Applicants Sought For Tenth Dems Internship Program

The Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats is now accepting applications for its winter 2019 Internship Program. The internship is a program designed for high school, college, and graduate students seeking an opportunity to become deeply engaged in the political process, according to a news release. Tenth Dems is a grassroots political organization that helps mobilize voters and activists in one of the most widely-watched Congressional districts in the country.

Interns will take part in helping to prepare for the 2020 elections. In the past, Tenth Dems interns have staffed issue forums and events for elected officials and candidates up and down the ballot, worked on campaigns, and conducted research.

"Tenth Dems interns were very active during the 2018 election cycle, including legislative races, at the county board level, with countywide candidates, and in helping to turn the U.S. House of Representatives blue," according to the news release.

Interns may choose to complete general internships or specialize in areas such as media, technology, volunteer management, and political outreach. Internships are unpaid, educational positions; however, academic credit is often available.

“This is an opportunity to learn about a grassroots political organization and to develop important skills,” said former State Representative Lauren Beth Gash, Tenth Dems' Founding Chair. “Many of our interns have gone on to law school or other graduate programs, as well as paid political positions with local campaigns, and jobs in Springfield, Washington, and with national not-for-profit organizations.”

Acceptance into the program is selective, competitive, and contingent upon an interview. Residency in the 10th District is not required but applicants must have an interest in electing democrats, be able to travel to Tenth Dems offices, and devote a minimum of eight hours per week to the internship during the school year.

Applicants should submit a brief paragraph explaining why they would like to be part of the program, along with a resume summarizing their educational background and activities. Neither need be formal.

To apply or request more information, email volunteers@tenthdems.org. You can also "like" Tenth Dems on Facebook and follow on Twitter (@TenthDems).