Progressive Democrat Issue 100: MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY INTERNSHIPS

In issue 98 I focused on the Michigan Democratic Party as the first in the nation to adopt the "Blue Tiger Democrat" philosophy, which takes Dean's 50-state strategy one step further: getting down to the neighborhood level. The Blue Tiger Democrats focus on civic engagement, campaign finance reform and greater accountability and transparency in government in an effort to restore a bond between Democratic politicians and voters. I should note that this connects well with my personal view on the ideal candidate, what I call a "community candidate," so I am all for adoption of this philosophy and I applaud the Michigan Democratic Party for leading the way.

To help the Michigan Democratic Party to build up its infrastructure in order to carry out its ambitious plans, I am taking the time to advertise their internship program:

An Internship with the Michigan Democratic Party offers:

* Excellent entry-level experience in politics.
* Valuable contacts with elected officials, candidates and Party activists.
* Sources for references

Interns work in the following areas:

* POLITICAL ORGANIZING - working with local Party organizations, elected officials, candidates and constituencies of the Party to elect Democrats; training of Party members; voter registration and education; issues conferences, and many other activities.
* COMMUNICATIONS - working to get the Democratic message out to members and to the public through radio, TV, print media, phone, fax, computer networks and other means, as well as doing issue research.
* FUNDRAISING - working to raise money for the Party by events, direct mail, telemarketing, membership, large donor programs, and other means.

Qualifications:
A commitment to the goals and ideas of the Democratic Party is a prerequisite. Must be organized, responsible, have good oral and written communication skills, and be able to work with others in a political environment. Computer literacy required.

Hours are flexible and can be tailored to the student's schedule. All work is voluntary and transportation is not provided to the work site, which is the Hart-Kennedy House in downtown Lansing. By arrangement with a school, academic credit may be available.

To apply, please email your resume to:

Ann Glaspie
Michigan Democratic Party
606 Townsend
Lansing, MI 48933
517.371.5410
email: glaspiea@dnc.org

I strongly urge my Michigan readers to work with your local party, either as an intern (above) or as a volunteer. You can be a part of the reshaping of the Democratic Party, which started with Howard Dean and is not continuing through the Blue Tiger Democrat approach.


Click here to go back to THOUGHTS section and Table of Contents for this issue.