UT Shield

Public Policy

, Filed Under: Internship

Internships with Wye River Group – Spring 2022

Wye River Group Overview

Wye River Group is a nonpartisan, not for profit entity, which serves as catalyst to raise awareness and broaden perspectives to enable cross stakeholder engagement. The organization tackles challenging public policy issues such as water and health and health care.

Based in Washington DC WRG and its sister organization GKEN.org (Global Knowledge Exchange Network) create an intellectual exchange of fresh ideas in a neutral environment, employing a dynamic process that works to stay ahead of emerging trends. We identify and advance approaches that build on the value of consensus and public private partnerships.

The strength of this work rests on the active engagement of a cross-section of stakeholders committed to advancing common goals. The unique, inclusive process employed in reaching agreement on issues helps ensure its long term viability in the public policy arena and in the marketplace.

Our success depends on maintaining our position as neutral catalyst skilled at creating an environment of trust and in setting the stage for dialogue involving diverse interests within an ‘apolitical’ philosophical framework.

For more information, please visit wrgh.org.

Available Internships

The Wye River Group has 3 different internship opportunities currently available

First Internship Opportunity

From: January through June 2022

We are seeking interns to work with us on a very timely social and public policy issue, substance use (SU). Ideally the student(s) would have a background in public and a strong interest in public policy.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet key health and health care influencers and learn more about the impact SU is having on individuals, families, and communities across Texas.

The internship may start now and continue through the fall and or spring term, for the right candidate. The candidate selected will research and draft background policy papers, on substance use trends through multiple lens for example; underserved, gender, ethnicity, age, disparity in treatment dispersal, stigma, etc. The background research will be used to develop writings reviewed by UTH professionals and ultimately published in media, trade and professional societies across the state.

We are working with the individuals listed below. Your research will support papers to be published under one or more of these leaders with a reference to your contribution.

The work is remote and will require that you have a computer and telephone. Thank you for your consideration. If interested, please contact me at the email below.

My best,

Jon

Jon Comola

Email: jrcomola@wrgh.org

Founder, Wye River Group, wrgh.org

Mobile; 512 695 8806

 

Danette Castle, CEO Texas Council

Jamie Defensing, CEO Texas Association of Health Plans

Maureen Milligan, CEO Teaching Hospitals of Texas.

Jana Eubanks, CEO, Texas Association of Community Health Centers

Kay Ghahremani, Texas Association of Community Health Plans CEO.

Mary Dale Peterson, Driscoll COO

Helen Kent Davis Senior VP Texas Medical Association.

Robert Hebert, Ft Bend County Court Judge (former)

Barbara Canales, Nueces County Court Judge

Ken Janda, Founder Blue Sky consulting

Laura and Patrick, Children’s Defense funds general counsel and president respectfully.

Sara Ramirez, Senior VP Texas Hospital Association

Mark Chassay, Medical Director Texas BCBSTX

Second Internship Opportunity

From: January to June 2022

We are seeking interns to work with us on a very timely social and public policy issue answering the question: “What are we seeing happening in Texas communities during the pandemic; socially, emotionally, economically, and with wellbeing?” Ideally the student(s) would have an active interest in public policy or public health.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet key health and health care influencers and public policy makers and learn more about the impact the pandemic is having on individuals, families, and communities across Texas. Understanding what we are experiencing and translating those learnings to inform our policy moving forward.

The internship will start in the Spring 2022 and may continue through the summer or fall term, for the right candidate. The candidate selected will research and draft background papers, on various aspects the pandemic is having on Texas communities, gather data and highlight contemporary writings that inform the conversation.

The effort will launch with a facilitated panel discussion among many of Texas; thought leaders; leadership of  the; Texas Rural Hospital Association, Children’s Defense Fund, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Demographer, Texas Medical Association, University of Texas Health have all agreed to serve on a scheduled panel discussion January 18th 2022.

The discussion will be filmed, and the footage will be reconstituted into a 5–7-minute film short to be distributed across Texas communities through civic groups like the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Rotary club, etc. This is designed to stimulate dialogue and spark action to improve our ability to respond to crisis.

We are working with the individuals listed below.

The work is remote and will require that you have a computer and telephone. Thank you for your consideration. If interested, please contact me at the email below.

My best,

Jon

Jon Comola

Email: jrcomola@wrgh.org

Founder, Wye River Group, wrgh.org

Mobile; 512 695 8806

 

Danette Castle, CEO Texas Council

Jamie Defensing, CEO Texas Association of Health Plans

Maureen Milligan, CEO Teaching Hospitals of Texas.

Jana Eubanks, CEO, Texas Association of Community Health Centers

Kay Ghahremani, Texas Association of Community Health Plans CEO.

Mary Dale Peterson, Driscoll COO

Helen Kent Davis Senior VP Texas Medical Association.

Robert Hebert, Ft Bend County Court Judge (former)

Barbara Canales, Nueces County Court Judge

Ken Janda, Founder Blue Sky consulting

Laura and Patrick, Children’s Defense funds general counsel and president respectfully.

Sara Ramirez, Senior VP Texas Hospital Association

Mark Chassay, Medical Director Texas BCBSTX

Third Internship Opportunity

From: January to June 2022

Substance Use legislative interim recommendations

We are seeking interns to work with us on a very timely social and public policy issue what is the social and economic impact of the growth in substance use in Texas communities? Ideally the student(s) would have an active interest in public policy or public health.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet key health and health care influencers and public policy makers and learn more about the impact the pandemic is having on business, individuals, families, and communities across Texas. Understanding what we are experiencing and translating those learnings to inform our policy moving forward.

The internship will start in the Spring 2022 and may continue through the summer or fall term, for the right candidate. The candidate selected will research and draft background papers, on various aspects the pandemic is having on Texas communities, gather data and highlight contemporary writings that inform the conversation.

This initiative will support one of the THIN recommendations: (THIN is described below)

“Study the impact of the COVID pandemic on the rate of substance use. Include an analysis that compares substance use (all categories) before the pandemic, during the pandemic and the project long term costs to the state.”

The work is remote and will require that you have a computer and telephone. Thank you for your consideration. If interested, please contact me at the email below.

My best,

Jon

Jon Comola

Email: jrcomola@wrgh.org

Founder, Wye River Group, wrgh.org

Mobile; 512 695 8806

 

PLEASE NOTE this internship is NOT with THIN and is not directly affiliated with THIN. This is strictly a Wye River Group initiative designed to augment legislative interim study of substance use impact on Texas.

Texas Health Improvement Network Advisors:

The THIN Advisory Council is a group of thirty leaders from both traditional and non-traditional sectors impacting health. (See attached for list of current members.) When the Council was established in 2016 it included members representing the state health agencies, state healthcare trade organizations, and the large Texas public employer and academic systems, including Teachers Retirement System of Texas, Employees Retirement System of Texas, University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, Texas Tech University System, and University of North Texas System. At its inception the Council also included representation from several regional national organizations including the Federal Reserve, Episcopal Health Foundation, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, and American Heart Association.

, Filed Under: Internship

Internships with Lone Star Justice Alliance – Spring 2022

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Mission

Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) is a nonprofit legal organization that improves the lives of youth and emerging adults in the justice system.

Vision Internship Opportunities

We envision a justice system that uses developmentally-appropriate responses to behavior and treats youth and emerging adults with equity and dignity to promote resilience, conserve costs, and increase public safety.

Internship Opportunities

Communications & Marketing Intern
Austin/Dallas/Remote
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LSJA is seeking a dynamic, self-starter to assist in marketing and communications efforts (approximately 10-15 hours/week). This internship is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of marketing while working in a casual work environment. The communications intern will work with staff and volunteers on digital, promotional, and event media. The intern will help develop communication initiatives, website, and social media content, and assist in the creation of LSJA materials. This is an unpaid position with the potential of future employment.

Duties:​

  • Assist with development of creative concepts and marketing strategies for promoting LSJA’s program areas;
  • Assist in planning, writing, and managing electronic newsletters, websites, and social media;
  • Help create and implement an annual communications calendar;
  • Foster relationships with local media and help draft press releases and event marketing;
  • Manage photo and video content;
  • Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and tools for marketing and communications;
  • Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Firm grasp of social media tools and platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Hootsuite, Weebly, etc;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Experience in website design, construction, and management;
  • Proactive in monitoring social media accounts and engaging in outreach;
  • Self-starter, good time management, creative with ability to communicate in a professional manner;
  • Ability to work well independently as well as within a team;
  • Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission.

Non-essential but highly desirable:

  • Knowledge of HTML, website content management and graphic design.

Emerging Adult Justice Intern 
Austin/Dallas/Remote
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The Emerging Adult Justice intern will be part-time in the LSJA office (approximately 10-15 hours/week). Current students are encouraged to apply. Fellow’s responsibilities may include researching different justice-related policies or proposed policies that impact LSJA’s current or future projects, including the launch of an innovative alternative to incarceration program for emerging adults. Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend local briefings and hearings. This is an unpaid position with the potential of future employment.

Duties:

  • Local, state, and federal research into justice-related policies;
  • Qualitative and quantitative data collection, entry, and analysis;
  • Additional duties include: preparing literature reviews, drafting blog entries for LSJA’s website, and assisting with specific research requests;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated interest in criminal and juvenile justice issues;
  • Strong organization and communication skills;
  • Ability to handle a dynamic and demanding startup nonprofit workload;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission.

Research and Policy Intern
Austin/Dallas/Remote
​
The Research and Policy Intern will intern part-time in the LSJA office (approximately 10-15 hours/week). Intern responsibilities may include researching different justice-related policies (local, state, federal) or proposed policies (reform bills) that could impact LSJA’s current or future projects, and assisting with various research-related tasks. These tasks may include quantitative and/or qualitative data collection, data entry, and/or analysis, preparing literature reviews, drafting blog entries for LSJA’s website, and assisting with specific state-level policy requests. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend local and state briefings and hearings. This is an unpaid position with the potential of future employment.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent analytical and research skills;
  • Understanding of criminal and juvenile justice policy;
  • Experience with large data set analysis, entry, and collection;
  • Understanding of quantitative methodologies;​
  • Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission.

Survivors’ Project Intern
Austin/Dallas/Remote
​
LSJA seeks interns to work on an emerging project to seek clemency for victims of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence (approximately 10-15 hours/week). This project will capitalize on a new clemency application established by Governor Abbott as a result of LSJA’s advocacy. The project entails identifying potential applicants and pro bono partners to submit a high volume of meritorious applications, as well as follow-up data collection and reporting to raise awareness about underlying issues. Interns will assist in all aspects of the project, from correspondence and review of records for potential applicants, to communication with pro bono organizations and practitioners, to preparation and review of application materials, to data collection/review and drafting of report sections. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new initiative that stands to bring hope and redemption to a large number of people. Current law students may apply. The position is unpaid, but future employment is a possibility. This is an unpaid position with the potential of future employment.

Duties:

  • Drafting and review of correspondence materials;
  • Record collection and review;
  • Participation in strategic conferences with partners;
  • Communication with coalition and pro bono partners;
  • Data collection/review;
  • Possible report drafting;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest work;
  • Background in issues pertaining to sex trafficking, domestic violence, or other forms of trauma a plus;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Strong organizational and communication skills;
  • Ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a complex project involving many and varied personnel;
  • Ability to review and compile data/familiarity with statistical analysis;​
  • Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the organization’s mission.

Public Policy Intern
Austin/Dallas/Remote

LSJA is currently accepting applications for a remote legislative internship program during the upcoming 88th Texas Legislative Session. The LSJA Internship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for college students, graduate students, and recent graduates to learn more about public affairs, governmental affairs, and non-profit communications campaigns through day-to-day responsibilities and experiences not found in other programs. Our intern program plays a critical role in both client work and internal projects, often involving research and writing components. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, an interest in Texas politics, and a willingness to accept responsibility and contribute immediately to LSJA’s mission, values, and goals. Applicants should be motivated, fast learners with demonstrated writing, research, and organizational skills. A keen interest in government, politics, or corporate strategy is preferred. Potential candidates must also have Internet access, familiarity with web conferencing platforms, and the ability to work remotely for a minimum of 15 hours a week for the duration of the 88th Texas Legislative session.

Duties:

  • conducting policy research
  • monitoring legislative committee hearings
  • assisting with client meetings and communications
  • performing various administrative tasks and other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to public interest work;
  • Strong interpersonal skills;
  • Strong organizational and communication skills

To Apply

Please submit your application, resume, and cover letter expressing your interest in the position to cbeckerley@lsja.org with the position title and city in the subject line by 12/15/2021.

​ex: (Spring 2022 Emerging Adult Justice Intern / Austin).

To access the application, please visit the Internships page of our website.

, Filed Under: Internship

Internship with the Children’s Defense Fund Texas – Spring 2022

Children's Defense Fund Texas Logo

Overview

Through the years, CDF-Texas has been honored to welcome dozens of gifted college and graduate-level students as interns to advance our mission to ensure children across Texas a Healthy Start, a Safe Start, a Fair Start, a Head Start and a Moral Start to life.

We are proud to house an intentional, structured internship program where students get firsthand experience with professional advocacy, affecting policy change, working with young people, and more, while being connected with one of the most powerful networks in the nonprofit world. Interns are vital to CDF-Texas’s work, and we are pleased to play a role in supporting the next generation of change-makers.

Our Internships

For spring 2022, we are thrilled to offer the following internship:

Immigration Policy Internship

This internship is based in Austin (remote during the pandemic) and provides general support to the CDF-TX Immigration team. The intern works between 10 to 20 hours/week and provides substantive research, compiles reports, monitors legislative committees, and helps with the execution of advocacy-related activities, including story collection, public education, legislator visits, legislative briefings, special event planning, and social media work.

For more information, please view the full Immigration Policy Internship Position Description.

Internship Details

  • Timeframe: Spring term, Mid-January through Mid-May
  • Compensation: $15/hour for up to 20 hours/week
  • Deadlines: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of December 15 at 11:59pm.
  • Location: All internships will be virtual through spring 2022.

Application Components

  • To apply, please visit our website. You’ll be asked to submit the following:
    • Application form
    • Resume
    • Cover letter
    • Finalists will be asked to interview and submit a professional writing sample.