Internship with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
Ariel
Experience Information
Employer: Sierra Club
Job Title: Intern stationed on Collene Lamonte's campaign for State Representative
Major: International Relations
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Sierra Club is the nation's largest grassroots environmental organization. Founded in 1892 in San Francisco, California by preservationist John Muir, the Sierra Club has grown into a nationwide and highly influential non-governmental, non-partisan organization with many major environmental victories under its belt. Mike Berkowitz, Political Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, spearheaded the Sierra Club internship program. Its success has inspired several Sierra Club state chapters across the nation to develop similar programs. Sierra Club interns undergo comprehensive political training, are connected with other interns statewide, and have the opportunity to network with politicians and figures of influence at multiple levels. The program covers several campaigns across the state, allowing the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter to maintain an intimate influence far past the state capital.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
Interns are stationed on local campaigns across the state. Responsibilities to the Sierra Club include exemplary representation of the organization and close communication with the internship supervisor. Interns will communicate with their supervisor at a minimum of once a week. As far as expectations from the local campaign, there may be several. Interns are expected to do whatever is needed of them to promote their candidate and maximize the chance of their candidate being elected. This could include canvassing at various levels, including making phone calls and knocking on doors, as well as general office work, volunteer recruitment and management, promotional event planning, and various other responsibilities.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I became experienced with working with volunteers, interacting with the general public on behalf of a campaign, as well as experience with many campaign tools such as the VAN database.
Favorite Part of the Experience
Working at a local campaign provides an intimate view of the political process at its core, while working with a larger organization helps keep things in perspective. The relationships gained through this internship have lasted past its conclusion, and it provided excellent networking opportunities. More than anything, it was humbling to work for a cause that mattered to me. The experience of unification around a mutual cause has been unmatched by any other experience I've had thus far.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
The networking opportunities gained through this internship have been unparalleled. Additionally, working with a campaign provided valuable experience that couldn't have been matched by any classroom experience.