children, adoption, and safe, legal abortion.

*Scheduling is flexible based on applicant’s schedule. A minimum of 12 hours per week is required; however, a commitment of 15-30 hours per week is preferred. Start date: September 8, 2009*

Application Process: Send a current resume and letter of interest by August 24, 2009 to Melissa Kleder, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, 8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 501, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email Melissa@prochoicemd.org. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Programs Intern: NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland is seeking two program interns to provide to work on a variety of issues, provide staff support, and learn the inner workings of a non-profit organization.

Responsibilities: Help staff conduct educational outreach activities about relevant choice issues including, but not limited to, tabling events, job/volunteer fairs, campus rallies, etc. Conduct research on various reproductive health issues, Work with staff to develop and implement a grassroots-organizing plan and establish goals relating to that plan, Help with acquisition of new members and updating membership information, Planning and implementing social networking events and frequent fundraisers, including our annual Evening of Chocolate Gala in October.

Qualifications: Candidate must be a self-starter who is able to take initiative on individual projects, a strong writer, researcher, and editor. Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, strong organizational/multi-tasking skills and have the ability to meet deadlines on time. Must be able to work well alone and in cooperative decision-making settings, and someone who supports the full range of reproductive options for women including birth control, bearing healthy children, adoption, and safe, legal abortion.

*Scheduling is flexible based on applicant’s schedule. A minimum of 12 hours per week is required; however, a commitment of 15-30 hours per week is preferred. Start date: September 8, 2009*

Application Process: Send a current resume and letter of interest August 24 , 2009 to Melissa Kleder, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, 8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 501, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email melissa@prochoicemd.org.

7. Internship Opportunities at START

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is currently offering for-credit, unpaid internships on several of its research projects. Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Maryland. Undergraduates are eligible to receive academic credit for the experience through the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) Internship Program. All interns must work a minimum of 10 hours per week throughout the semester and meet periodically with their project coordinators.

Application Process: Submit a one-page resume, unofficial transcripts, and a one-page cover letter to the project coordinator of the field of interest. More information and contacts can be found at http://www.start.umd.edu/start/education/internships/.

8. Internship Opportunities with the Center for Competitive Politics

The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) seeks Fall communications, development and government relations interns. CCP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on protecting the First Amendment political rights of speech, assembly, and petition. Through litigation, research, education, and outreach, CCP opposes limits and regulations on First Amendment rights such as campaign finance “reform,” the “fairness doctrine” in talk radio, and taxpayer funded political campaigns.

Communications Intern: CCP’s communications intern will write op-eds and press releases, schedule media interviews, track media coverage of CCP’s issues, develop press lists, blog on CCP’s issues and assist with minimal clerical work.

Development Intern: CCP’s development intern will assist with donor relations and database administration. Day-to-day responsibilities will primarily consist of producing, editing and writing donor correspondence, identifying prospective donors through internet research, and maintaining accurate records for CCP supporters.

Government & Coalition Relations Intern:CCP’s government and coalition relations intern will research introduced legislation, write letters on active state and federal legislation, assist with our outreach to like-minded advocates across the country, blog on political speech issues and assist other departments in the office with projects and tasks.

Qualifications: Candidates for CCP’s internships should have completed at least two years of undergraduate study. Interns should have excellent writing skills, solid analytical ability and internet research skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word and Excel, detail-oriented, a strong initiative and demonstrated resourcefulness, and a willingness to take on a variety of assignment types — working independently and as part of a team. Candidates should be politically aware and involved (no specific political preference is required), and have a commitment to full protection of the First Amendment’s political rights.

*Full-time interns will receive a stipend of $500 per month; part-time interns will receive a pro-rated stipend based on their hours*

Application Process: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. A Fall start date is flexible (preferably in mid-to-late August). Please send a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, one recommendation from a professor, candidate or elected official, political leader, or similar person, and a transcript or list of all college-level classes to Sean Parnell, sparnell@campaignfreedom.org.

9. Project Nur seeks Project Coordinator and Media&Communications Interns

Project Coordinator Intern: The Project Coordinator Intern will serve as a Project Nur leader and will learn programming, advocacy, and community mobilization skills, as well as network with other student groups, students, and professors. In this capacity, the intern will assist Project Nur in its efforts to build bridges within and between communities by promoting tolerance, responsible leadership, understanding, and the rights of individuals here in the U.S. and abroad. Project Nur empowers its student leaders to utilize their individual and collective creativity to implement meaningful cultural, civic, and direct services initiatives.

Responsibilities: Create a Project Nur Chapter at your school and lead students in doing human rights, civil rights, social justice, and cultural programming that engenders tolerance and co-existence between students on campus and beyond. Plan outreach events, network with student groups and academic departments on campuses to acquire event partners for Project Nur. Develop and implement meaningful cultural, civic, and direct services initiatives as described above under chapter creation. Advertise and promote events.

Qualifications: Applicants must be charismatic, outgoing, motivated and have a sense of humor. Must take initiative, be creative and dynamic. Must have excellent networking, communication, and writing skills. Ability to work well and coordinate with others. Good organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines. Microsoft Word and Excel; Microsoft Publisher preferred. Prior leadership and programming experience preferable. Background in human rights, civil rights, social justice preferable.

Interns must work a minimum of 10 hours/week in the Project Nur Boston Office. *Project Nur is a civic initiative and has no religious agenda*

Application Process: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Bashir Martin at Bashir@ProjectNur.org. Please refer any questions to 202-595-3160, or visit www.ProjectNur.org. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media and Communication Internship: The Media and Communication Intern will support Project Nur in its efforts to build bridges within and between communities by promoting tolerance, responsible leadership, understanding, and the rights of individuals here in the U.S. and abroad. Project Nur implements meaningful cultural, civic, and direct services initiatives. This internship will expose intern to the media, communication, and PR functions of an NGO.

Responsibilities: Support media outreach efforts of Project Nur. Draft and edit press releases, and other PR materials for Project Nur. Work on monthly newsletter. Research and develop content for Project Nur’s website. Develop a Project Nur blog. Maintain and enhance an Officer’s forum for the Project Nur website. Assist with Project Nur’s Facebook group. Create and maintain a Project Nur MySpace group. Research on-campus and external newspapers and blog sites, and maintain database of media entities, journalists, and bloggers.

Qualifications: Applicants must be charismatic, outgoing, motivated and have a sense of humor. Must take initiative, and be creative and dynamic. Must have excellent networking, communication, and writing skills. Ability to work well and coordinate with others. Good organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines. Microsoft Word and Excel; Microsoft Publisher and web design preferred. Background in media and/or journalism preferable.

Interns must work a minimum of 10 hours/week in the Project Nur Boston Office. *Project Nur is a civic initiative and has no religious agenda*

Application Process: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Bashir Martin at Bashir@ProjectNur.org. Please refer any questions to 202-595-3160, or visit www.ProjectNur.org.

10. Marijuana Policy Project seeks State and Federal Interns

The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is hiring Fall interns to work in their State Policies and Federal Policies departments. These are unpaid, part-time internships, with class credit available. Interns work approximately two days per week and have the chance to play a responsible role in a successful nonprofit organization.

Internships are available in two departments: (1) MPP’s State Policies department, which works to reform marijuana laws on the state level through direct lobbying and by inspiring lobbying at the grassroots level by individuals and allied organizations, and (2) MPP's Federal Policies department, which works to reform marijuana laws on the national level through direct lobbying and grassroots outreach.

State Policies Interns will: Format and post relevant news articles on each of MPP's state Web pages; Monitor news for marijuana-related articles; Maintain MPP's state Web pages; Assist in improving and maintaining the department’s filing system; and complete miscellaneous projects and research as assigned.

Federal Policies Interns will: Monitor news for articles related to marijuana policy in the department's target districts; Assist with outreach to activists in target districts, including calling MPP members and volunteers to generate pressure on members of Congress; Assist with database clean-up; Conduct research as needed; Organize the department's files and other materials, including correspondence with Senate and House offices; and occasionally attend hearings on the Hill and write summaries for the department's staff.

Qualifications: Candidates should expect a fast-paced, professional environment and should have excellent oral and written communications skills, strong Internet research skills, and be meticulous, organized, and detail-oriented. Ideal candidates will also have an interest in learning about the legislative and policy-making process, excellent interpersonal skills, good research skills, a professional demeanor, and the ability to work independently.

Application Process: Please visit http://www.mpp.org/jobs/internship-application.html and follow MPP's internship application process. Please e-mail internships@mpp.org with any questions about this internship.

11. New GVPT Fall 2009 Course Available

GVPT 449H Seminar in Political Philosophy: Distributive Justice in Theory and Practice

Restricted to Honors GVPT majors only, all others will be placed on the holdfile.

12. Federal Semester News Flash for BSOS Students

Engage in a Washington internship for credit! Apply now to the innovative Federal Semester Program, 2009-10! For details and information: http://www.federalsemester.umd.edu. Rising juniors and seniors of all majors are welcome. Yearlong program includes workshops on federal careers and professional development; trips to Capitol Hill; help obtaining internships in federal agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, NGOs dealing with federal policy, etc. Places still available in all three concentrations: U.S. Policy in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Homeland Security Policy, and Federal Health Policy. Rolling admission.

News flash: The Federal Semester program has received a Federal Grant for next year. There are now even more opportunities and support available for 2009-10 participants!

The newsletter is sent out on Fridays to all current University of Maryland students who have declared and been accepted into the GVPT major. Only information relevant to academic and extra-curricular opportunities for these students will be sent through the newsletter. The government advising office reserves the right to edit and review all submissions to the GVPT newsletter and deny any submissions at their sole discretion.

If you would like to submit information or announcements, please email ADVISING@gvpt.umd.edu. Only those submissions which are denied or delayed will be contacted further.