Archives for October 2016

The League of Women Voters is approaching its 100 year anniversary, nationally and in Texas. The League is a non-partisan (we do not endorse any candidates) organization that encourages civic engagement and participation by providing community education and legislative advocacy. We are famous for our voter guides where all candidates running for office may explain their positions on issues of concern to the community and the League. League chapters also sponsor candidate forums and debates as well as develop white paper studies on critical community issues. The most recent issues studied by the Texas League were Texas water issues and human trafficking. A new study is underway on payday loans in Texas. We also monitor the Texas legislature for bills that impact issues of concern. League members testify at Committee Hearings and educate legislators. We plan Lobby Days in February for League members from across the state to come to Austin and talk with their legislators on upcoming legislation. We also do all of the tasks and activities that a state wide non-profit organization must do to engage our constituencies and extend our impact.  Types of tasks for an intern in the next 6+months might include: • Researching past legislation & writing brief synopsis of the bill and the outcome of the bill • Researching previous League Presidents and other members who have made an impact (looking toward 100 year anniversary in 2019) and writing short bio’s • Working with League members to tweet and post updates during the legislative session • Write up short stories of League accomplishments for social media and fundraising • Help prepare for Lobby Days in Feb – stuff packets, register members attending • Deliver packets of information to legislators • Sign in Pro or Con on specific legislation  • Enter data into our donor data base – while this does not sound like much fun, it is a lucrative skill in the non-profit arena. • Help local Leagues set up their online voter information service, Vote 411 (http://www.vote411.org/) • Track down contact information for candidates to communicate with them about our Voter’s Guide • Write press releases, newsletters, grants, fundraising letters, thank you letters • Develop and execute social media plans We have a range of activities to suit the individual intern’s skills and interests. I want interns to have meaningful experiences that build on their academic skills. We also hope that interns will have a “show & tell” product to add to their portfolios to show future employers, the quality of their work in a real life setting.  An internship with the League of Women Voters would also include the benefit of working with League members who are seasoned and well connected community leaders, as well as the experience of working in a consensus/team structure.