Friday Roundup of Opportunities

In this post:

• Internship, Tahoma Audubon, Tacoma
  
• Alliance for Justice- Intern- Washington, D.C./California
• Stimson Center- Intern- Washington, D.C.
  

Don't forget that there are lots of internships in DC and elsewhere at Hillzoo, and Idealist, and Conservativeinternships.com

Internship, Tahoma Audubon, Tacoma
Tahoma Audubon has several internship/volunteer opportunities in the political realm and I thought that you may know some UPS students that are interested. Our internships involve working on land use issues, transportation issues, conservation and habitat restoration. Please let me know if you know any students that would be interested in working in this type of field.

Julie Kerrigan jkerrigan@tahomaaudubon.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Tahoma Audubon
2917 Morrison Rd. W.
University Place, Wa 98466
(253) 565-1884


Alliance for Justice- Intern- Washington, D.C./California
Description:
2008 Spring Semester Internships

Alliance for Justice is a national association of public interest organizations spanning a range of issues, including civil rights, social justice, consume, and environmental! protection. Founded in 1979, AFJ leads progressive advocacy and stren gthens the progressive movement to ensure robust and equal access to levers of government power. Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is offering internships and volunteer opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and law school students. Interns must be able to work at least fifteen hours per week.

Interns will gain a wide range of substantive experience working with professional staff in one of several departments including Nonprofit and Foundation Advocacy, Judicial Selection, Access to the Courts, Outreach, Communications, and/or Development.

AFJ is a national association of public interest organizations spanning a range of issues, including civil rights, social justice, consumer and environmental protection. Founded in 1979, AFJ leads the progressive community through advocacy and efforts to strengthen the progressive movement in order to ensure fair and equal access to all levers of government.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
. Excellent communication skills
. Excellent writing skills
. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
. Experience using Internet research tools
. Demonstrates a commitment to civil rights and other constitutional protections

NOTE: Resume attachment should include cover letter and list of three references.

To apply for this position, please visit the following site: http://www.afj.org/utilities/jobs/2007-08-fall-spring-internships.html


Stimson Center- Intern- Washington, D.C.
Please submit all applications electronically to internships@stimson.org.
Applications sent via fax or mail will no longer be accepted.
Major Responsibilities . Project Areas . Stipend . Professional Development

How to Apply . Helpful Hints
The Henry L. Stimson Center seeks interns for a professional and educational experience in discovering the way in which non-profit organizations can contribute to the understanding of issues in international and homeland security. The Stimson Center offers unique internship opportunities based on the values of education, participation, and hands-on practical knowledge.

Based on the Center's commitment to professional development, expectations for interns are high. In return, interns can expect a challenging environment which will prepare them for full time employment in a professional setting.


Major responsibilities

Internships at the Stimson Center focus on the areas of research, professional development, and project administration. Internships may include:
* Proofreading, editing, and distributing Stimson publications
* Writing brief summaries of activities in the news
* Helping to maintain the Stimson Center website
* Tracking specific issue areas in the media
* Taking notes in meetings, both on and off-site
* Project coordination
* Working as a team with members of the Stimson staff and other inte! rns
* Administrative activities which will contribute to a fuller understanding of how non-profit organizations operate

Applicants are not expected to have specialized expertise, but should be highly motivated and sincere in their desire for an internship that is challenging and professional in nature. Interns can expect close and constant interaction with program staff, including their respective program directors. Under the oversight of the project director, the supervising RA will be asked to prepare an evaluation of the intern's performance at the midpoint and at the close of the internship. The intern will also be expected to evaluate the internship program at the Stimson Center and their individual experience.

Project Areas

The Stimson Center seeks interns for project areas including the following (please click on the links for important information on internships in each project area):

* Cooperative Nonproliferation
* Global Health Security
* Asian Political Economy
* East Asia
* South Asia/Space Security
* Southwest Asia
* Regional Voices
* Future of Peace Operations
* Domestic Preparedness and Homeland Security
* Security for a New Century Study Group
* Fundraising/Communications

Please note that not all projects hire interns for every cycle, although most do.
Stipend

Interns will be offered a stipend based on individual circumstances and are expected to work regular hours.

Professional Development
The Stimson Center also hosts a regular professional development series for interns, allowing them the opportunity to interact with Stimson Center management and senior associates; leaders in the public (government agencies, NGOs, other think tanks, graduate universities) and private (defense, consulting firms) sector; and other individuals that will help the intern to expand his/her interests and skill set.

Recently, our interns have gone on to careers in the State Department, the Department of Defense, the United Nations, various think tanks, and other organizations. Others have chosen to continue their education at graduate programs, including those at Georgetown, SAIS at Johns Hopkins, etc.

How to Apply

Internships will be will be recruited for three separate cycles. The approximate start and end dates for the winter/spring semester is given below:

Winter/Spring: January - May
November 15
To apply, please e-mail internships@stimson.org:

1. a copy of our Application Form, titled: Last Name, First Name - Application Form
2. your resume, titled: Last Name, First Name - Resume

3. a cover letter explaining interest in the position, availability, and interest in a specific project or projects, titled: Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter
4. a short writing sample (no more than 5 pages), titled: Last Name, First Name - Sample

- OR -

Submit the above FOUR documents in one file, titled: Last Name, First Name - Complete Application

Applicants will be interviewed over the phone or, when possible, in person. The selection process takes approximately one month following the deadline. Complete application packets should be sent to: internships@stimson.org.

Please note that applications sent via fax or mail will no longer be accepted.
Helpful Hints
* Describe in your cover letter why you are interested in a particular project.
* Try to keep your cover letter to one page.
* Your resume should not exceed one page.
* Submit your documents as a PDF if at all possible (free software is available, i.e. PDF Creator).
* If possible, submit all four documents in one file.

Back from Iraq

Another update of late was from Jonee Winnick '07, whose husband, Wayne, has been in Iraq for the past 15 months. I blogged last summer about their wedding on campus, and they were also covered in an earlier issue of Arches.



Jonee wrote the other day to say that Wayne is back for good. The picture she sent says it all. Welcome home.

Laurel Bandy '07, Mountbatten Update

Last year we documented Laurel Bandy's application for the Mountbatten Internship, "a carefully designed 12 month training program that provides an opportunity to learn about British and International business techniques, and to experience the rich cultural diversity of London. Successful completion of the Programme leads to the Certificate in International Business Practice". Laurel received guidance from former Mountbatten recipient Ashley Vroman-Lee '01, a contact the department helped put together.

The other day I received an email from Laurel:

I hope this email finds you all well and enjoying a beautiful fall season! I am coming up on my 1 month anniversary in London, and I wanted to briefly update you on my life across the pond. In short, I love it! I'm living in a very chic, safe part of North London called Maida Vale (near the Beatles Abbey Road), and I have 3 great flatmates (also with Mountbatten). We live in a row of town houses with 60 other interns, which is great fun and an easy way to meet people. I am also really enjoying my job. I'm working for the largest insurer of the transport industry in the world, which has already opened up several doors.

This week I'm attending the UN's IMO subcommittee meetings on Dangerous Goods and Cargoes as part of a delegation from an NGO based in London. It's a wonderful opportunity to see how NGOs and government institutions work together (and don't) to come to a consensus. I'm also the only intern in my intake who will be traveling with work, so I got really lucky in the interview process! Outside of work some of the highlights so far have been going to festivals in London like the Thames River Festival and the Notting Hill Festival, which are awesome for ethnic food and music. I've also been to the theatre, and I'm really getting into running around the parks (30% of London is open green space!). All in all, I feel very lucky to be here and I'm having a fantastic time!

Sounds like all is going very well. Student and recent grads (up to age 29), are you going to apply?

Some random campus pictures

Most days I'm holed up in my office, but a recent walk across campus for a meeting afforded me the opportunity to snap a few pictures.


Between Wyatt and Thompson


Music


Library


I've always liked this inscription inside the library, rather foreboding.

Fellowships for PG majors and alums

There was a note from the Dean's office reminding me that there are a number of fellowships that are particularly relevant for PG majors (and in some cases, alums as well. The Fellowships and Scholarships website has a good breakdown by field. The Deadline for the NSEP is coming up fast, so seniors, check that out. Note: Professor Weinberger is the faculty representative for the NSEP, so talk to him first. The PG ones include the following:

DAVID L. BOREN NSEP (National Security Education Program):
Graduate - Seniors: The NSEP Graduate award is for seniors or graduates who are either enrolled in or have applied to a graduate program at a U.S. college or university. The award is up to $20,000 for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of 24 months of study. Preference is given to applicants wishing to study: Business & Economics; History; Political Science & Policy Sciences; International Affairs; Applied Sciences & Engineering (including biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematics, & physics); Law; Health; and other Social Sciences (anthropology, psychology, sociology). Applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from the Fellowships Office. Website: www.iie.org/nsep. Email: nsep@aed.org. Campus deadline late November.

GEORGE J. MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIPS:
Post-graduate scholars will study in one of Ireland's seven universities or Northern Ireland's two universities where the purpose of this award is to interest future American leaders in Ireland. Awarded to individuals 18-30 who have shown academic distinction, commitment to service and potential for leadership. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: May 1 of the junior year (to be considered as a senior). Website: http://www.mitchellscholar.org.

GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIPS:
Post Graduate. Established to create a network of future leaders from around the world who will bring new vision and commitment to improving the life circumstances of citizens in their respective countries. Over time it is anticipated that these scholars, approximately 120 selected from the U.S. annually, will become leaders in helping to address global problems related to health, equity technology, and learning. Available for either a second bachelor’s or a graduate degree, the award is for one-three years with a possible fourth. Students will apply directly to Cambridge where a review of credentials will determine eligibility for the scholarship. An application will be sent to those eligible students. For Graduate program: application to Cambridge must be made by mid-October; request can be made at admissions@gradstudies.cam.ac.uk. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: May 1 of the junior year (to be considered as a senior). Website: http://gates.scholarships.cam.ac.uk/.

JACK KENT COOKE GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP:
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program will award approximately 65 scholarships to seniors or recent graduates planning to attend graduate school in the fall. Each award will cover a portion of educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, required fees, and books for the graduate degree chosen. The amount and duration of awards vary by student based on the cost of attendance and the length of the graduate program as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum available per student is $50,000 per year and the maximum length is six years. Students interested in this scholarship must be nominated by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty Representative at their institution. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with the Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: March 1. Website: http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=Grad

TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP:
Undergraduate - Juniors (supports Senior year and graduate school): This award of approximately $30,000 is available to Juniors (or Seniors who will graduate after only 3 years of enrollment) who wish to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in the public sector (including educational organizations, government at any level, uniformed services, public interest organizations, and/or non-governmental research, policy-making, and public service oriented nonprofit organizations). Website: www.truman.gov. Email: staff@truman.gov. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with the Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: November 1.

CAPACI:
Graduate - Seniors and Grads: $15,000 to cover travel, housing and personal expenses while you spend 9 months in Washington, D.C., working for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute (CAPACI). For those interested in a career in public policy, who have a commitment to the Asian Pacific American community. Program runs from June to March. Email: capaci@idsonline.com. Postmark deadline is early February.

JAMES MADISON MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP:
At least one fellowship worth up to $24,000 is awarded in each state for master’s level graduate study of the framing, principles, and history of the Constitution by current and prospective secondary school teachers of American history, American government, and social studies. Website: www.jamesmadison.com. Email: recogprog@act.org. Postmark deadline: March 1.

MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP:
Graduate - Juniors, Seniors and Grads of not more than 2 years (with some exceptions): Tenable at any university in the United Kingdom, this award covers tuition, fees, books, living expenses, airfare, and possible partial spousal maintenance for 2 years of study in any discipline, at either undergraduate or graduate level, leading to the award of a British University degree. Application must be endorsed by applicant’s educational institution or employer. Website: www.acu.ac.uk/marshall. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: May 1 of the junior year (to be considered as a senior).

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP:
Graduate - Juniors, Seniors and Grads (until 23 years old): Eligible applicants will have passed the 18th and not have passed the 24th birthday by Oct. 1. Scholarship covers all tuition and most other fees, and includes an additional maintenance allowance of approximately $30,000 over the 2-year period of the scholarship. Tenable at Oxford University in most areas of study. Application must be endorsed by University of Puget Sound or your graduate institution. Web site: http://www.rhodesscholar.org. Email: amsec@rhodesscholar.org. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: May 1 of your junior year (to be considered as a senior).

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP:
Graduate - Juniors, Seniors and Grads (no age limit): The U.S. Government’s premier scholarship program, the Fulbright enables U.S. students, teachers, and artists to study, conduct research, and teach in over 100 nations around the world. The full grant covers round-trip transportation; language or orientation courses, where appropriate; tuition, if applicable; book and research allowances; maintenance for the academic year; and supplemental health and accident insurance. The travel grant is available only to certain countries, and supplements another award which does not provide funds for travel or study. The teaching assistantship is available only to selected countries. Enrolled students must submit a Letter of Intent and meet with the Office Coordinator in the Fellowships Office (Howarth 215) by the campus deadline: May 1 of your junior year (to be considered as a senior). “At-Large” applications must reach the New York office by late October. Website: http://www.iie.org/fulbright. Email: wjackson@iie.org.

Tags:

• Fellowships

Learning from Bilbao

Sunday's New York Times had an interesting piece on the impact of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, a city formerly associated with heavy industry and economic stagnation. For those of you unfamiliar with Gehry's work, it includes the Experience Music Project in Seattle. One of the points of the article was that while the museum has drawn in huge numbers of visitors, and help contribute to a clean-up of the city, it remains isolated in the sense that tourists come, see the museum, then head out, without exploring the rest the city has to offer. The author writes:

On paper at least, Bilbao seems to have it all: world-class museum, fine Basque cuisine, a rollicking night life and lots of shopping. But like the new bike paths that were rarely used during my visit, the city lacks the critical mass of attractions to take it from a provincial post-industrial town, to a global cosmopolitan city. And in the meantime, it is losing the shabby edge that gave the city its earlier appeal.

LeMay Museum Concept

Given that Tacoma and other "rusty" cities look to similar iconic attractions as ways to redevelop their communities, this is worth thinking about. Tacoma is excited about the LeMay Car Museum, planned as the biggest in the world, breaking ground near the Tacoma Dome this spring. And I'm excited, too; but if it only means that people will veer off of I-5, take in the attraction, then head back north or south, it won't have the kind of dynamic effect that many hope for. This, I suppose, is the danger in banking on One Big Thing--though One Big Thing is always an easier vision to sell.

Tags:

• Tacoma

Why are we here?

Professor Weinberger sends along this article from the Boston Globe on the failings of higher education. Excerpt:

In the past few weeks, tens of thousands of young men and women have begun their college careers. They have worked hard to get there. A letter of admission to one of the country's selective colleges or universities has become the most sought-after prize in America.

The students who have won this prize are about to enter an academic environment richer than any they have known. They will find courses devoted to every question under the sun. But there is one question for which most of them will search their catalogs in vain: The question of the meaning of life, of what one should care about and why, of what living is for.

In a shift of historic importance, America's colleges and universities have largely abandoned the idea that life's most important question is an appropriate subject for the classroom. In doing so, they have betrayed their students by depriving them of the chance to explore it in an organized way, before they are caught up in their careers and preoccupied with the urgent business of living itself.

Read the entire piece here.

Becca Bryant '10 Summer DC internship

Becca Bryant '10 spent her summer in DC doing an internship and recounts her experiences.




Having reached the end of my first summer in Washington D.C., I found myself reflecting on the past eight weeks. I had the time of my life!

I began my first summer in Washington D.C. as a newly hired Legislative Affairs Intern for an Alaska based corporation with headquarters in Vienna, Virginia. My Aunt, a longtime resident of Alexandria Virginia, works on Pennsylvania Avenue and graciously offered me a room for the summer while I was in town. When I arrived at Reagan National Airport on June 6, I had no understanding of what an amazing summer it would prove to be.

My first weekend in D.C, I was fortunate enough to attend an event hosted at the Library of Congress, for Ken Burns’ upcoming film, The War, to be released in late September. The Library of Congress building is stunning, the history and knowledge contained in the carved marble is beyond words. This was an exhilarating way to begin my summer, and made me conscious of the history being made each day in this city.

I spent my first few days as an intern becoming accustomed to the D.C. Metro, which is filled with a mixture of members of the military, pentagon officials and civilians such as myself. Passing by the Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle stops always made me feel like I was in a Tom Clancy book, an author of whom I am an avid fan.

My internship only made my interest in this city grow. The corporation I worked for is associated with the National Geospatial Agency, a government agency involved with intelligence for national security purposes. Since I was working in legislative affairs, I didn’t have security clearance of any sort, but I loved my work nonetheless!

Through my work, I learned a great deal about the Legislative Process as well as gaining a simple understanding of the faced paced nature of Washington D.C. I was fortunate enough to go to Capitol Hill each week to observe Congressional Hearings. My first hearing was in regards to the issue of the District’s controversial “taxation without representation” with Barack Obama was in attendance. Attending this hearing for my first Capitol Hill experience only made me more enamored with D.C.

I spent the majority of my time preparing Memorandums for the General Counsel of the corporation, on a variety of subjects. I was also involved with Market Research and learned a great deal about the Government side of procurement.

To those who say politics is a dishonest, under the table world of deals, trades of votes for money, I honestly respect that opinion. I fully agree that stashing hundreds of thousands of dollars in one’s freezer does not exactly paint a picture of honesty and integrity. But I would also point out that many politicians have the opportunity to do good deeds, and many are working to represent the best interests of the citizens of the United States.

I challenge those individuals contemplating a career in Politics and Government to take matters into their own hands. Our generation is equipped with numerous tools to help improve our government. We have the energy, intelligence, and technology to accomplish a world of good. We have an infinite amount of information at our fingertips and we simply must direct our resources in ways that benefit those in need.

I left the incredible capitol of the United States understanding that this summer was only the beginning of my future with the government of our great country. I gained a great deal of knowledge from my experience, most importantly an awareness that my education has only just begun! I absolutely cannot wait to return to D.C.!

Alum input still needed!

Thanks to all who agreed to help with our PG student-alum FAQ. We've received some great input from alums who graduated from one to forty years ago. We have not rolled out the material yet, as we still hope to gather a few more thoughts from our alums...

The more input we get from you, the richer a resource we have for our students as they think about life after college. The student generated questions we are working on are posted below. If you would like to contribute, you can email me an answer to any one of these questions, or I can send along the URL of where you can answer them online. Either way, we appreciate your help and look forward to hearing from you.

Student Questions:

• Are there classes or course material you wish you had taken or taken more of at college?
  
• What could I do with a law degree? What are the "right" reasons to go to law school--or the wrong ones?
  
• If you went to graduate or law school, did you go directly from undergraduate? What are the trade-offs between waiting awhile or plunging right in after graduation?
  
• How does one choose a graduate or law program that is right for you?
  
• How does one recover or learn from a bad job or position or program?
  
• If I'm interested in working in some internationally-focused job or career, how can I get my foot in the door?
  
• What are the tradeoffs in working in the public versus the private sector?
  
• Does it make more sense to go where you want to live and pursue a job there, or pursue the best job irrespective of where it's located?
  
• It seems like many people really change what they want to do across their careers. If you did this kind of career shift, what was the impetus and how did you do it?

Friday Roundup of Opportunities

In this post:

• Local Internships in Congressional Offices
  
• Paid internship, No on Proposition One Committee
• Wilson Center- Research Assistant Intern- Washington, D.C.
• AFSC- Stop Torture Program Intern- Los Angeles, California

Don't forget that there are lots of internships in DC and elsewhere at Hillzoo, and Idealist, and Conservativeinternships.com


Local Internships in Congressional Offices
There remain a number of local internships for political parties and congressional offices. As the congressional elections draw near there will be growing demand for good interns. If you have a desire to get some experience inside a local congressional office or working on a congressional campaign, contact me (Professor O'Neil)


Paid Internship, No on Proposition One Committee, Seattle
I saw your UPS blog and the solicitation on the part of the PRO side of the Roads and Transit measure ... I was wondering if there might be any government/political science students who would like to intern for the OPPOSITION to the RAT issue? Go to our websites ... truthabouttraffic.org and NOtoprop1.org to get a better idea of the entire picture.

Would you mind letting me know if there's any students interested in helping us out? Yes, there would be some pay involved.
Peggy Simpson
NO to Proposition 1 Committee
425-785-8891


Wilson Center- Research Assistant Intern- Washington, D.C.
The majority of the interns at the Woodrow Wilson Center serve as research assistants for visiting scholars. Research assistants are talented students from universities around the country who combine part-time hours at the Center with their studies and with other activities. A position as a research assistant is particularly appropriate for a student planning to move on to graduate studies, or for students wishing to develop a deeper understanding of their field of study. In addition to assisting with research, interns have the opportunity to network with experts in their chosen fields.

The Center has around 50 research interns at any one time, many of whom are replaced at the end of each academic term. Most research assistants do not receive a stipend.

Activities
Most scholars who come to the Wilson Center spend their time carrying out research, writing books, and making public presentations. Research assistants have the unique opportunity to work directly with these experts, as they examine issues of contemporary public policy or explore topics that provide the historical context behind today's public policy debates. Most research assistants at the Center work with university professors who are scholars at the Wilson Center while on leave from their home institutions. Other assistants may be assigned to journalists, present and former government officials (such as ambassadors) or, occasionally, to scholars from the private sector.

In support of the scholars, research assistants spend much of their time searching for information, using online academic databases or other publications. They often perform other duties, as well, such as translating, proofreading, critiquing, checking references, summarizing, and helping with software or presentational tasks. There may be some administrative tasks involved, but such tasks will be limited. Consequently, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision are strong assets. Foreign language skills are sometimes useful.

While at the Center, all interns are encouraged to go beyond their particular internship responsibilities and to attend our many panel discussions, conferences and other meetings. Interns are also welcome to join staff and scholars during some social events.

Eligibility
Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be a current, recent, or soon-to-be student. Most interns are of at least senior undergraduate level, though strongly qualified juniors will be considered. Graduate students are eligible to apply. Foreign students are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization. The Wilson Center does not sponsor visas. Foreign students must obtain written permission from their Responsible Visa Officer at their university stating their ability to intern at the Wilson Center.

Typical research assistants are students of political science; U.S. government/politics; international relations; history (including US history); foreign languages; international affairs; regional studies; economics; public policy; security studies, and similar disciplines, though students of many other fields of study have sometimes been selected. New scholars are constantly arriving at the Wilson Center, and it can be difficult to predict what specific projects will be carried out in the future. For that reason, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Deadlines
Please note the following deadlines:
For internships beginning in January: November 2nd
Application Process
To apply, applicants will need to submit the following documents:
* a completed Internship Information Form
* Current resume
* Cover letter
* 3-5 page writing sample
* 2 letters of recommendation
* Transcripts

Please direct your application materials to our internships coordinator by fax, email, or regular mail.

Internships Coordinator, Woodrow Wilson Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC. 20004-3027
Phone: 202/691-4053
Fax: 202/691-4001
e-mail:internships@wilsoncenter.org


AFSC- Stop Torture Program Intern- Los Angeles, California
Resume Submission Deadline: Rolling deadlines as follows -
November 15, 2007 for Spring Term (January - May)
April 15, 2008 for Summer Term (June - August)
July 15, 2008 for Fall Term (September - December)

Internship dates may vary, depending on school requirements.

Mission: End U.S. torture in the War on Terror by mobilizing people in Los Angeles to deconstruct U.S. institutions of torture, hold U.S. leaders responsible for torture accountable, and restore Constitutional and international human rights standards in the U.S.

Goal #1: Work in coalition with like-minded organizations to eliminate the participation of people in regulated professions in U.S. torture

Strategic Objectives:

1. Accomplish one locally-focused objective to stop torture (pass legislative
resolution critical of torture participation by CA medical professionals)

GOAL #2: Restore civil rights and liberties for all people under U.S.
Jurisdiction

Strategic Objectives:
1. Restore habeas corpus and other fundamental civil liberties undermined in the Military Commission Act and Patriot Act
2. Establish oversight of U.S. treatment of all people in U.S. custody
3. Close Guantanamo Prison

Methodology:
1. Initiate and support AFSC educational programs
2. Public witness
3. Initiate and support legislative initiatives to stop U.S. torture

Program Summary: The Los Angeles office officially took up this issue as a pilot project in September, 2006. The American Friends Service Committee's Los Angeles office (AFSC-LA) is one of several Quaker-based peace and justice organizations ! concerned about torture. In addition to AFSC, the Quaker Initiative to End Torture (QUIT), Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) are focusing on this issue as well. Working with a small committee of Quakers and community supporters, we identified criteria for shaping our stop torture program. We decided that our main objective needed to be:

. California-related
. Uniquely our contribution
. Complementary to our resources, in terms of time, expertise and funding
. Increasing public awareness of torture as a social institution
. Humanizing the torture victim
. A platform for ethical, moral and religious questions

Based on these criteria, we have chosen to work as partners with Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Program for Torture Victims focus on what we are calling the Human Rights and Medicine Campaign, a state legislative initiative to warn CA medical professionals of the possible future risks to their license by participating in torture and urging the U.S. military not to involve CA medical professionals in torture.

In addition to this program priority, AFSC - LA has supported the annual School of the Americas demonstration at Ft. Benning, GA. with Los Angeles programs.

Details of Internship:

Duration: Minimum of 3 months

Hours: Weekly contact with a minimum of 6 hrs. weekly. Some work can be done from home; some work in the office. Event coordination requires flexible hours.

Product: To be agreed upon at the beginning of the internship

Evaluation: Self-evaluation and supervisor feedback half way through internship and at the end of the internship; AFSC-LA requires guidelines from the educational institution before the internship begins regarding their internship requirements

Qualifications:
1. Initiative, ability to work independently, opening to asking questions when you do not know,
2. Keeps agreements, dependable, can communicate about challenges, can take responsibility for actions
3. Strong writing and communication skills
4. Organizational and planning skills
5. Web skills a plus

Tags:

• Internships
• Employment

A crazy huge number of old maps

I like old maps. So does this person, apparently. Click the "details on" for captions and dates. Lots of them, high resolution scans, print them out and cover your walls--

Scoville Fellowship for college grads in International Security

Perfect for graduated or about-to-graduate PG students interested in security issues:

I am pleased to send you information about the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, a program that provides college graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, DC, with a public-interest organization focusing on arms control and international security issues. The fellowship is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. It lasts from six to nine months and provides a stipend, health insurance, and travel costs to Washington. The Scoville Fellowship does not award grant or scholarship money to students.

Scoville Fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, and advocacy in support of the goals of their host organization and may attend coalition meetings, policy briefings, and Congressional hearings. They have written fact sheets, letters to the editor, op eds, magazine articles, briefing books and reports, organized talks and conferences, and been interviewed as experts by the media. Many former Scoville Fellows work for NGOs or the Federal Government, or attend graduate school in political science or international relations, following their fellowships.

Please encourage those interested in peace and security issues to visit our website at http://www.scoville.org. There is no application form; the application requirements are listed on the website, as are links to the websites of each of the twenty-five participating organizations and information on the work of current and former Scoville Fellows. Applications may be submitted via email. A flyer about the program can be printed from

http://www.scoville.org/flyer.html The next application deadline is October 15, 2007 for the Spring 2008 Fellowship.

All U.S. citizens, and foreign nationals residing in the United States, are eligible to apply; non-U.S. citizens living outside of the United States are not.

Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the Fellowship.

Sincerely,
Paul D. Revsine
Program Director
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
(202) 543-4100 x124
www.scoville.org


Tags:

• Fellowships
• Internships
• Employment

Tacoma World Trade Center -- an intern's perspective

This summer Garrett Heilman '08 started an internship at the World Trade Center Tacoma and has served as the thin edge of the wedge--with Colleen Gause '06 working there, and our expanding internship presence, I fully expect PG to colonize their organization and reign supreme over our..er...rivals to the south:

After learning about the opportunity to intern at the World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA) I applied/interviewed/and on the June 1st I started. The WTCTA is a small office, we currently have 4 full time staff positions and the rest of the office is composed of interns. When I started we had over 7 interns. Almost all of which were international students, [most from PLU :( ]. Working with students from other countries is pretty amazing, especially in a work environment where the job is discussing international economic/political issues. My eyes were certainly further opened by the different understandings of these issues each student brought with her/him. These understandings were most helpful in learning how each student identified their nations international economic/political interests.

Anyways, the WTCTA mission essentially is to promote trade. We do that in a number of ways; We provide events that are invaluable networking opportunities for businesses (and students if you play your cards right), training courses for businesses to learn about exporting/importing, and do trade research for WTC members. As an intern you certainly have your share of menial/administrative tasks. However, the small size of the office means that the interns also get a large share of responsibility. For example, I have written a trade/policy brief to the Secretary of State Sam Reid on trade relations between Washington and Thailand. I have also helped a business become fair trade certified. My point is that unlike other internships, at the WTCTA you get the opportunity to produce significant work that you can point to, to demonstrating your skills for potential employers. Moreover, you get great opportunities to continue your education outside of the academic setting. Recently, we held an international trade certificate course where every intern was able to participate in the three-day event and become certified. In addition to being a great resume builder, the course bridged some of the gaps between theory and the application of that theory.

If anyone is looking for an internship please do not hesitate to e-mail me. Fall internships are still available, and we’re looking to take back the office from PLU.

P.S all internship positions are unpaid."

Looking for an internationally-focused internship in Tacoma? Look no further.

Tags:

• Internships
  

Seth Doherty '07 Study Abroad-Internship Review

Students who do study abroad often don't consider that some of these programs can incorporate an internship into the program. We've had many students do the Dublin Parliamentary Internship, and Seth did a similar program in Australia:

Study Abroad IES Direct Enrollment University of Melbourne Parliamentary Internship

While studying abroad at the University of Melbourne last semester, I participated in an internship there at the Victoria State Parliament and Professor O’Neil suggested I share my thoughts in case any of you are looking at internships abroad, especially in Melbourne.

I found that the Parliamentary Internship was worthwhile, both as a political internship and as a study abroad experience. The internship involved being paired with a member of the Victoria State Parliament and working with them to do a research paper of interest to both you and your MP. As well, there are courses held about once a week at Parliament House by instructors from the University of Melbourne and surrounding universities.

The direct engagement with the parliament is very valuable from a comparative politics perspective, as I became intimate with the particulars of a parliamentary system in general and the Westminster System at the state level specifically.

My MP, Carlo Carli, was a member of the lower house, the Legislative Assembly, from the district of Brunswick, part of the inner north suburb of Melbourne, Moreland. The research topics of my peers enrolled in the internship were on a great range of topics. My research for Carli dealt with determining the factors that contributed to the preservation of the Merri Creek, a creek which runs through the inner northern suburbs and was intended to be turned into a freeway in the 1970s but now is protected by community groups and is largely seen as a community asset. The research allowed me to utilize skills I had gained in my study of politics and government at UPS, while interacting with key political actors in the area and gaining new experience in complicated workings of local politics.

I found the internship to be one of the best educational experiences I could have while studying abroad. My ability to succeed at the internship was comprised in little to no amount by my being a foreigner and taking part in it caused no major logistical difficulties. For me, it was a practical way to get both a positive study abroad experience that I wanted and a internship experience that I felt as necessary, without sacrificing from either experience.

-Seth B. Doherty

Tags:

• Studyabroad
• Internships
  

Linz Heppe '07 Update

First, Linz has set up her own blog that we've added to the blogroll:
http://sliceofmind.blogspot.com/

And here's what she's been up to of late and some suggestions for our current students:

I have recently accepted an internship position at the Protection Project (thanks former PG'er Sherrie Caltagirone for this connection--Professor O'Neil), a human rights organization dedicated to the elimination of trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Specifically, the PP focuses on the protection of human security, especially women's and children's rights; the fostering of civil society and NGO development; the enhancement of the rule of law using a bottom-up approach; the advancement of human rights education; and the elimination of trafficking in persons.The organization in located at the John's Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC. I will begin the internship mid-January, and will be focusing on human rights issues in the Middle East.

I will continue my Arabic language studies in Williamsburg, VA, and will pick it up again at a University in DC upon arrival. Learning Arabic has been on my agenda for awhile now. I ultimately want to work for the State Dept, DHS, CIA or any other organization that specializes in counterterrorism. Hopefully my studies will take me to the Middle East for some face-to-face contact/dialogue with Iraqis/Egyptians. I want to REALLY understand what is happening on the ground- researching (from books)- is not enough to make effective policy suggestions or decisions.

So here are some suggestions: really put yourself out there. There are numerous opportunities in Tacoma/Seattle. Visit mosques/temples, set up round-table events, get an internship, make presentations, do REAL RESEARCH (this means primary)- don't just lock yourself up in the library. Apply to scholarships and research grants. Almost any agency will chose a well-rounded individual with experience over the straight-A student. And once you get your foot in the door the rest of the opportunities will come knocking.

Hazzan saaeedan (Good luck!)

Tags:

• Alums
• Internships

China fears our department

From an alum in China:

Did you know that your blog is censored by the Chinese government? I'm in Beijing right now, and the only way I can read the blog is through a proxy server.

We've long expected that the radiant truths of this blog were too much for any state to bear. Our G Rating is but a feint on our part to disarm our adversaries.

Christy Thomas '00: Professional degrees...and tuition paid?

An email from Christy Thomas noting my earlier post about the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at Princeton. Especially worth considering given our earlier post about the growing interest in professional degrees--and the costs involved:

It was interesting to see you feature the PPIA program at Princeton because I just finished a proposal to a Carnegie Mellon alum for our program. PPIA is actually affiliated with over 30 universities across the country, including Carnegie Mellon (www.ppiaprogram.org). And as an additional incentive, anyone who completes the PPIA summer institute (at either Carnegie Mellon or another member institution) could qualify for full tuition plus a stipend if they attend Carnegie Mellon for graduate school. So, just a plug for Carnegie Mellon and the opportunity to attend grad school for free! I’d be happy to talk with students about life in Pittsburgh and the Heinz School of Public Policy, where I’m currently completing my Masters in Public Management.

Best,

Christina Thomas
Director, Parents Leadership Program &
Major Gift Officer
Carnegie Mellon University

Jennifer Zinchuk '03 Talk on campus on Peace Corps

Next Wednesday Jennifer (Eidum) Zinchuk '03 will be the featured speaker on campus during the Peace Corps' fall presentation and information session. They will be around much of the day, but make certain to catch Jennifer's talk on her time in Ukraine if you have the chance. Here are the details:
Wednesday, Oct. 17
12 - 1 p.m.
Murray Board Room - Wheelock Student Center

Note: I had this misposted as this week--thanks to Jennifer for catching that.

Evan Updates

I few posts back I mentioned that I'd heard from Evan Howe '05 as he was finishing up his Peace Corps service in Niger. I asked him for a couple of paragraphs on his time, which was quite unfair as it's hard to sum up a Peace Corps experience in a few sentences. Here are his thoughts, along with one of the few pictures he has of his time there. Thanks to Evan and everyone else who regularly adds to our blog.



I recently completed 26 months as a Community, Youth and Education volunteer in Niger in West Africa. Before I arrived in Niger, I really had no idea what to expect. I had spent a semester in South Africa while at Puget Sound, but I figured that there would be a drastic difference between a large city like Cape Town and rural Niger. When we arrived in country we spent nine weeks in training living with a local host family. While I think we were relatively sheltered from what our real experience would be like, it still gave me glimpses into what everyday life would be like for the next two years.

My village consisted of about 3,500 people, located along a non-paved road that was not too enjoyable to travel upon, but was always interesting. I chose to focus my work on a number of smaller-scale projects with different counterparts as opposed to one "main project." My work focused on a wide variety of subjects dealing with themes ranging from those taken from practical health and hygiene skills to the importance of girls' education. The work I did took direction from what my villagers wanted and what I felt were the most pressing issues that needed to be addressed.

From the very beginning of my first year I jumped right into work, maybe a bit hastily. I spent the first year working with a counterpart who was incredibly overbearing, I felt like I needed to be present for every meeting, training, and anything that resembled work during my first year. Looking back I realize how ridiculous a notion that was. It took me a little while to realize that not every project was going to go according to schedule and that I needed to be a lot more flexible in my approach to work. By the second year I felt I was accomplishing just as much working on my own time and I did not feel stressed at all.

One of the greatest things about my Peace Corps service was my village. I formed incredible friendships and they treated me as one of their own. Like many volunteers, I feel that I'm taking away a lot more from my experience than I gave. I hope to maintain contact with my village and hopefully visit them sometime in the near future.

Master's degrees proliferate

Yesterday in class I was talking with our majors about the various kinds of professional degrees out there like MPPs and MPAs. As if on cue, an article in the New York Times on this very topic:

"More students than ever have started master’s programs this fall, and universities are seeing those programs as potentially lucrative sources of revenue. The number of students earning these degrees around the country has nearly doubled since 1980. Since 1970, the growth is 150 percent, more than twice as fast as bachelor and doctorate programs.

“Master’s programs are the most obvious targets of opportunity,” said George L. Mehaffy, a vice president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. “The degrees are in high demand, and this is an optimal time to enter or expand the market.”

For students, the degrees are often expensive; at private universities, many students take out $50,000 in loans for every year of school. And scholarships and fellowships are rare, unlike doctoral programs, which are usually fully financed by universities.

Still, many say the price is worth it..."

Read the whole piece here.