One-year Paid Internship--35 hours/week

The 1.3 million-member AFT, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, is the nation’s second largest teachers’ union, also representing paraprofessionals and other school related personnel, higher education faculty and teaching assistants, public employees and nurses. The Department of Legislation serves as the lobbying arm of the AFT on Capitol Hill and with the executive branch. Its seven lobbyists have responsibility for specific issues of interest to the union and its various constituencies. As part of their responsibilities, lobbyists research and analyze issues, write letters and other communications to advance AFT policies and priorities, and communicate with affiliates regarding activities in Washington. The department publishes a password-protected web site that is regularly updated for state and local union leaders.

Internship Duties and Responsibilities

The intern would be responsible for giving general support to lobbyists through reading a wide variety of materials, researching issues, and otherwise providing essential background for staff as they undertake their lobbying responsibilities. The intern would also provide technical and research support for electronic publications published for the membership and conduct background work using the resources of other departments of the AFT. The intern must be willing to undertake a wide variety of tasks that might otherwise be assigned under the general supervision of the department director. The intern will attend Congressional hearings and take notes, deliver materials to Hill offices, and help coordinate an AFT presence at key rallies on Capitol Hill.

Qualifications

Candidate must be willing to work full time (35 hours) and be able to commit to the position for one year. Candidates should have an interest in public policy, law and/or politics and possess excellent research, writing, computer and communications skills. We seek individuals who are hard working, flexible and personable.

The internship would provide valuable experience for a candidate interested in public policy, including education and labor policy, politics, and government relations.

Interested individuals should send a letter, resume, and brief writing sample to:

Jodie Fingland
American Federation of Teachers
555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20001
(202) 585-4391