Representative Ammons is in her second term as a state legislator. She took office in January of 2015, following two hard-fought victories in which she and her team demonstrated their activism, hard-work, and progressive values. Representative Ammons is now putting these principles into effect at the Capitol. Please take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a group that values community engagement and participation and utilizes grassroots relationships for political change.
The office is close to the U of I campus. A time commitment of 10 hours per week is needed. All majors are eligible to apply and we have a strong interest in students from the following majors: Political Science, Communication, Community Health, Education, New Media, Urban Planning, Marketing, Economics, Public Policy & Law, African American Studies, Latina/Latino Studies, Journalism, and Gender & Women’s Studies.
How To Apply For An Internship
Email a resume and essay to jasmine@staterepcarolammons.com. In no more than 250 words combined, answer the following:
Tell us about an impactful political, volunteer, or employment experience.
Why do you want to intern for Representative Ammons specifically?
Deadline is rolling but preference goes to applications received first. Your major will not disqualify you in any way from the application process.
SUMMER 2017 INTERNSHIP POSITION: Legislative Aide
Responsibilities include:
responding to constituent correspondence
researching solutions to constituent issues
collaborating with the Constituent Services Director to plan educational workshops for constituents
develop content for Facebook, Twitter, and website
write and format newsletters
develop, plan, and execute issue-based social media campaigns
Requirements of the position:
experience working with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and basic website platforms
strong writing and editing skills
experienced in researching issues quickly but accurately
ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
strong interest or background in research
ability to work well independently and ask questions when necessary
ability to facilitate open discussion and encourage a variety of viewpoints
strong writing and communication skills
- ability to serve the public in a friendly manner strong writing and editing skills
FALL 2017 INTERNSHIP POSITIONS:
Community Advisory Panel Legislative Aide
Rep. Ammons’ advisory panels meet weekly to discuss proposed legislation and advise Rep. Ammons on the community and statewide effects of these bills. The aide is responsible for organizing and facilitating meetings and providing research on pending legislation. The types of panels are Business, Trade, and Labor, Education, Environment and Energy, Government and Taxes, Health and Human Services, Judicial and Criminal Reform, and Transportation and Utilities.
Responsibilities include:
researching bills for the panel discussion
facilitating panel meetings
taking thorough notes of at the meeting
engaging in frequent correspondence with panel members regarding upcoming meetings
writing a weekly memo for Rep Ammons detailing panel discussion and opinions of bills
one night of weeknight availability (at least an hour and a half) is a requirement, as that is when the panel meetings take place
attending related community meetings
Requirements of the position:
10-12 hours per week
30 minutes bi-weekly for individual supervision meeting
1 hour for weekly community advisory panel meeting
1 hour for weekly meeting with all other interns
1 hour for weekly meeting with other legislative aides
2 hours attending community meetings (equivalent to attending and documenting 1 meeting)
5 hours researching bills, writing memos and agendas (50% completed in the office)
ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
strong interest or background in research
ability to work well independently and ask questions when necessary
ability to facilitate open discussion and encourage a variety of viewpoints
strong writing and communication skills
Communications Coordinator
This positions is responsible for developing and directing all aspects of the social media campaign for the office of State Representative Carol Ammons and managing the Communications Team.
The Communication Coordinator will be supervising the Communications and Media Aides, whose internship responsibilities include: develop content for Facebook, Twitter, and website, write and format newsletters, develop, plan, and execute issue-based social media campaigns, and research other politician’s social media, websites, and newsletters for effective communication strategies.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and build the branding of the Office of State Representative
Train, supervise, and direct 3+ Communications Interns
Develop a social media style guide for the office
Facilitate weekly meetings of Communications Team
Requirements of the position:
Management ability
10-12 hours per week
experience working with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and basic website platforms
strong writing and editing skills
Knowledge and understanding of using social media as a marketing tool
- Ability to train and educate others
Communications and Media Aide
This position will focus on growing Representative Ammons’ online presence and engagement through social media platforms, website content, email newsletters and updates.
Responsibilities include:
develop content for Facebook, Twitter, and website
write and format newsletters
develop, plan, and execute issue-based social media campaigns
research other politician’s social media, websites, and newsletters for effective communication strategies
attending related community meetings
Requirements of the position:
10-12 hours per week
30 minutes bi-weekly for individual supervision meeting
1 hour for weekly meeting with social media team
1 hour for weekly meeting with all other interns
2 hours attending community meetings (equivalent to attending and documenting 1 meeting)
6 hours on various social media tasks (75% complete in the office)
experience working with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and basic website platforms
strong writing and editing skills
experienced in researching issues quickly but accurately
knowledgeable in correct citation of secondary sources
Constituent Services Aide
This position works closely with the full-time Constituent Services Director. The Constituent Services Aide interacts with constituents to answer questions, assist with issues, and provide general assistance to community members.
Responsibilities include:
responding to constituent correspondence
researching solutions to constituent issues
collaborating with the Constituent Services Director to plan educational workshops for constituents
attending related community meetings
Requirements of the position:
10 hours per week
30 minutes bi-weekly for individual supervision meeting
1 hour for team meeting
2 hours attending community meetings (equivalent to attending and documenting 1 meeting)
6 hours of constituent services tasks (100% completed in the office)
- ability to serve the public in a friendly manner strong writing and editing skills
CourtWatch Archiving Intern
CourtWatch is a volunteer-staffed program that aims to support defendants and their families by attending court hearings and attorney conferences. The goal of CourtWatch is to monitor the court’s due process and educate ourselves, defendants, and the community about the legal process in Champaign County. The Archiving Aide for CourtWatch will assist in collecting, organizing, and editing notes from court watching and compile and refine into complete case reports for CourtWatch to disseminate as seen fit.
Responsibilities include:
Collect notes of all forms from CourtWatch members
Transfer handwritten notes into typed, case-specific reports that document the case in a logical structure
Check local newspaper for articles related to defendants and file them with the corresponding case
Tag completed case reports with identifiers determined by CourtWatch Steering Committee
Requirements of the position:
12-15 hours per week
strong writing and communication skills
highly organized and detail oriented
strong interest or background in research
ability to work well independently and ask questions when necessary
ability to travel within the Champaign-Urbana community (car not necessary)
