Our daily work with Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as government agencies and think tanks, provides a close and invaluable look at how Washington works. Since CAGW has a small staff, interns gain hands-on experience in all aspects of CAGW's activities. Interns are assigned to the department consistent with their background, education, and interests to ensure the practical experience desired to meet their academic and career goals.
Many projects involve working closely with staff members, while others require a great deal of independence. Interns are considered important members of our staff and actively participate in staff meetings and other events. While interns will also be required to perform clerical duties from time to time, the majority of the work will be substantive.
CAGW's internship program offers positions in these areas:
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT/MEMBERSHIP: Provide support for fundraising activities, including helping research potential corporate and individual donors. Assist with correspondence to CAGW's one million members, and help maintain donor records and databases. The intern will be exposed to both direct marketing (direct mail and telemarketing) and high-dollar donor fundraising techniques.
RESEARCH: Formulate policy papers and collect data for original investigative studies. Research and write for CAGW's annual "Pig Book," "Prime Cuts," and special projects, including campaign books, issue briefs, and policy papers. Interns will have the opportunity to initiate projects. Research internships are also available in specific areas, including Health and Science, Agriculture and Trade, and Privatization.
COMMUNICATIONS/MEDIA: Assist in answering press and public information requests, conduct media outreach campaigns, produce and distribute press releases, update press lists, maintain media database, and coordinate mailings to radio talk show hosts, reporters, and columnists. Interns will also assist in research for special reports. They are also encouraged to write articles for "Government WasteWatch," CAGW's quarterly membership publication and "Wastewatcher," CAGW's monthly newsletter to media. The media department also maintains CAGW's website; anyone with web experience is encouraged to apply.
LEGISLATIVE/LOBBYING: Involvement in all aspects of the legislative process: monitor hearings; summarize essential testimony and votes taken during committee meetings; track legislation, regulations, and political activities concerning government waste issues; and research and develop legislative materials. Additionally, attend coalition meetings with other organizations and meetings with Congressional staff. (Lobbying activities are carried on through the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste -- CCAGW -- a lobbying group.)
To apply, send your resume, cover letter and writing sample, specifying areas of interest and dates of availability, to:
