The Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats (Tenth Dems) is now accepting applications for its Summer 2018 Internship Program. The internship is a substantive program designed for high school, college, and graduate students seeking an opportunity to become deeply engaged in the political process.
Tenth Dems is a grassroots political organization that helps mobilize voters and interest groups in one of the most widely watched and intensely contested Congressional districts in the country.
This is the ideal time to complete a political internship as candidates prepare for the 2018 mid-term election. Assignments include staffing of events and issue forums, door-to-door canvassing with candidates, working in campaign offices, and conducting research. In the past, Tenth Dems interns have staffed events for candidates and elected officials up and down the ballot, including then Senator, now former President Barack Obama and Senator Dick Durbin, among others. Tenth Dems has also held events featuring Let America Vote founder Jason Kander and former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks. Interns may also choose to complete specialized assignments in new media, IT management, and political outreach.
Internships are unpaid, educational positions; however, course credit is available from some high schools and colleges.
“This is an opportunity to learn about a grassroots political organization and to develop important skills,” said former State Representative Lauren Beth Gash, a Tenth Dems leader. “Many of our interns have gone on to law school or other graduate programs, as well as paid political positions with local campaigns, and jobs in Springfield, Washington, and with national not-for-profit organizations.”
Acceptance into the program is selective, competitive, and contingent upon an interview. Applicants do not need to reside in the 10th District; however, applicants must have an interest in electing Democrats, be able to travel to our offices, and devote a minimum of 8 hours per week to the internship during the school year, 16 during the summer. Applicants should submit a brief paragraph explaining why they would like to be part of the program, along with a resume summarizing their educational background and activities. Neither need be formal.
To apply or request more information, email us at volunteers@tenthdems.org, or call (847) 266-VOTE (8683). You can also “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@tenthdems).
