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July 19, 2006
Announcing 2007 AFB Policy and Research Internship Program
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Public Policy Center is inviting applications for the 2007 AFB Policy and Research Internship program. Located in our nation's capital, the AFB Public Policy Center strives to expand possibilities for people with vision loss by advocating the formulation and implementation of federal legislative, regulatory, legal, research, and funding priorities honoring the capabilities and unique needs of children, working-age adults, and seniors who are blind or visually impaired. The purpose of these internships is to provide highly motivated individuals with professional-level exposure to, and practice with, the public policy and policy research process and an opportunity to apply specialized knowledge and skills in a dynamic environment.
Qualified Applicants
Candidates for these exciting learning experiences will possess a bachelor's degree (or will attain the degree within the year) and be pursuing a graduate or professional course of study relating to special education, rehabilitation, law, public health, or related human services discipline. All successful candidates will also possess a demonstrable commitment to people with vision loss or other disabilities.
Structure
The AFB Policy and Research Internships are designed to provide maximum flexibility while affording participants with a serious opportunity to learn and work with clear goals and expectations. Each internship will run at least six weeks. Internships will be scheduled throughout the year. Although specific projects will vary depending on the interests and emerging expertise of each successful candidate, activities common to all internships are likely to include
- meeting with key congressional and federal agency staff;
- scheduling Hill and other appointments;
- preparation of correspondence and briefing materials;
- drafting short newsletter articles and fact sheets for distribution via AFB's website;
- participation in coalition meetings within and outside the field of vision loss; and
- experience with tools and methods for conducting policy research.
Preferred Internship Start Dates
Spring Term: February 5, 2007; March 5, 2007; April 2, 2007; April 30, 2007
Summer Term: May 29, 2007; June 25, 2007
Fall Term: September 4, 2007; October 1, 2007; October 29, 2007
Internship Awards
All internship participants will be offered housing through one of the local universities or other resources convenient to public transportation to and from the AFB Public Policy Center. Housing costs will be covered for each full week of participation. Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements and carry all other incidental costs which they may otherwise voluntarily incur. Subject to available funds or other contingencies, participants may be sponsored to attend conferences which may be held during the internship period, either in whole or in part, as mutually agreed upon.
Applications
To apply, send a resume or CV along with a letter of interest via e-mail to mrichert@afb.net. Your materials must include
- the academic program in which you are currently enrolled and/or which will commence within the year;
- any specific issues of particular interest to you which you would like to pursue during your internship;
- your preferred start date;
- at least one academic or professional reference; and
- an expression of your personal sense of how participation in the internship fits within your overall career objectives.
Successful applicants will be notified within one month of receipt of a complete application.
Mark Richert, Esq.
Director, Public Policy
American Foundation for the Blind
820 First Street, N.E., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20002
202-408-8175
mrichert@afb.net
Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss (TM)
Posted by Nancy at July 19, 2006 04:16 PM