congressional Opportunities

Are you a self-directed, cause-driven individual with strong communication skills? Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about how non-profits can be effective in the policy and advocacy arenas? PHA is seeking a Grassroots Advocacy Intern to assist the Director of Advocacy and Awareness in building our programs and creating opportunities for pulmonary hypertension patients to be involved in solutions to issues that affect their lives. This critical support will enable us to continue to provide vital services to the pulmonary hypertension community and promote awareness of an under-diagnosed illness. No prior knowledge of pulmonary hypertension is needed. You will be treated as a respected team member. Our office is a friendly and welcoming environment. If you would like to design a project that helps you meet your educational goals, we will work with you to achieve this. Interns may also earn college credit. Our office is located in downtown Silver Spring, Md., and is Metro accessible. How to Apply: Materials should include a cover letter explaining your interest in working for PHA, a resume and a 3-6 page writing sample. Cover letters should be addressed to Katherine Kroner, Director of Advocacy & Awareness. Applications are ONLY accepted through PHA's online Internship Application Form (http://www.phassociation.org/internships/apply).

The Project Vote Smart National Internship Program provides a unique lesson in the study of American politics. Students from across the nation and around the world come to our high tech research center in the Montana Rockies for ten weeks to help American citizens educate themselves about elected officials and candidates. By providing this information in an easy and accessible manner, Project Vote Smart believes that citizens can better defend themselves from the political hype and misrepresentation characteristic of present day political campaigns. Interns play a crucial role at Project Vote Smart and make up the vast majority of our staff. The individual talents, ideas and hard work of our interns have been instrumental in the success of many of our most important programs. Since the Project researches thousands of elected officials and candidates' backgrounds, the work is often tedious. However, if you are interested in making a genuine contribution to your Nation, in an idealistic and positive environment -- located in the middle of a natural wonderland -- we would love to have you join our team. There is plenty of room to learn and grow with the organization. Interns often return as staff members after they have finished their college careers. College students and recent graduates typically participate in our National Internship Program. Interns must commit to ten consecutive weeks, but may intern anytime during the year. We accept applications on a rolling basis and have no deadline, but interns are encouraged to submit their applications early because space does fill up quickly. Interns live on-site at the Project's Great Divide Ranch and scholarships pay for all living costs, including room and board.

The Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA) is recognized as the top business advocacy organization in the San Fernando Valley for its outreach to local, state, and federal officials. VICA represents a range of large and small companies in the greater San Fernando Valley area and advocates for a stronger business climate in the Valley, the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, the state of California and the United States. We are currently offering an exciting and fulfilling position within our Government Affairs department. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in public affairs, government, business, communications and/or non-profit management are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit www.vica.com.

JOB PURPOSE: Citizens Climate Lobbys (www.citizensclimatelobby.org) mission is to create the political will for a sustainable climate. Our methods include education on the science, economics, politics and public awareness surrounding climate change. CCL works by training citizens in the skills needed to affect change. We contact and meet with Congressional leaders, write letters to the editors of national and local newspapers and attend monthly national conference calls. The position purpose is to support the work of CCL in Virginia. Additionally, this position involves editing and updating advocacy materials, communicating with CCL volunteers, training new CCL volunteers, and researching topics including climate related news and legislation, science, economics, and community groups. Research national college, business and community organizations to build membership. Miscellaneous office duties such as data entry, phone calls and email communications. This is an unpaid full semester internship opportunity.

Duration: Spring 2013 semester August 2013 Hours: 20-30 hours per week, depending on availability (part-time) Opportunity: For credit or volunteer only BACKGROUND The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a national 501(c)3 organization established in 1978 by a small group of Hispanic Members of Congress with the vision of bringing the promise of the American Dream to the next generation of Latinos. CHCI programs serve more than 1,500 young Latinos annually. Many are first in their family to go to college, and the majority come from families with annual incomes below $30,000. CHCI's unique model of educational services and leadership development promoting college readiness, supporting college attainment and providing direct access to the most powerful network of Latino leadership helps ensure career success and has put thousands of young people on a pathway to achieving the American Dream. POSITION OVERVIEW CHCI is seeking a part-time (20-30 hours per week, depending on availability) College Access & Readiness Programs Intern interested in gaining experience in educational program management, college access, and leadership development programming. The College Access & Readiness Programs intern will have the opportunity to affect major programmatic areas of the organization, including working in close partnership with CHCI staff responsible for the following programs: High School Latino Leaders in DC, Ready to Lead events, Scholarships and CHCIs educational resources. The College Access & Readiness Programs intern will be play a role in the development of projects related to college access initiatives for Latinos across the country. In addition, CHCIs interns are exposed to networking, shadowing, and mentoring opportunities with leaders, and receive ongoing professional development training from staff. The ideal candidate would be able to start immediately and continue through the end of the summer semester.

The National MS Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS. Since 1956, the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has provided information and assistance to people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. We are currently looking for interns to become an integral part of our team in support of our advocacy program. With guidance and resources from the National Public Policy Office (based in Washington D.C.), Arizona Chapter staff work with volunteers of the Government Relations Committee and a network of grassroots activists to implement federal, state and local advocacy for people impacted by MS. Selected interns will gain valuable, hands-on, practical experience in working with a leading non-profit organization and in cultivating and mobilizing a grassroots base of activists. We are people who want to do something about MS now. Join the movement.