Internship opportunities are a great way to engage high school and college students in politics. GOP County Parties can offer internships for college students who may require internship credits to graduate. Internship opportunities will give students grassroots level work experience.
Help Answer Calls
Election season is the busiest time for County Parties. Phones are ringing off the wall. Voters are wanting to know where to vote and if the county party has yard signs for certain candidates, or express concerns about polling locations. Interns can help answer the phones for county party staff during meetings or if a staff member is on a call.
Networking
Interns will have the opportunity to meet candidates and campaign staff who come into the GOP County Party headquarters for meetings or events. I interned at Dallas County Republican Party from 2018-2020, which opened doors for me to connect with candidates, campaign staff, and county party staff, which led me to future job opportunities.
Phone banking
Interns can help you recruit volunteers to attend a Day of Action, remind Precinct Chairs about upcoming Executive Committee Meetings, and recruit election judges. Candidates may have phone banks at the GOP County HQ where your interns can help make calls.
Blockwalking
GOP County Party Headquarters are a typical meeting location for Day of Action kickoffs for campaigns. Candidates will need help recruiting volunteers to blockwalk. Ask your interns to knock doors for candidates who are kicking off their Day of Action at your GOP County Party headquarters.
Help Organize Events
Interns can help set up events at the County Party headquarters or at another venue. They can help check-in and assign volunteer walk books for Day of Actions. Interns can also help with preparing name tags, tickets, and any other event materials for social events or fundraisers.
Interning at Dallas County Party Republican Party was rewarding for me. I helped with administrative tasks, volunteered with campaigns, and organize monthly outreach events.
County Party internships are a great way for interns to start at the local level. Interns will be able to accomplish projects critical to the success of the GOP County Party, and connect with campaigns, which could lead them to work for candidates after their internship.
What to Consider:
It is up to the county party staff (loop in the county party chair) on the internship duration. How many weeks or months do you need interns? How many interns are you looking for? How will the GOP County Party recruit volunteers? Will you be interviewing prospective interns virtually or in-person?
If your GOP County Party decides to have an internship program, create a flyer with a detailed internship description to share with your network. You will equip interns with knowledge, skills, and experience in the political field.
Does your GOP County Party have interns?
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