THE INTERNSHIP
One of the major aims of Power in Place is to teach and inspire young people to participate in the political process. One major way it does this is by hosting a ten-week summer internship, where students from across the nation collaborate and learn about women in politics. Each student researches, meets, interviews, and photographs a female politician in a place that holds special meaning to her, giving them the opportunity to have meaningful exchanges with currently elected women. By joining various teams (grant writing, blogging, marketing, etc.) the interns have firsthand experience leading a political nonprofit. Power in Place also hosts a speaker series for the interns, where they hear about different aspects of campaigning and governing from women with extensive experience in their fields.
DAY OF ACTION
During the summer, interns gather in location-based groups to brainstorm ideas for a campus voter drive the following semester. They research the most pressing issues for young voters and the most effective ways to encourage voting, and develop that knowledge into an initiative, problem statement, and brochure. The following semester, students put their initiative into action on their own campuses. For instance, this may include tabling, voter education, or workshops on registering to vote. This peer-to-peer voter drive aims to increase young people’s electoral participation, and the process of research and collaboration also teaches interns important workplace skills.