Overview

One of the best ways to learn the inner workings of government and your community is through a State Assembly internship program. Assemblymember Das Williams is looking for bright, self-motivated, energetic individuals that are interested in learning the dynamics of working in a legislative district office. Assemblymember Das Williams represents the mostly coastal district that includes Southern Santa Barbara County, Ventura and part of Oxnard.

Description

Among the chief roles of a district office is to keep the local community connected with the legislative work taking place in the State Assembly in Sacramento. This is accomplished through community based events, constituent casework, correspondence and everyday involvement with the community of the 35th Assembly District. As an intern you will be prepared to and provide support to staff with special events, constituent services, and special projects related to general administrative duties of the district office. The goal is to establish a workable and mutually beneficial relationship between the legislator and the intern.

Desired qualifications

The ideal candidate must be enrolled in an educational program upon the start of your internship. The ideal candidate will have an interest in public policy, community organizing, political science, economics, English, communications, public relations or a similar area of study or career path.

Essential duties include:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Critical thinking and creative problem solving
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines simultaneously
• Proficient in using Microsoft Word and Excel
• Active involvement in monitoring District and State issues, current events and relevant legislation
• Assist in research and planning of upcoming events and projects
• Provide accurate and complete information in response to constituent inquiries and community issues
• Assist with and maintain office procedures, routine correspondence, telephone inquiries and special projects
• Develop clear knowledge and understanding of principals, functions, practices and operations of the California State Legislature
• Assist with responding to a variety of constituent inquiries and issues
• Fluency in Spanish or Mixteco a plus

Transportation and other expenses are the responsibility of the intern.

Benefits

Although unpaid, interns receive important benefits like working directly with elected officials, community leaders and local residents on issues and events related to the 35th Assembly District. Interns may also qualify for internship credit from their university or school, as well as earn a letter of recommendation from the Assemblymember.

How to apply

Please e-mail, mail, or fax resume, cover letter, application and writing samples to the office in which you are seeking an internship:

Oxnard District Office:
Contact: James Joyce, III
201 E. Fourth Street, Suite 209-A
Oxnard, CA 93030
Fax: (805) 483-8182
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Santa Barbara District Office:
Contact: Hillary Blackerby
101 W. Anapamu Street, Suite A
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Fax: (805) 564-1651
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Successful candidates will be expected to intern between 8-14 hours a week. Positions are based on availability. Internship terms will be determined based on availability and needs of the district office.

Possible Curriculum/Projects

• Learn the legislative process and research pending legislation.
• Intern selects policy area of interest for mock legislation that could be considered for Assemblymember Das Williams’ future legislative package.
• Meet and greet with elected officials or community leaders about why they chose their particular line of work.
• Accompany a group from the district that is traveling to the Capitol for a tour.
• Maintain electronic and hard copy archives of news stories, press releases and other public outreach materials.
• Assist in developing neighborhood committees throughout the 35th district, providing a conduit for constituent engagement.

Apply for one of the College or High School Internships that are available in the Santa Barbara and Oxnard District Offices. To apply, please email a resume, writing sample, and completed application to the following:

• Click here to download the internship application (PDF)
• Click here to download the internship application (Word Document)

Oxnard District Office:
James Joyce, III
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Santa Barbara District Office:
Hillary Blackerby
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For more information, please call (805) 564-1649.